Just as a counterpoint-

I disagree that there is an extreme difference in felt recoil between a 9mm and .45. Granted, the question is regarding Glock models, but I feel an insignificant recoil difference between a full-sized 1911 and a Glock 19. There are many other variables at play here including barrel length and the overall size of the handgun in question. For example, I feel more confident with placement from my 1911 than I do my .38 snubby. My wife, who has very small hands, can shoot tight groups with a Glock 22 but limp-wrists a 19 to the point where she simply cannot operate the handgun reliably.

But for an average sized adult male, I'm not sure felt recoil should be the determining factor in a choice between the significantly different performance characteristics of 9mm vs .45

The best advice given is to shoot a variety of models and calibers and find one you are most confident with. Getting advice is always good, and I am not suggesting you disregard any of the good advice you got here. Merely suggesting that advice is your starting point, rather than your decisioning point.

-B

what you need to do is find a good gun shop that rents guns to try out
and go a head try the glock out why not try all models of glock if not their are different ones you mite want to try like the HK 9mm compact or a fnp-9m
my wife owns two glock 19 and she love it
i personally use a fnp-9
but at the end is up to you

I'd have to agree with the selection of 9x19mm for the Glock. You will shoot more and that translates into a more proficient shooter. Get some quality instruction as well, don't just go banging away, it will be worth the cost and the connections you make in class will help as well. I bought a Beretta 92FS for that very reason, I can shoot it more when I'm paying for the rounds downrange. I carry a 96 CCW and as a reserve deputy. I am curious though, I have a Glock 22 that admittedly I don't shoot much, department refurb gun. It has around 3k round through it so far and I have no clue how many rounds through the slide/barrel assembly which sits on the new frame/action. I have never had any problem with the .40 S&W and the issue for uniform deputies is the Glock 22 and those have had thousands of rounds through them without failure. Have I missed something with .40 S&W Glocks?

WWW.HANDLOADS.COM
ASSUMING A 230GR @ 800FPS (.45) VS AS 124 @ 1100FPS (9mm)
GLOCK 19 AND A GLOCK 30 THE DIFFERENCE IS
FREE RECOIL ENERGY IN FOOT POUNDS OF 9.14 (45) VS 4.91 (9MM)

The 9mm kicks 54% less than the .45. Felt recoil will differ from person to person, but I would certainly say that is an “extreme” difference.

Originally Posted by Old Padawan

The 9mm kicks 54% less than the .45.

Actually, it appears that the 9mm kicks 54% AS MUCH as the .45 in pistols of the same weight.

BarbedWireSmile put a Glock 19 against a steel 1911. Recoil is more similar here, but of course it's hardly fair to compare a 39 ounce .45 to a 22 ounce 9mm.