I haven't fired a .45 in 35 years when I was in the service, and then it was a big heavy model 1911 belonging to a Marine, so was a bit apprehensive about the XDm recoil. It was very manageable, and sight picture was regained easily. Easier than shooting my smaller XDs in .9 mm. And far softer shooting than a friends .357 revolver. I didn't want to stop shooting, so after running out of the 230 grain ball ammunition, I just had to shoot a magazine full of the expensive defense rounds until logic got the better of me. Out of the three, this is no doubt the most fun, and probably has the least "felt" kick. The little LCP without the Hogue grips is no fun at all. With the grips, not bad.