Recoil impulse on the Sp-01 Phantom

[Metal Wonder Nine Guy]

The Sp-01 phantom has a weight of 29 ounces and the metal framed SP-01 is 40 ounces. As I don't own either of these pistols, is there a big difference in the recoil impulse? After all, the Phantom is lighter and in theory, there should be a little bit more recoil with the Phantom, right?

I have shot the SP-01 tactical with a buddy a year ago, and I remember there being fairly low recoil.

[Indy_Tim]

I own both and while there is a difference, it’s not as pronounced as you would think it should be.  The polymer frame dampens a lot of the recoil on the Phantom.  The Phantom is one of my favorite shooters.

[dbarn]

I've often wondered the same thing. I have the SP-01 tactical. The only polymer pistol I've compared mine to is a Glock. For me no question the recoil impulse is better regarding dynamic shooting with the SP-01.

Now, this may not be a fair comparison as there is quite a bit of difference in the ergonomics between the SP-01 and Glock. But, with Phantom the ergonomics are similar. So, the lighter weight is intriguing if you can have the same recoil impulse.

In other words there always appears to be a trade off. Does the polymer frame make up for the weight of the steel frame? Inquiring minds want to know. 

[gunzip]

My wife has a Phantom and a SP01 and she thinks the Phantom has a slight bit more recoil.  However, I have not noticed any difference between the two.  I suspect the amount of recoil is directly related to a persons size and muscle mass.

All of our 9mm ammunition is hand loaded to about 100fps over IDPA minimum power factor.