I’m looking for a 9mm handgun primarily for home defense, with a budget of around $1,000.

My biggest priority is minimal felt recoil and muzzle rise. I want something that feels extremely smooth, stable, and easy to control. I also strongly prefer a rear grip safety, where you have to depress the safety with your palm.

I’ve tried a few pistols so far:

Canik METE SFT: Absolutely loved it. Very smooth, minimal kick, and felt extremely easy to control. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the rear grip safety I want.

S&W Equalizer: Really liked it. Slightly more recoil than the Canik, but still comfortable.

Beretta M9: Surprisingly didn’t like it. Despite being heavier, it felt jumpier and harder to control.

I’ve been researching the Springfield Ronin and Garrison 1911s in 9mm, but I’m open to absolutely any brand.

My questions:
What are the softest-shooting 9mm handguns you’ve personally tried that have a rear grip safety?

Would a full-size steel 1911 like the Ronin or Garrison feel noticeably smoother than the Equalizer?

Are there any underrated options around $1,000 or less that I should rent?

Is there a meaningful recoil difference between the Ronin and Garrison?

I’m not particularly concerned about concealed carry or size since this is primarily for home defense.

I plan to rent and test before buying. I’m especially interested in hearing from people who have actually shot multiple models side by side.

Thanks!

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We are only discussing the cartridge not the gun. The gun which can be configured for either cartridge is a Soviet Makarov, so lets use it as the default weapon.

Which do you choose and more importantly WHY?

And while we are at it what specific cartridge (make, weight...)? Why?

2-8 inch circle target
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Tisas tank commander 9 nickel plated
So I’m in love 😘

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