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Stephany, as long as you use quality new ammunition, you should experience no issues. 45ACP will have some kick but it will not be overly so and with practice you will become accustomed to it quickly. For target and self defense ammunition I highly recommend : budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/714013583/spr+lawman+45acp+230gr+tmj+50%2f1000 ----------- and : budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/61043/hornady+critical+defense+45+automatic+colt+pistol+%28acp%29+crit

The FN pistols are very reliable. This one was more likely than not tested with Mil-Spec FMJ ammo so I'd run that through it. CCI Blazer Brass runs well in most 45's and doesn't have much recoil. Winchester White Box has a reputation for being quite hot and kicks.
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Stephany, This is a super high quality firearm. Any performance issues will be operator or ammo related. It is a 45 ACP round coming out of this full size pistol. At about 30 oz and 7.4" long the recoil impulse is very manageable. FNH makes one of the most reliable problem free handguns on the market.

It is super reliable as long as it gets proper maintenance and you use good quality ammo most problems with a semi auto can bet traced to 1 dirty 2 bad magazine and 3 low quality ammo. the recoil on this 45 acp will be moderate its more of a push than a sharp recoil