Not terrible but the recoil from full power loads is very controlled. If you have read the story of the bear attack stopped by a Rowland (it was built on a 1911 but also had Rowlands comp) the shooter said his ability to stay on target is what saved his life. With 230grs at 1450fps I can rapid fire the whole mag into a 6" circle at 25 yards. I do wear hearing protection when handgun hunting. reflex264