I myself am a great fan of the venerable Colt Model 1911. Of the cartridge pistols I am torn betwixt
the M1911 and the Colt M1873 aka "Single Action Army" aka "Model P" aka "Peacemaker" - the proverbial "cowboy pistol".
The M1911 is actually an advancement of the original 1897 Browning design, the Colt M1900, designed in 1897 and first
manufactured right at the turn of the century . The Colt Model 1900 was a short-recoil operated "self-loading",
or semi-automatic . 38 caliber handgun.
For grace, style, and artistry I will take the M1873 :-)
Colt M1873

Colt M1900

For practicality I like the M1911
Colt M1911

regarding recoil, I admit it is stout, but manageable. The 1873 and 1911 recoil "about the same" using similar govt loads.
I find it quite comfortable for an entire day at the range.
at the very edge of comfort and practicality is the venerable .44 magnum (useful for specific purposes)
beyond that are what we call the BMF pistols, which I find to be ... well ... crazy. maybe ok for T-Rex but ....
makes me run back to my Remington 1858 and Colt 1860 and Colt 1851 really quick:
Remington 1858 New Model Army aka M1863

Colt 1860 Army

Colt 1851 Navy

I really like the way the 1851 points, it is much like an extension of the hand. And an engraved version is a work of art:


yhs
prof marvel