The weight of the 5 inch barrel is wonderful, the grip is a good size and the fingertip and the palm safeties make it one of the safest gun I own. Also with the finger tip safety it kind of trains you to use the tip of the finger, for more accurate shooting. The composite body feel rugged and sturdy. the firing of the gun leaves you thinking am I really shooting a .45 it is that smooth. It is one of the easiest guns to clean also. Oooh and the best part of the gun is the bullet goes where its suppose to! Yes this is my first Springfield and forty-five. I am in Love. I heard a guy one day that there are two types of guns .45''s and non .45''s..... that might just sum it up!