I own a CW9 and CW45 and love them both, the 9mm is just slightly easier to conceal. The 45 is a little stiff on recoil but not unpleasent for me. Although I agree, recoil is very much subjective.
If you can not solve the issue with a grip sleeve, then I think that it is the 45acp caliber that might not be right for you, not the pistol itself. I also agree that in that format, the 40s&w would be as snappy, if not more! Good luck!!
