Jim I've not shot a HW40 recently enough to compare. If I was forced to take a guess I'd say the Alecto was a little heavier than the 40.

Yes the flip was noticeable on two pumps but I noticed a little even on one. It's not a criticism though. Maybe it's the way I hold them but every air pistol I have ever shot moves on firing. The deadest I have shot is the LP10 but even that, with it's rear moving compensator weight and ported barrel, still moves a bit.