Briman you can use "paper technology and theories" on alot of military/law enforcement equipment but when it comes down to outright personal/in the field examples, the 45 puts the 9 too shame with actual experience. The military adopted the "lay down superior #s of fire upon your enemy" many years ago because most recruits simply aren't that good of a shot. My brother-in-law and neighbor both just recently returned from a year in Iraq and they will BOTH tell you that they would've MUCH RATHER have had a 1911 than their standard issue 9 Beretta.

I have a couple of 38s, 9s a 357 and a new 45 (Para LDA SSP Black Watch) and while I could "spray the hillside" with one of my 9s I would MUCH rather have either the 357 or the 45 on my hip if I were shooting Hadji's or enemies.

No question on the 12, but in close quarters (like hand too hand or in the same room of a home/building, I would rather have a handgun).
RA