With the right bullets, the 9mm is a fine round. The problem is the military will not use them. I think I have read that they have the right to use them but for some reason will not.
If you must stick to fmj bullets then a .45 is preferable. The old 1911 is fine but I think we can do better now. Maybe the new Sig double column mag. model would do.
Picked up a Kimber .45 ACP Compact last Saturday......sweet sweet sweet is all I can say.
How about a Sig Sauer P226 in .357 SIG?
While I imagine that the military does have the right to use expanding ammunition against terrorists and the like since none of that lot have signed any treaties nor even considered abiding by them, it’s probably a logistical concern as much as anything. Sorting out which bullets could be used on which targets would be rather annoying, and it’s easier to just generally stick to the treaty provisions even if you are fighting non signatories.
Women and men with small hands can’t get their mits around a double stack 45.
.40 SW might work but you would have logistical issues with a non standard round making the decision whether the change is worthwhile more difficult.
If they won’t use expanding rounds, they may need to completely rethink sidearms.