I used a Colt 1911A1 .45 while in the USSF in Vietnam. The only time I ever drew it in anger was when, in the middle of a firefight, my Colt XM-16E1 jammed with a spent cartridge frozen in its chamber. Fortunately, the VC withdrew and I didn't have to use my .45, but I knew it would always be there for me when I needed it. The loose tolerances were designed into the 1911A1 so you could roll around in the mud with it and it would still function when you needed it. It might not have been very accurate at long range, but it would reliably be there for you when you needed it.
You, sir know far, FAR more about weaponry than do I being an AF guy. We were not exactly known as being the gun slingers of the military.