Well, I’m an old school 1911 guy. Carried one for three years in the army (one yr in nam) as an MP. I have two versions, both left handed Randall’s. So that they will feed the more exotic ammo have had their ramps polished, and their ejection ports opened some. Although they have collector value I’ve made them both shooters. I also have the Beretta M9/92F 9mm. This is my truck gun. Although it doesn’t have first round knock down capability of the 1911, my wife likes this gun. So, it just stays in my truck to be there for whoever is driving it. Although special op’s carry highly modified 1911’s I don’t think it will ever return as a std carry weapon. Two reasons; it’s a single/single action and thereby requires a considerable amount of training so to manipulate it reflexively. Also, it only hold 7+1 rounds. I also like the M9 as it’s extremely reliable and holds 15 rounds. 9mm round is a little light in the britches just need to learn to double tap. Anyway, if the military intends to stay with the 9mm round I see no reason to change. Whew! Wrote way more than I intended, sorry :)
I carry a Para-ordanance P-12 compact 1911 variant in .45cal.....
Have for almost 20 years....
Extra rounds, lightweight amd extremely reliable plus accurate.....
Too short a barrel for Military carry but there are pleanty of good high capacity 1911 variants.....
The larger issue is why are they focused on 9mm and not other rounds?
One of my favorite handguns. The weight and shape just feel right, it's reliable, and I get higher scores on the range with them for some reason.
From what I understand, the Army is looking at going to hollow point ammo which should help with 9mm stopping power.
I know they wouldn’t do it but I would like to see them go either Glock 20 or 21. 45 standardized to a “NATO” +p power level with 230 grain hollow points and 12 rounds in the mag or full bore 10mm 180 grain hollow points with 15 in the mag. Both would be marginally better than 9mm in a combat environment.
But,,,, with new hollow point ammo, I think the 9mm will make a fine combat sidearm and I fully expect that is what we will end up with.
I too have a couple of government model 45s, they are works of art and I would use either to protect myself but technology has moved on. There are better options now.