I suppose it is obvious that my membership in the gun culture dates back at least 35 years... I had a 16 gauge shotgun {yes, 16 gauge} and a 22-magnum revolver {almost a Buntline Special}... used to watch that old moonshiner slip by and down the hollow below me to -- ? I had no phone, no electricity and no neighbors, so some guns were rather necessary. Now, as an old fogey, a .45 cal 1911 would likely break my wrist on recoil. :^) Gun things have changed incredibly. My son keeps up with all that very well.
I dunno. Oddly, my cousin has a little compact .38 police special and that thing kicks like a mule. Never operated a .45 Colt. Wouldn’t mind trying.
While we wait, a personal story related to Bob’s post.
I had* a 1942 Belgian (Browning) 16ga, S/A. I received it from my SIL who got it from his GF. I suspect they (mine and a sister gun) were liberated from a German armory during or after WWII. It is in like-new condition with very few bore marks. MY SIL still has the sister.
had* = lost in a tragic boating accident on Lake Michigan.