RE 45 v 9mm
Agreed, All combat handguns are underpowered and a problem in search of a rifle.
It is a fact that any bullet can and will kill, modern 9mm 40 and 45 service pistols and loads are about as handy as one can get w/o entering the “not as effective due to recoil zone” Yeah, the 357 Mag is good but a wheeler.
My take on the whole equation is use what you can hit with and is a powerful as you can handle.
Finally, I carry a thing that starts with a “4” because I can. I like 40 SW, starts with a 4, carries more aboard than a similar sized 45 and has a bit more KE/penetration than a 9. I like 45 because they don’t make a useful 46.
A 9mm may expand, but a 40/45 will not shrink. Holes matter.
Good commentary DR.
Endnote: the deputy did good. Made some tactical decisions +/-, was resourceful and won. Bless her heart.