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For a military rifle that is engaging the enemy at, hopefully, it's outer ranges, only hits count. That's why I don't mind having a .223 battle rifle although .243 would be ideal.
When it comes to close combat when a pistol is used, the enemy has to die immediately, now, that mili-second. As long as the military is forced to use jacketed Hardball, the .45 is the only way to go. That fact has been understood by the real experts for over 90 years and it seems like every generation has to learn it over and over.
Other than NATO, what may have retired the .45 was the silly urban legends about it's "massive recoil" and the old "hit him in the arm and take his arm off" stories.

Other than NATO, what may have retired the .45 was the silly urban legends about it's "massive recoil" and the old "hit him in the arm and take his arm off" stories.

You rae most likely correct. The .45 acp was used in two World Wars Korea and Vietnam. It got its reputation as a reliable stopper on the battlefield. It got its reputation for overkill among those who only fired it in a range. The 1911a1 is an accuate reliable sidearm and the .45acp is probaly the best defensive pistol round ever designed.

Stay well - stay safe - Stay armed - Yorktown