>I have been led to believe that the 45 was originally adopted because the Japanese took substances that caused them to be extraordinarily agressive in combat and that the 45 was a 'man stopper' by virtue of the mass of the bullet. Close quarters combat and it would stop your attacker in their tracks but a lousy longer distance piece.

Doug,

Actually the .45 ACP was developed in response to experience during the Philllipine insurrection -- Tukalog (sp?) rebel warriors would be hit several times by the then issue handgun, but keep coming. Naturally, the Army being what it is, the pistols were not actually issued until the insurrection was long over -- just in time to chase Poncho Villa around in Mexico.

I have been very impressed several times by the marksmanship of military shooters using the .45. I don't know how they do it, but I guarantee they are not using the standard-issue .45.

Jim E.