From about 1917 until about 1980, or whenever it was that the Baretta took the place of the 1911 in the US Military, MILLIONS of "novice shooters" trained, learned and qualified with the 1911 in .45 ACP. It's not as if Jim is some 90 pound weakling. The recoil operated automatic soaks up the energy and makes the round quite managable. I'm sure that Jim could quickly gain proficiency with one.

I gathered up my .45's a long time ago, so I'm not at all familiar with today's values. I am sure that Hatteras and others will be along soon to get you up to speed on that part of the question.

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