The 1911A1's we had when I was in the Corps were tired and worn out old warhorses that were several generations old. Unreliable, inaccurate except at extreme close range, and regulations for carrying it that were so stupid and complicated as to be laughable (empty pistol in holster with hammer safety wired down and two mags in a pouch with five rounds in each...USMC 1984-87).
When the Beretta came in, few of us were impressed...especially since it had certain significant problems that made it a danger to the shooter.
IMHO, the Beretta pistol is designed to be carried much and used little and is far bigger than it needs to be for the cartridge it fires.
The REAL issue involving the military and handguns is the lack of training in it. Pistols in the military have always been issued only to certain personnel. IMHO the rank and file from private to colonel should be carrying rifles such as the M4 and if issued a handgun, should only be for what it is...last ditch self defense until you can GET to a rifle.
