Just don't try using either on a Moro Pirate, I have heard this before,
While the Moros were indeed the reason for the development of a handgun with more stopping power than the .38 caliber revolver, the Colt .45 caliber Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol in actuality was not used in the Americans� campaigns in Mindanao during the turn of the 20th century. The .45 caliber handguns that were actually used against the fanatical Moro warriors were the Colt .45 Model 1902 and DA Model 1909 revolvers.
In mid-1903, the jurisdiction of Philippine Constabulary was extended to the lands of the Moros through a newly-formed subsidiary organization called Moro Constabulary. In early 1904 the Moro Constabulary fought side-by-side with the US Army while serving as scouts against the Moros. In his annual report of June 1904, General Leonard Wood stated what he thought was obvious to anyone paying attention, �It is thought that the .45 caliber revolver [meaning Constabulary Model 1902] is the one that should be issued to troops throughout the Army� Instances have repeatedly been reported during the past year where natives have been shot through and through several times with a .38 caliber revolver, and have come on, cutting up the unfortunate individual armed with it�The .45 caliber revolver stops a man on his tracks, usually knocking him down� � Besides the .45 caliber revolver, Wood also requested that soldiers assigned for outpost duty and as an advance guard be furnished with 12 gauge Winchester repeating shotguns.
Fulton wrote that in 1908, the Bureau of Ordnance finally approved the Colt .45 DA Model 1909 as the new service revolver of American troops. On the invention of the magazine-fed, semi automatic Colt .45 Model 1911, he pointed out, �In March of 1911 the Colt .45 caliber Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol was selected as the official sidearm of the armed forces of the United States, replacing the M1909 revolver. But it would not be put into production for another year. However the new M1911 did not reach US Army units just after they had fought their last battle against the Moros in mid-1913.�
The 1911 came a bit later on.,
Taken from here,:
http://www.2coolfishing.com/ttmbforum/showthread.php?t=434202&page=4.
It all goes back to bigger is better. But more than that it's an interesting part of history to read about. There is much to find on this little known battle in American history, perhaps some may find it worthwhile. Don't mean to hijack your post, but I figured after 4 pages it was starting to go circular so an addition to the power factor might be interesting.
These Moro warriors were walking right through the 38 caliber round due to drugs they took. So I believe it was Black Jack Pershing, ordered the 45 to be brought into service.
Even then they had problems with drugged up bad guys. And you said a light hearted reply.
