For me, the .45 is a nice blend of 'knock em down the first time' and controllability. The "H ell of a kick" myth for the 1911 is just that. It is not nearly as brutal as a light weight 9mm or a snub .357. There are about a gazillion 1911's out there and for the most part, all parts are interchangeable.
There is enough .45ACP floating around to sink a battleship. You don't need a tool to field strip a 1911 and if you are resourceful, you can do a total tear down without tools. All the old negative myths about the 1911 are moot since the early 90's. I am not very familiar with the workings of a Glock but am told it is a reliable, versatile sidearm as well. There are a bunch of others. All good. All chambered in .45ACP.
There are very small guns like the AMT Backup chambered in .45ACP. Also several very small 1911s and glocks and many others too.
I don't disagree with the 10mm either. The Nudge hunts javelina with one. Over penetration may be a problem though.
What this obsession with 'small' sidearms is about, I am not sure. Hypothetically, I could have carried a full sized 1911 in an IWB holster or just in my waistband, with a T-shirt, Hawaiian shirt, Golf shirt, etc. wearing shorts, pants and sweats. Never printed. Never revealed. I could have been fishing, hunting, doing yard-work, riding a motorcycle, etc. Active and safe.
It could be that no one in the last twenty or so years has seen, met or talked with me un-armed, including LEOs. This is all hypothetical of course and bears no relation to me or real life. All pure fantasy. I have a don't ask, don't tell policy in place.
Point is, that I have proven to myself, using the above hypothetical circumstances, that a 'full sized 1911 can be successfully carried in various ways with no ill consequences. So, I ask myself, (it's OK to talk to yourself, it's even OK to answer yourself, Just don't ever respond to yourself with . . .HUH?) Why in the H-E- double hockey sticks would I put myself in danger, not just myself but my family too, by being under gunned when so many much more appropriate choices are available.
That is why I do not carry a 9mm or lesser round. I do understand the argument for a small gun for small hands but there are now even 1911s made specifically for smaller hands and Kahr 9 or .45 as well as a slew or others. So why put yourself at such a disadvantage.
Also, just to be clear, if it is the only choice possible because of circumstances, economics (doubtful as there are several .45s in the same or near price range) or ergonomics, sure use it, but for God's sake, save up for a real gun. For yourself, your family and your peace of mind.