I miscounted - it was more like 37 years ago. I was in during the early part of the war. At that time, for a sidearm we had a choice: a left-over worn-out (from WW II) 1911a, a brand new S&W Model 10 38spc, or have your mama send you a bad ass dirty-harry 357 magnum revolver in a package marked cookies. I still have a model 10 - it's hard not to hit what you point it at.
As I said in my original post, I've just now started shooting regular again. Having a semiauto that has some accuracy will be fun - and, will require a good bit of practice. Looking forward to it.
George