Retired US Army officer(SF; SE Asia combat veteran) John Plaster wrote in his SOG(Special Ops Group or "Studies & Observations Group") books that he did not like or want pistols in combat. Plaster stated he'd rather pack another 40rd 5.56mm magazine on his web belt.
As a veteran, I can tell you that sidearms are useful for some limited applications but are not always a replacement or better than a SBS(short barrel shotgun) or SMG(sub machine gun) for close range missions.
Author Steven Hunter(I, Sniper; Point of Impact) is another great novel writer. Hunter(an NRA member & respected journalist) goes into DEEP detail in his novels.
CF
ps; I'd add that many spec ops veterans & operators prefer the larger 7.62mm or 7.62x51mm rifle over the smaller 5.56mmNATO.
Some SEALs refer to the 5.56mm M4 as a "poodle-shooter". Lol.
