The British forces relatively recently adopted the Sig P226 for use in Afghanistan, and started issuing them to what seemed like every man and his dog. Previous British thought towards pistols is that they were only for people who had no need for a proper weapon, or for sneaky beaky types, so they used to be a relatively rare sight. My squadron, for example, used to hold a grand total of eight Browning 9mm's for 164 men. On deployment, we ended up with 172 Sigs, and the option to carry one if we wanted it.
For the first couple of weeks, everyone carried their assigned pistol because it made them feel cool. Once that had worn off, we all realised that we were carrying an extra weapon system that had too short a range, not enough stopping power or accuracy, that we hadn't fired as much as the rifle or LMG that served as our personal weapon, and that could be replaced, for the same weight, by more ammo for our personal weapon. As a result, they all went back in the armoury save for the pistols belonging to the drivers (who needed a weapon that was easier to get at when mounted than their rifle).
In FIBUA the L85A2 is, to my mind, more effective than a pistol - it is highly reliable, more accurate, has a greater magazine capacity, is fitted with a laser and torch module, can fire automatic if the situation requires it, and can be fitted with a bayonet, which is an excellent weapon to have if you come round a corner to find yourself face-to-face with someone trying to kill you and your rifle goes click - a quick thrust and twist might save your life rather than dicking around trying to draw a pistol.
As an aside, ACOGs/SUSATs/whatever other sighting system you feel like are, to my mind, pretty obligatory on the infantry rifle of the 21st century. Aside from the increase in accuracy, it gives your section tons more situational awareness even outside of shooting situations.
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