I actually shot a guy in the leg with a .45 when I was in the Navy. We were in the Philippines, and we were moored as the outboard ship in a nest of three destroyers. The guy swap up to the ship, and used the port-side Captain's gig ladder ("stairs" for you civilians) to get on the weather deck.
He was trying to steal the fire hoses so he could sell the brass fittings. I was standing forecastle watch in a pouring rain when I saw this guy come up over the side. I followed the rules of engagement by shouting "HALT" three times, firing a single warning shot, and when that didn't stop him from trying to take the hose, I shot him in the leg at a range of approximately 40 feet (we were told not to kill anyone if at all possible). He went down like a sack of rocks.
I later found out that the bullet had shattered his femur and almost took his whole leg off. The effective (accurate) range of a .45 is at best about 50 yards, but woe be unto those at the business end of the weapon.