Remember the FBI shootout? They adopted the (real) 10mm because it met their criteria (as did the .45ACP apparently). They abandoned it because females and some males found it too hard to control.
I think what Vern is saying is that the gun that will not do the job is what they end up buying. Like the Emperor's new clothes, we pretend the less-effective round/gun is effective, that way everybody has a pistol with which they can qualify- then everyone is equal and its all fair. IOW, instead of bringing the PEOPLE up to the most effective gun/caliber, we bring the gun/caliber down to capture all the people, actual ability notwithstanding.
The alternatives are; issue pistols based on the individual's ability or weed out the individuals that cannot handle the most-effective caliber/gun. The latter is unfair and not PC, the former is both a logistical problem and might lead to smaller stature men (and possibly women) to holster a gun they cannot shoot, just to save face.
I think Vern merely generalized by separating them men & women.
That is an excellent summation of the issue!
Frankly, I always thought they should not stick to ONE caliber,
offerings of at least two or three should be available...in the same platform.
As in, three calibers of HK or Glock or whatever for the main,
and at least two caliber options for the backup...for LEO's
Although folks love Street Monsters...the reality is that dinky little folks have a place too,
remember the "Tunnel Rats" of Vietnam?? And after a roof collapse at a fire scene,
I was lifted and carried out of the mess by a firefighter gal who was 98 pounds soaking wet...
although, I gotta admit, every inch of her was muscle...
So in the case of strength, it is up to the individual to be strong enough to "Do The Job"!
That's why I decry LOWERING standards...because anyone who can meet the
tough physical standards can perform in the capacity needed!!
And even more frankly, anyone who cannot meet the physical standards Should Not Do The Job!!
Its more important than ever before in the Military, Fire & Police that the people be able to handle it!!