It all comes back to risk - having something go through all the hoops to TRL 9 means it is as safe as can be for a user and so satisfy OH & S issues - i.e. some one gets hurt using TRL 9 approved stuff the weapon is not to blame and the manufacturer not responsible.
If it has been brought on board prior to TRL 9 then some lawyer will sue even if the user does something like point the weapon at themselves and fire it off.
Related to this is the intended use i.e. is it primarily a non lethal tool or a lethal tool and do different rules apply. Going with Colt for the latest contracts is a very smart move as they are the entrenched incumbent and would be likely to get the 'benefit of the doubt" in these cases.
It raises the interesting issue of what really happens when you are in the two way shooting gallery - i.e. do you not use the thing as it is not 'approved' or do you grab what is there and use it. In my day ( a long time ago) the latter course of action was followed - what would Gen Y do?
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