Why not give people the option of buying and using what works for them from an approved list?
In theory and maybe with a large dept that gives a uniform allowance I think it would work.
But the problem around here was no one wants to spend their own money on something for work. 6 months before I left were were authorized to purchase Sig P226s. Only 3 out of 28 officers did.
It also becomes a budgetary issue. Let's say we approve 7 different firearms. That means the instructor has to potentially be sent to 7 different schools to learn manual of arms, not to mention armorers schools
