This was the scuttlebutt I heard as well.
Actual language may have varied, but... Something to the effect of:
Gun Guys: Sir, This 43 did not pass testing and will not be approved.
HQ: But we really like it.
GG: Yes sir, But it did not pass the 10,000 round testing.
HQ: ...But, its a BACK UP gun, not a primary. We don't shoot those as much, right?
GG: uh... well, true, but policy states...
HQ: A back up gun only needs to be tested to 5,000 rounds.
GG: ...... uh... sir... the policy you folks wrote says 10,000....
HQ: Nope, 5,000 rounds IS sufficient for a back up gun. So since it was passing at the 5k mark.... IT PASSED!
I am sure it was only rumor, and nothing unethical occurred. Our leaders are far above such behavior.
#PencilWhipThatShit
I wanted to buy a 43... but I asked around and was warned off. As for the P356, the may have been words to the effect of "there is no way a gun that small should run that well. But it did, and it ran better than many full size guns we tested."