That is the problem with the "safety list".
The pistol maker must send in one of each of its pistols, and they are NOT returned. Some of the rules to determine a variant are flat out stupid. They are strict to the point where color can actually classify it as a different weapon. So let's say Glock had 10 different models, each model came in 5 different calibers, and each caliber had 3 different colors/finishes. You are looking at 150 pistols that they must give up for free, only so California can say "ok, you can sell here." Now add in if they have single action triggers, double action, left handed safety, etc etc and you can easy look at 1,000 pistols. That's why the list is so short. No company wants to start $250,000 in debt in a market and try to work out of it.
If you ask me that sounds illegal. Like saying if you want to have a donut shop, you have to let cops eat for free. You know they don't destroy those guns, they probably make a receipt up for the gun, give it to a cop, and pocket the tax money they get to pay for it.