Guys, Sowell was simply trying to make the point that as a weapon a handgun does not contain magic bullets and there are few one-shot stops despite what Hollywood depicts.
He is pointing out that for the average individual (who does not train as much, if ever, as the readers of this site) that a shotgun has a much greater effect, is easier to shoot, and the mere chunk-chunk of pumpshot gun has a deterrent effect.
Pistols are hard to shoot accurately. I grew up shooting rifles and it took me months to become halfway proficient with a pistol, and I have to work at it continously; whereas, I can pick up a rifle and be good to go in a 30 minute practice session.
Pistols are sorry defense weapons, and poor offensive weapons. There are better than, however, throwing rocks, hand to hand, or a knife fight; particularly if you have a gun and the other guy has a knife!
I believe that it was Jeff Cooper that stated that you carry a pistol for the purpose of fighting your way to your rifle.
Let's not be so sensitive. He wrote an article whose purpose was to try to educate an uninformed public as to why so many shots are fired in police shootings and to create realistic expectations in a public that only receives its information thorugh an uninformed media.
Sowell, by the way, had a weekly column in Forbes magazine for many years until he took a sabbitcal, and it was there I discovered him. I have always enjoyed his sound and reasoned articles.