But this same cartridge in a small pocket revolver weighing only a few ounces kicks very viciously.
Besides it has a very small stock made the same shape as a full-sized stock.
The result is that, whereas in a full-sized stock the top of the comb is designed to project over the thumb and forefinger, in the little vest-pocket pistol this comb comes against the tender part of the palm and the recoil drives it into the hand.
I have had my hand cut and bleeding after a few rounds with a pistol intended for ladies’ use!
The surest way to make a beginner flinch is to let him begin with a little pocket revolver.
I mention revolver because an automatic pocket pistol generally does not have a stock with projections which can drive into the hand by the recoil.
The makers know that if the slide of an automatic pistol did drive back into the hand it would do very serious damage. They therefore make the stock so that it cannot be held with the comb against the palm of the hand.
Men accustomed to shoot a pistol having a heavy recoil get so used to bracing against that recoil that they bob forward with an empty pistol to a recoil which does not come.
A heavily loaded gun, if it misses fire, makes the shooter bob forward involuntarily to meet the recoil he expects.
An automatic pistol can be used with a heavier loaded cartridge than would be possible with a revolver.