HOW TO HOLD THE PISTOL
As the revolver had a short stock with an acute curve and was muzzle heavy, the grip I recommend for it is not suitable for the duelling pistol or automatic.
I take the duelling pistol first as that has the ideal handle or stock; the automatic, except in the American Colt Regulation .45, being open to great improvement.
The duelling pistol is a survival of the old horse pistol in balance and form of stock, and this has never been improved on.
Most things undergo constant improvement, but the pistol stock, on the contrary, has steadily deteriorated.
The old horse pistol balanced just right, and the long light barrel was counterpoised by the heavy stock.
The angle was right, and the sights fitted close down to the barrel. In some cases there was no back sight but aim was taken as with a shotgun.
The perfect balance almost did away with the need of a back sight.
Then the revolver came with its front overbalance, which often needed, on its short upright stock, a grip with the little finger under the butt to steady it.
As I explained in my Art of Revolver Shooting, it was necessary to get the line of the arm as nearly possible in line with the barrel, consequently the thumb also had to be extended in line with the barrel.