Pistols/Revolvers                                     http://taloinc.com/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/cerakote-ruger-1911.jpg http://ruger.com/products/superRedhawkAlaskan/models.html Pistols/Revolvers have a different set of forces that they put on the shooter than those applied by long rifles.  When a handgun is fired, it puts a backward force on the shooter.  If the shooter is holding the firearm properly, the force pushes on your shoulders and forces the shooters arms to move upward, around the ball and socket joint.  The bore of most pistols have rifling in the barrel.  This causes the same effect in pistols as it does in rifles.  In pistols, the barrel is so much shorter that it does not allow  the explosion from the gunpowder to create the acceleration needed for the bullet to travel at the same velocities as their long rifle counterparts. Due to the lack of acceleration, the trajectory decreases dramatically as the round travels down range. http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae160/dlidster/Trajectory--45ACP_zpsdc8123cc.jpg The stance used to fire a pistol/revolver is very different from that used to shoot rifles.  One reason for this difference is there is no a stock on pistols/revolvers.  To fire one properly, you have to hold it with both hands, lean into the shot, and keep your elbows stiff.  As the force of the shot moves back through  your body, allow your wrists to roll backward a little.  Allow your arms to move upward as much as necessary to absorb the force. This video shows one of the most dependable semi-automatic pistol models on the market today.  It also shows how to hold this firearm properly when firing.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziPKHK1lw6w