Years ago when I was a teen I decided to hold the barrel of my Dad’s S&W K22 when trying on a bet to hit a penny at about 30 yards. I don’t recall the ammo but I do recall it was hotter than our usual fare of Wildcats and Yellow Jackets.
My Dad said “Don’t hold it like that. Get your hand behind the face if that cylinder. It’ll burn you.”
I didn’t listen and fired.
He was right. It burned me.
I wasn’t badly burned but it stung and it sure taught me not to do that again. My wrist had a nice red patch for a day. I am glad it was only a .22 and not a larger cartridge.