Yep, 'tis doable I have shot skeet , clays with handguns.
Problem is the payload in the .44 and .38spl produced very very poor patterns, and #12 shot - though fine for say low 7, or from a portable trap like a Trius One Step is fine...having to shoot any distance you have "holes" in pattern.
Now a Thompson With a .410 bbl shooting #8.5 shot is a whole 'nuther ball game.
Doubles are doable - just gotta hit 'em both when they cross.
We preach over and over again- One has to Pattern / Site in their gun and loads for the task. Makes no nevermind what the bbl 'says' , or what the box of ammo 'says', or what some super ninja tactical website or magazine 'says' not even what some guy on the Internet 'says'.
You have to shoot the durn things and let the pattern board / target define for sure what YOUR gun , YOUR loadings do in YOUR Gun with YOUR skill and training for the task intended.
FWIW I knew folks that are now passed, learned to shoot old school , with them "antiquated revolvers". Normal Dept regs were to shoot at 50 yards. Yes I typed yards.
I have watched these guys use regular ammo - no pellet loads. Hit flying clays. Safe backstop was used and all safety observed.
Kinda awesome so watch a fella slap leather, pull that Model 19 and nail a clay just out of portable trap...really awesome to see them take doubles.
Seen 'em do it with 1911 and BHP too, regular ammo mind you...always one old fart that just has to upstage everyone, uses a danged old Colt SAA. From the draw of course. Using some old lead bullet loading - probably a Keith.
"Pull!"
"Shatters!"