I agree about the 'gas seal', and don't bother trying to make ammo for it. My handloads are shorter 'standard' type loads - no gas sealing. Still, the Nagant has very little cylinder/barrel gap due to it's design.
I have very big hands, and the smallish Nagant grip works well for me.
Mine has fairly decent trigger pull in single-action, and typically heavy in double-action - but no worse than a couple other pistols I have.
One thing is sure - NEVER will a Nagant "just go off!" It MUST be a very deliberate action.
I'd love to get a second and convert it to .22LR.