I don't own a pistol, and the stage manager keeps ours under lock and key. He'll only release it once we start dress rehearsals. Theoretically, I could try to explain my situation to him, but he's a very literal fellow, and extremely safety-conscious. The fallout would be even worse than if I approached the director.
I suppose I could try rehearsing with my shotgun -- the muscle movements are different, though that shouldn't be too much of a problem -- but I'm honestly afraid to dig out the case. I haven't touched it since my last attempt. I don't even think I cleaned my saliva off the barrel.