The pistol must be a Desert Eagle in 50. I have seen a second shot from a semi auto pistol in 9mm fired by recoil but it was always down range. Guess a big bore 50 could recoil upward toward one’s head. But....a Sergeants Major? Experienced with firearms. There has to be something else involved here. Maybe a disgruntled female acquaintance?
Maybe his first time shooting one? His sidearm in the Army would be a 9mm.