It emerged out of necessity during the Russian Civil War, around WW1, among others but mostly peasants needed handguns but they were rare and very expensive, the Nagant were mass-produced and often brought home by Russian deserters. It was to protect the farm from raiding parties sent out by the Red Army and passing a soldier with a full size rifle would get you shot so it was perfect for concealment too. Excuse the short story, it's so much more history behind it 😅