Recently, I heard a theory regarding a few old nick names of some pistols in Northern China. The theory is, of course, unproven. Actually, no way to prove those nick names used in oral language. But at least, it could interpret a few popular nicknames.
Large frame pistol, which has a holster carried by shoulder strap, was called "Her-Zi", that is, "Box", regardless that holster's making material, or that holster could be attached as a stock or not, the key was the shoulder strap. So, Broomhandle was also called "Box gun", Nambu pistol was also called "Turtle box". Obviously, "Turtle" came from its leather holster's shape, and that holster has a long shoulder strap, so it's also a "Box-level" pistol.
If a pistol's holster is attached to belt, no shoulder strap, then, universally, it's a "Lu-Zi", that is, a "Puller". Probably referring to the slide-pulling operation. So, there were "Pistol-brand Puller" (FN 1900), "Horse-brand Puller" (Colt 1903), "Dog-brand Puller" (a Spanish pocket, with lion proof mark, but too small to be identified as a lion) etc. This was not limited to small frame pistol. Even large frame 1911 was "Big-bore Puller", due to its holster was attached to the belt. At that time, very very few people knew the meaning of Latin-character markings or brand name on the gun, so the nick name assigned was very popular.
However, that's not absolute. In some area, Nambu was also referred as "Chicken-leg Puller", obviously due to its grip.
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