In short, I believe that the "Cross Clip" uses some sort of explosive rounds. This is evident, I think, but the explosion beyond the muzzle flash when Ruby fired her very last shot directly at the ground.
I also believe that when Crescent Rose is in scythe mode, then there is little to no mechanical "shock absorption" (I'm know guns expert, to technical terms escape my) unless the blade is properly imbedded into the ground. This also may suggest that most, if not all the "shock absorption" equipment is within the blade primarily because that part alone takes up most of the mass of the whole weapon.
I know some of the later part may be no brainers, but I am very surprised that (if I'm correct about the explosive ammo) more observant people, with "video analyzing" technologies at their disposal did not notice it before.