handgun

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handgun

weapon

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Mar 4, 2025 • Article History

Related Topics:: small arm; semiautomatic pistol; pistol; revolver

On the Web:: BMC - Injury Epidemiology - Handgun purchasing characteristics and firearm suicide risk: a nested case–control study (Feb. 21, 2025)

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handgun, any firearm small enough to be held in one hand when fired. It usually fires a single projectile or bullet, and additional ammunition may be available in a revolving mechanism or magazine. Handguns may be used for target shooting, hunting small game, or personal self-defense.

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Automatic handguns are illegal in many countries, and private ownership of any handgun is restricted in most of the world.

See also automatic pistol; pistol; revolver.