The invention concerns a handgun which comprises a trigger (42), a firing mechanism arranged to be actuated by the trigger and to fire a cartridge, a barrel (4) through which the bullet of the cartridge is projected when the cartridge is fired and a butt (60) which is arranged to be gripped in the hand of a user. The axis (57) of the barrel, and hence the line of action of a recoil force which is generated when the cartridge is fired, is at least substantially aligned with the line of action of a resisting force applied to the handgun by the use's hand. Also, the trigger is located above the axis of the barrel.