A handgun is a simple firearm consisting of a metal barrel mounted on a wooden stock. The gunpowder charge is ignited by poking a length of burning cord, or match as it is called, into a small touchhole. Some of the more advanced versions made by Dwarfs have levers and springs which hold the burning match and triggers which release the firing mechanism and fire the gun.

Handguns are not terribly reliable weapons, as occasionally the gun barrel tends to explode violently apart or the powder fails to ignite. Handguns, however, do have a long range and hit very hard, making a mockery of even the thickest armour.