Abstract: A single-shot, hand-held firearm for use with a cartridge having a primer, includes a body holding one end of a barrel in which a cartridge is secured. A firing pin normally spaced from the cartridge but adapted to be moved toward the cartridge so that it strikes the primer thereof is received by a hole in the body. A barrier is secured in the hole between the cartridge and the firing pin to keep the firing pin from contacting the cartridge until a predetermined pressure is applied to the firing pin causing the firing pin to penetrate the barrier and move forward striking the primer of the cartridge with sufficient force to fire the cartridge. Pressure is conveniently applied to the firing pin through a firing pin handle. The preferred embodiment is sized to fit in a fist and to have sufficient force applied between the handle and body to fire it by squeezing the fist.