Abstract: With respect to hand-held firearms, in particular automatic rifles, it is possible to eliminate the disadvantageous jump and to strongly reduce the recoil by a vertically disposed deflection plate that is provided with an opening for projectiles to pass through, that is mounted crosswise or transverse to the weapon barrel in front of the muzzle, and that is attached to the barrel via sheet metal guide plates disposed on respective lateral sides of the barrel to form open areas or surfaces toward the bottom and top. According to one embodiment the lower open surface is partially closed in its rear region. Instead of the partially closed area, a blocking surface or plate may be installed at a distance below the lower edge surface of the guide plates so that the combustion gases exit laterally. As an additional effect, the visibility of the muzzle flash is also reduced strongly, as well as the possible whirling up of leaves and dust.