An area weapon, preferably for ranges up to several hundred metres, is characterised in that a plurality of preferably pre-loaded barrels are arranged in a base body in such a manner that the longitudinal axes of at least two of the barrels run at an angle other than 0@ relative to one another, and in that firing elements for ammunition arranged in the barrels are provided in the base body. In consequence, a high fragmentation effect can be achieved at the target and terrain obstructions can be overcome.
