A handle for a surgical instrument, which handle has a carriage designed to move an actuation rod. A second actuation element is arranged adjacent to the first actuation element and is rotatable over the longitudinal axis of the main body. The second actuation element is annular, toward the first actuation element, and carries on its inner circumference a rotationally fixed locking ring. The carriage has a finger which extends, eccentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main body, from a front face of the carriage facing the locking ring. In a locked state, a protuberance on the ring provides an abutment for the carriage. In the release state, the finger is offset with respect to the protuberance, and a range of travel of the carriage is freed.