Not every firearm fits every shooter—and that’s especially true if you’re on the shorter side. Some guns just feel like you’re wrestling a 2×4 or stretching to reach the controls. Poor ergonomics, heavy recoil, or long reaches can make certain guns more of a hassle than they’re worth. Here are ten that shorter shooters might want to steer clear of—or at least try before buying.
Desert Eagle .50 AE
This thing isn’t just heavy—it’s downright unwieldy. Even people with large hands find it tough to manage, and it only gets worse if you’ve got smaller arms or limited reach. It’s not the best option if you’re looking for control.
The massive grip and absurd recoil mean this gun’s more about showing off than practical use. For someone on the shorter side, it’s like trying to shoot a brick with a trigger.
Mossberg 500 with Standard Stock
The Mossberg 500 is solid, but the standard-length stock can be a problem. If your arms are shorter, mounting the gun quickly or shouldering it properly becomes awkward and slow.
You can swap the stock for something shorter, sure—but out of the box, it’s not doing shorter shooters any favors. The reach to the forend during pump cycles can also be uncomfortable.
FN SCAR 17
The SCAR 17 is a heavy-hitting rifle with a high bore axis and a pretty long length of pull. That’s not a great combo for someone with a shorter frame or smaller hands.
It’s got a lot of power and presence, but it doesn’t feel balanced unless you’ve got the wingspan to work it. Managing recoil and transitions can feel slow and clunky for smaller shooters.
Glock 21
The Glock 21 in .45 ACP has a wide, chunky grip that makes it tough to handle if your hands are smaller. Add in the longer reach to the trigger, and you’ve got a recipe for poor shot placement and fatigue.
Plenty of people love Glocks—but the 21 feels like it was made for people with baseball mitts for hands. If you’re shorter or have smaller palms, skip this one.
Ruger Redhawk
Revolvers can be great, but the Ruger Redhawk is a beast. It’s heavy, long-barreled, and chambered in serious calibers. Not exactly user-friendly for someone who’s trying to keep things manageable.
The double-action trigger pull is long and heavy, and the sheer size makes it hard to grip properly if your hands are small. You’ll get worn out fast trying to wrangle this one.
Kel-Tec KSG
At first glance, the KSG seems compact. But in practice, it’s a tricky shotgun to run, especially for shorter shooters. The dual-tube system adds bulk, and the pump action requires a long reach.
If you’re not built like a linebacker, cycling rounds under stress or clearing malfunctions isn’t as easy as it should be. It’s one of those guns that looks cool but doesn’t always handle well.
HK USP .45
The USP .45 has a reputation for reliability, but it also has a thick grip and a long reach to the trigger. Combine that with a tall slide and snappy recoil, and it’s not doing shorter shooters any favors.
Everything about it feels like it was made for someone with big hands and strong wrists. If your grip’s not solid, you’ll feel like the gun’s in charge—not you.
Remington 870 Tactical with Pistol Grip Stock
The 870 is classic, but the pistol grip-only versions are awkward, especially for shorter folks. They limit your ability to shoulder the gun properly and make it harder to control recoil.
Without a proper stock to absorb the kick, you’re relying on wrist strength—and that’s a problem when you’re not built like a brick wall. It’s more pain than it’s worth.
Desert Tech MDRX
The MDRX is a compact bullpup, but it’s surprisingly front-heavy and hard to balance. The layout can be tough to get used to, especially for shooters with shorter arms and a tighter stance.
The controls aren’t super intuitive unless you’ve got a lot of experience with bullpups. For someone looking for something ergonomic and easy to handle, this rifle feels like a workout.
Smith & Wesson Model 500
This revolver is an absolute hand cannon. The size, weight, and recoil are excessive for almost anyone—but they’re especially rough for shorter shooters or those with less upper body strength.
It’s one of those guns that’s more fun to talk about than to shoot. Unless you’ve got giant mitts and a strong grip, this gun will punish you.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
