Weapons that don't reach very far? (5,4)

I believe the answer is:

small arms

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'weapons' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for small arms that I've seen before include "Hand-held weapons" , "Rifle, pistol etc" , "Rifles etc" , "Portable weapons" , "e.g. Guns" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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