RECOIL!? RECOIL!? We don't got no stinkin' recoil!
Howdy.
My old Marlin 1894 carbine, in 44-40 cal., can be fired with one hand, like a pistol. (I'm not John Wayne, am 67 yrs old and weigh 165#).
Of course it's not as accurate that way, but the recoil is very mild.
Most lever actioned firearms have recoil that is easily managable by slightly built folks. There are exceptions to the rule, of course, which are generally in the larger calibers and loads. I would think it unwise to start someone out on a 45-70 or 450 Marlin carbine, but a 30-30 is no problem, even in carbine lengths.
Acually, the most objectionable part (to me) of shooting short barreled carbines is the increased muzzle blast (NOISE!!).
Thanks for your time.