Some guns are forgettable. Others are downright regrettable. If you’ve owned enough firearms, you’ve probably run into at least one that made you question your judgment. Whether it’s sloppy accuracy, parts that wear too fast, or designs that never should’ve left the drawing board, these are the guns I’d never recommend—and wouldn’t keep around even if someone gave them to me. If they’re in your safe, you might want to think twice.
Remington 710
The Remington 710 was a follow-up to the 700, but it missed the mark completely. The bolt is gritty, the plastic stock feels cheap, and the trigger leaves a lot to be desired. Most folks I know who’ve owned one say the same thing: it’s not worth keeping around.
Even worse, the barrel is pressed into the receiver instead of threaded, which makes replacement a nightmare. Accuracy can be inconsistent, especially after moderate use. It’s a rifle that looks fine on the shelf but underdelivers everywhere else.
Taurus Judge
The idea of a revolver that shoots both .45 Colt and .410 shells might sound appealing, but in reality, the Judge doesn’t excel at either. It’s too big for proper concealment and too inaccurate to rely on past a few yards. The rifling is shallow, which spreads shot unevenly.
For a defensive gun, you’re sacrificing performance in both ammo types. And despite the hype, .410 out of a short barrel doesn’t give you much stopping power. If you want a revolver, there are better choices. If you want a shotgun, get a real one.
Walther CCP (Original Model)
The first-gen Walther CCP came with high hopes and a few serious letdowns. The gas-delayed blowback system sounds good on paper, but in practice it makes the gun hard to clean and prone to fouling. The disassembly was complicated enough that they eventually redesigned it.
I ran one for a while and had multiple malfunctions, even with high-quality ammo. The trigger was mushy, and follow-ups were slow. Once the newer M2 model came out with easier takedown, the original lost what little appeal it had.
Cobray M11/9
The Cobray M11/9 looks fun—and that’s about where the positives end. The heavy trigger, poor accuracy, and tendency to jam make it more of a paperweight than a range toy. It eats ammo, but not reliably. And the stamped construction feels like something cobbled together in a garage.
There’s also very little practical use for it. It’s bulky, awkward to aim, and more of a novelty than anything else. If you’ve got one sitting around, it’s probably gathering dust—and it should stay there.
Jennings J22
The Jennings J22 is one of those pocket pistols that you regret trusting even once. Made with cheap materials and questionable quality control, it’s known for misfeeds, light strikes, and cracked frames. I don’t know anyone who’s had one that ran right for long.
Even if you only use it for plinking, you’ll spend more time clearing jams than shooting. A .22 can be reliable in a decent platform, but this isn’t it. There are better .22 handguns on the market that won’t have you cursing after every magazine.
Remington R51
The first-generation R51 was supposed to be a comeback story for Remington. Instead, it became a lesson in rushed production. It had constant feeding issues, poor machining, and a frame that didn’t hold up under use. The locking system was finicky and hard to maintain.
Even after a redesign, the bad reputation stuck. Mine wouldn’t run a full mag without hanging up. A concealed carry pistol needs to be dead reliable. This one wasn’t, and it’s better off forgotten.
Century Arms WASR-10 (Early Imports)
Century’s early WASR-10s were slapped together with poor attention to detail. Canted sights, loose mag wells, and gritty triggers were common. Some ran fine, but plenty didn’t. Mine had constant issues with mag fitment and zeroing that never quite held.
Later models improved a bit, but the early versions gave the whole line a bad name. AKs are known for their reliability—but these early WASRs didn’t carry that torch well. If you’ve got an old one, it’s likely more hassle than it’s worth.
Hi-Point Carbine (Early Models)
The newer Hi-Point carbines aren’t terrible for what they are. But the early versions were plagued with feed problems, poor ergonomics, and triggers that felt like they were assembled from lawnmower parts. They’d run when clean but jam once they got even slightly dirty.
I tried to make mine work for truck duty, but it never earned my trust. There are better budget PCCs now that offer better performance and reliability. If yours is an older gen, don’t be afraid to upgrade.
USFA ZIP .22
The ZIP .22 was one of the strangest and worst ideas to hit the market in a while. It’s awkward to hold, has an absurd manual of arms, and fails to cycle most .22 ammo without a fight. There’s no proper grip, and the mag placement is downright dangerous.
It was supposed to be modular and customizable, but what you get instead is a frustrating, barely functional toy. Accuracy is laughable, and it’s earned a reputation for being one of the worst guns ever made—for good reason.
Norinco SKS Sporter
Not all SKS rifles are bad, but the Norinco SKS Sporter—the one modified to accept AK mags—was a problem child. The mag fitment was sloppy, and feed issues were common. It tried to be both an SKS and an AK, and didn’t do either well.
The stock felt awkward, and the balance was off once you added a mag. You’re better off with a standard SKS or a proper AK. The Sporter model was a poor compromise and didn’t age well.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
