Not every bolt-action rifle is a winner, even if it looks nice on paper. Some promise accuracy but fall apart after a few seasons. Others seem like a bargain until you realize you’re stuck with rough actions, cheap stocks, or parts that just don’t last. These are the rifles folks end up selling off after too many headaches. If you want a rifle that won’t let you down, it’s smart to skip these models. Here are 12 bolt guns that have disappointed plenty of hunters and shooters.
Remington 770
The Remington 770 earned a reputation for sticky actions and cheap-feeling stocks. Accuracy was hit or miss, and many users complained about feeding issues. It came with a low price tag, but too often it felt like a short-term rifle that wouldn’t hold up to consistent use. You’ll find used ones everywhere for a reason.
Mossberg ATR
Mossberg’s ATR series tried to give shooters a budget-friendly bolt gun, but it came with serious trade-offs. Rough bolt throws, inconsistent triggers, and mediocre accuracy plagued this rifle. While it looked good for the price, too many owners ended up regretting it after a few hunts.
Ruger American Predator in .450 Bushmaster
The American Predator line has solid options, but the .450 Bushmaster version got a bad rap for feeding problems and brutal recoil. Shooters noticed more jams than expected, and the light stock didn’t help with comfort. It worked in theory but disappointed in practice.
Savage Axis XP
The Savage Axis XP came with scope packages and low pricing, but the factory triggers were often heavy and inconsistent. Many found themselves upgrading half the rifle just to make it usable. It’s a good example of “you get what you pay for.”
Winchester XPR
Winchester’s XPR sounded like a solid affordable option but came with a few headaches. Reports of stiff bolts and inconsistent groupings were common. While it has its fans, others found it too finicky for field use, especially after extended shooting sessions.
Remington 710
The 710 was supposed to be Remington’s answer to budget hunting rifles, but it didn’t take long for its flaws to surface. Weak plastic parts and a notoriously rough action made it a short-lived production run. Most shooters were quick to move on from it.
Savage Model 110 Apex XP
Savage’s 110 Apex XP combo aimed to give hunters an out-of-the-box solution, but many found the included scope lacking and the rifle inconsistent. Factory bedding issues led to shifting zero, making it more of a hassle than a ready-to-go option.
Marlin XL7
Marlin tried to step into the bolt gun market with the XL7, but accuracy was inconsistent across calibers. Some found decent groups with handloads, but many others struggled with reliability. Production didn’t last long, and it’s easy to see why.
Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic Compact
The Vanguard series usually holds up well, but the Synthetic Compact model was known for stock flex and poor recoil management. Smaller shooters struggled with comfort, and accuracy dipped under field conditions. Plenty of folks upgraded quickly after buying it.
T/C Compass
Thompson/Center’s Compass looked appealing for budget-minded hunters, but many ran into magazine fitment issues and flimsy stocks. It shot fine in perfect conditions, but rough weather or long hunts brought out its weak spots fast.
Browning AB3
The Browning AB3 gave off the right impression at first glance, but reports of inconsistent accuracy and flimsy feel made it a letdown. Browning loyalists often found it didn’t live up to the name, especially compared to their higher-end models.
Remington 783
The 783 was supposed to be an improvement over Remington’s budget rifles, but it kept many of the same complaints. Triggers felt spongy, and groups opened up quickly with factory loads. It’s not surprising how many shooters moved on to better options.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
