Some guns vanish from production and leave us wondering why. They weren’t perfect, but they had something going for them—accuracy, simplicity, nostalgia, or just plain fun. Whether they were ahead of their time or quietly outshined by flashier models, these firearms had a following that never really faded. If the right company gave them a second chance with just a few updates, they’d probably fly off the shelves. Here are 12 discontinued guns that, honestly, ought to get another shot at life.
Marlin Model 39A
The 39A was one of the most beloved .22 lever guns out there. Smooth action, great accuracy, and built like a tank.
Marlin pulled the plug a while back, and folks have been missing it ever since. With lever guns making a comeback, this one would find a new generation of fans in no time.
Colt Python (Pre-2020)
Yes, Colt brought it back—but the original hand-fitted models had a feel all their own. Those early Pythons were special in a way the new ones don’t quite replicate.
Collectors still chase the old-school versions, and a proper reissue with that same craftsmanship might just make a splash. It’s one of those guns people still brag about owning.
Remington Model 600
This odd little carbine had its quirks, but it handled well and packed a punch in a short, handy package. The ventilated rib and bold styling made it stand out.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was different in a good way. With today’s interest in compact, handy rifles, the 600 could find new fans if done right.
Browning Hi-Power
Browning’s Hi-Power was sleek, reliable, and fit the hand like a glove. When it was dropped, it left a gap that clones have tried to fill ever since.
Now that Springfield and FN are doing modern takes, it’s clear there’s demand. A true-to-original reissue from Browning would get attention fast.
Savage Model 99
The Model 99 was ahead of its time with its rotary magazine and sleek design. It handled modern cartridges well before that was popular in lever guns.
Hunters loved it, and many still do. Bringing it back with updated metallurgy and a smooth trigger would make a lot of people very happy in the woods again.
Remington Nylon 66
The Nylon 66 was lightweight, durable, and nearly indestructible. It wasn’t fancy, but it worked—and worked well.
With the push for synthetic rifles and affordable .22s, a reboot could easily find its place. It’s still missed by those who grew up shooting one.
Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal
Ruger still makes the SP101, but the .327 Federal version didn’t stick around long. That cartridge had promise—more punch than a .32, less bark than a .357.
Bring back the SP101 in that chambering, and you’ve got a revolver that’s manageable, versatile, and interesting again. It deserves another go.
Winchester Model 88
The Model 88 was a lever gun that felt like a bolt rifle. It used a rotating bolt and box magazine, which made it work well with pointed bullets.
It was smooth, accurate, and looked sharp. These days, it’s still popular on the used market—proof that shooters haven’t forgotten it.
S&W 3913
The 3913 was a compact, metal-framed 9mm that just worked. It had a loyal following, especially among folks who like the old-school DA/SA setup.
It disappeared as polymer guns took over, but many would welcome it back. It’s the kind of pistol that felt good and shot better.
Winchester Model 9422
The 9422 was a rimfire lever-action that felt every bit as solid as a centerfire rifle. It was well-made, smooth, and accurate.
Winchester pulled it due to rising production costs, but folks still ask about it. Bring it back with modern tooling, and it wouldn’t sit on shelves for long.
Remington XP-100
This bolt-action pistol looked odd, but it had serious accuracy. Chambered in centerfire rifle rounds, it was a favorite for handgun hunters and silhouette shooters.
You don’t see much like it anymore, which is exactly why it would stand out again. In the right hands, it was way more than just a curiosity.
Colt Woodsman
The Woodsman was one of the finest .22 pistols ever made. Great trigger, solid build, and excellent balance—it had everything you’d want in a target or trail gun.
Colt moved on, but shooters never forgot it. If Colt reintroduced it with modern materials and the same feel, it could easily win folks over again.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
