Not every gun gets off on the right foot. Maybe you had a bad first experience, or maybe the internet talked you out of giving something a fair shake. But some firearms just need the right ammo, a proper cleaning, or a little time to prove what they can really do. Here are 13 guns that might surprise you—if you’re willing to give them another shot.
Ruger Mini-14
The Mini-14 catches flak for not stacking up to an AR-15, but it was never trying to be one. Treat it like the ranch rifle it is, and you’ll find a reliable semi-auto that’s fun to shoot.
Accuracy improves with good optics and decent ammo. It’s not a tack driver, but for casual shooting or coyote duty, it holds its own.
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE
Plenty of folks write off the SD9 VE because of its gritty trigger and budget feel. But once you get used to it, this pistol proves reliable and easy to shoot.
It’s not flashy, but it runs. For the price, it might just be the best range beater you’re overlooking.
KelTec Sub2000
The folding design can feel clunky at first, and the cheek weld isn’t exactly cozy. But if you get past the ergonomics, the Sub2000 is a blast to run.
It’s lightweight, takes common pistol mags, and is surprisingly accurate out to 50 yards. Worth another round of testing if you’ve got one collecting dust.
Taurus 856
Older Taurus revolvers had some quality issues, but newer ones—especially the 856—have improved a lot. It’s a solid wheelgun that doesn’t cost a fortune.
If you’ve got an older one you gave up on, consider trying it again with better .38 Special loads. You might be surprised at how much smoother it feels now.
M1 Carbine
A lot of folks complain about feeding issues and underwhelming ballistics. But the M1 Carbine was never meant to compete with a battle rifle—it was designed for ease of carry and fast handling.
Modern ammo can make a big difference, and once it’s cleaned and lubed properly, it’s a ton of fun to shoot at the range.
Beretta 92S
The 92S often gets overlooked because of its heel mag release and surplus status. But it’s still a classic Beretta at heart, with the same slide and barrel as the more expensive models.
Give it a fresh mag and some decent 9mm, and it’ll remind you why the 92 platform has stuck around so long.
Hi-Point 995 Carbine
Yeah, it’s ugly. Yeah, it’s heavy. But the Hi-Point 995 has something going for it—it works. And it’s surprisingly accurate with the right ammo.
It’s a great gun for newer shooters or range days where you don’t want to baby your gear. You might end up liking it more than you expected.
Remington R51
The R51 had a rocky launch, no question. But later production models fixed many of the early issues. It’s compact, low-recoil, and has a unique feel.
If you wrote it off during its troubled release, a Gen 2 model might just win you over with how easy it is to shoot.
Steyr M9-A1
The funky grip angle and trapezoidal sights throw some folks off, but the M9-A1 is smooth, reliable, and extremely shootable once you adjust.
Steyr pistols don’t get much love in the U.S., but they deserve more trigger time. It’s one of those guns that grows on you with each range session.
CZ-52
The trigger’s stiff, the grip’s weird, and the safety’s confusing. But the CZ-52 throws fireballs and sends that 7.62×25 round screaming downrange.
It’s not refined, but it’s fun. Clean it well and give it another go—you might find it scratches that surplus itch better than you remembered.
Mossberg MC1sc
Mossberg’s first try at a carry pistol got lost in a sea of better-known names. But the MC1sc is a decent little 9mm with great ergonomics and easy handling.
If you passed on it or shelved yours early, try it again with a better holster and a fresh box of ammo. It’s better than folks give it credit for.
SKS
The SKS gets compared to the AK and often loses the popularity contest. But at the range, the SKS is a smooth shooter with decent accuracy and classic style.
Strip it down, clean out the cosmoline, and run it with good 7.62×39 ammo. It’s still got plenty of life left.
FN FNP-9
The FNP-9 got overshadowed by newer polymer guns, but it’s a solid DA/SA pistol with great ergonomics. If you’ve got one sitting idle, it’s worth a revisit.
It handles recoil well, shoots flat, and the trigger’s better than you remember. It’s not flashy, but it’s far from a flop.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
