Some guns run like they were built for war—others feel like they were built for the parts counter. You buy them, shoot them, and before you know it, you’re swapping springs, triggers, or sights just to keep them running how they should’ve worked in the first place. That’s fine if you like tinkering, but it gets old when you’re trying to keep one reliable platform ready to go. If you’ve owned any of these, you already know they tend to demand attention and replacement parts more often than most.
Remington 597
The Remington 597 can be accurate, but the factory magazines and extractors are often the first to go. Feeding issues become common if you don’t upgrade those parts.
Owners also report that the guide rods and springs wear faster than expected. If you want it to run smoothly for the long haul, you’ll end up spending time and money swapping out components that should’ve been stronger from the start.
Springfield XD-S
The XD-S has a solid following, but its recoil springs are notorious for needing replacement earlier than you’d think. Weak springs lead to sluggish cycling and reliability issues.
Some shooters also find themselves upgrading the striker retainer pins after breakage. While it’s a comfortable carry option, you’ll need to keep an eye on these wear points if you want it to stay dependable.
Mossberg 930
The Mossberg 930 runs well when it’s clean and the parts are fresh, but gas system components—like the piston seal and o-rings—tend to wear out quicker than expected.
Many owners keep spares on hand to avoid downtime. If you shoot it regularly, plan on replacing small gas system parts to keep it feeding and cycling reliably.
Kel-Tec Sub2000
The Kel-Tec Sub2000 is lightweight and easy to store, but the factory sights and charging handle tend to be swapped out almost immediately. Many users upgrade to a heavier charging handle to reduce recoil slap.
The polymer feed ramp is another part that doesn’t hold up forever. Over time, it can cause feeding issues, which is why metal replacements are popular.
Remington R51
The Remington R51 had a rough start, and even the improved models tend to need extractor and magazine swaps early on. Failure-to-feed issues are common until these parts are replaced.
Some shooters also replace the recoil spring assembly after only a few hundred rounds. If you own one, it’s worth learning how to strip it down and swap parts quickly.
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin Model 60 has been around for decades, but the feed throat and springs wear out faster than many expect—especially if you’re running it hard.
Tube magazine springs lose tension over time, leading to feeding hiccups. Replacing them keeps the rifle running smoothly, but it’s something you’ll likely do more than once over its lifespan.
Taurus PT111 G2
The PT111 G2 can be a reliable budget option, but it often needs aftermarket magazine springs or followers to fix feed issues. Factory sights are another part many owners replace quickly.
While the frame and slide hold up, small parts like the trigger safety tab can loosen or break, forcing a replacement earlier than you’d like.
Ruger SR22
The Ruger SR22 is a fun plinker, but the recoil spring assembly and extractor don’t seem to last as long as the rest of the gun. Malfunctions start creeping in once those parts wear.
Keeping fresh springs on hand is a must if you shoot it often. It’s not an expensive fix, but it’s something you’ll probably be doing more often than you expect.
FN FAL (Commercial Builds)
Surplus FN FAL parts rifles or budget commercial builds often need new springs, gas pistons, or extractors to run reliably. Some also require a replacement locking shoulder to correct headspace.
If you have one from a less reputable builder, expect to spend time swapping parts before it runs like it should. The platform can be solid, but some builds cut corners.
Walther P22
The Walther P22 is popular for training, but its slide stop and recoil spring tend to wear quickly. Light primer strikes can also show up if the hammer spring weakens.
Most owners learn to keep a few replacement parts handy. If you’re planning high round counts, you’ll be doing more maintenance than you would with other rimfire pistols.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
