Some guns look solid on paper and even feel fine in hand, but the first trip to the range or field can change everything. Once the excitement fades, you’re left with reliability issues, poor handling, or accuracy that doesn’t cut it. That’s when a lot of shooters quietly move them along instead of keeping them in the safe.
Here are guns that often lose their appeal fast and rarely get a second chance once they’ve been fired.
Remington R51
The R51 launched with plenty of hype but quickly fell short in the real world. Many buyers found feeding issues, awkward ergonomics, and constant malfunctions that killed any sense of confidence.
Instead of a reliable carry pistol, the R51 became a source of frustration. While Remington tried to patch things up with later runs, the reputation stuck, and most owners didn’t hang on to theirs for long.
Mossberg Blaze
On paper, the Blaze looked like a lightweight, affordable .22 rifle for casual plinking. Once people got their hands on it, the disappointment was quick. Accuracy was inconsistent, and the polymer-heavy build felt more like a toy than a firearm.
Plenty of buyers who picked one up for cheap range fun ended up unloading it just as fast. There are too many solid .22 rifles out there to put up with something that feels this flimsy.
Taurus Curve
The Curve was marketed as a uniquely shaped concealed carry pistol designed to fit naturally against the body. The problem? The design made it awkward to shoot, difficult to aim, and prone to jamming.
Most people who carried it once found themselves switching back to more conventional compact pistols. The Curve ended up being more of a novelty than a dependable everyday option.
Savage Axis XP
Savage is known for accuracy, but the Axis XP package rifles often leave shooters underwhelmed. The stock feels hollow, the included scope is bottom-barrel, and the overall build doesn’t hold up to expectations in the field.
For many first-time buyers, that initial disappointment leads to a quick trade-in for something sturdier. It’s a rifle that promises affordability but fails to win long-term loyalty.
Kel-Tec PF-9
Kel-Tec’s PF-9 is one of the thinnest 9mm pistols out there, which made it appealing to concealed carriers. Unfortunately, its harsh recoil, snappy trigger, and frequent reliability issues turned that appeal into regret after the first trip to the range.
Plenty of shooters find out quickly that saving a few ounces isn’t worth the trouble. The PF-9 is a gun that gets sold off or parked in a drawer after one or two uses.
Marlin Model 795
The Marlin 795 has its fans, but plenty of new owners find out quickly it’s not the budget .22 they were hoping for. Feeding issues, cheap-feeling magazines, and spotty accuracy make it less fun to shoot than its competition.
Most buyers looking for an affordable plinker move on to something like a Ruger 10/22 instead. For many, the 795 is a one-and-done rifle.
Jimenez Arms JA Nine
Jimenez Arms has a reputation for making cheap handguns, and the JA Nine carries all the same baggage. It’s heavy for its size, the controls are rough, and reliability is all over the place.
A lot of people pick one up because it’s inexpensive, but that first trip to the range usually shows why. More often than not, it’s quickly traded in or shoved to the back of the safe.
Winchester SXP Black Shadow
Winchester’s SXP line gets praise for being fast and affordable, but models like the Black Shadow don’t always live up to expectations. Some owners report rough cycling, inconsistent finishes, and handling that feels off compared to competitors.
A pump shotgun should feel solid and dependable. When it doesn’t, it usually doesn’t stick around long. Many shooters who try an SXP move on to something like a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500.
SCCY CPX-2
The SCCY CPX-2 is known for being affordable and easy to find, but affordability doesn’t always equal satisfaction. Many shooters find the long, heavy trigger pull makes it hard to shoot accurately.
Combine that with frequent reports of reliability problems, and it’s not surprising that the CPX-2 is often resold quickly. Plenty of buyers consider it a budget misstep instead of a keeper.
Rossi RS22
The Rossi RS22 looks like an attractive bargain rifle, especially for new shooters. But once taken to the range, many owners notice feeding issues, rough build quality, and accuracy that falls short.
It’s hard for a .22 to earn a place in the safe when competitors like Ruger and Savage offer better options at similar prices. That’s why many RS22s don’t stay in collections long after their first use.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
