Some guns are better off being admired than actually used. Maybe they’re awkward to shoot, unreliable, or just plain obsolete—but they still look great on the wall. These are the kinds of firearms that spark conversation but stay in the safe when it’s time to hit the range or woods. Here are 15 guns that make great decorations but not-so-great tools.
Mosin-Nagant M91/30
The Mosin-Nagant looks like it’s seen history—and most have. They’re long, heavy, and kick like a mule with surplus ammo.
They’re fun once or twice, but the rough action and odd ergonomics make them more of a novelty than a go-to shooter today.
Liberator Pistol
This single-shot pistol was never meant to be practical long-term. It was built cheap for resistance fighters in WWII.
It’s a neat historical piece, but not something you’d ever take seriously for self-defense. One shot, no rifling, and no sights.
Arisaka Type 99 (Last Ditch)
The early Arisakas were decent, but the “last ditch” versions feel like they were built in a hurry—which they were.
Crude machining, poor stocks, and questionable metallurgy make them more collectible than functional in most cases.
Walther P38 (Wartime)
The P38 has a cool look, and it was important in WWII, but the DA trigger is rough, and wartime examples often have reliability issues.
It’s more of a curio now. Good for the shelf, not so much for carrying or serious range time.
Double Muzzleloaders with Damascus Barrels
A nice old double-barrel muzzleloader might look great above the fireplace, but many use Damascus steel that can’t handle modern loads.
They’re charming and full of character—but they’re better off retired than risked at the range.
Winchester 1873 in .22 Rimfire
This classic lever-action looks great and has the nostalgia factor, but the rimfire versions were known to be finicky and tough to keep running.
Parts are rare and repairs can be costly. It’s more valuable as a showpiece than a plinker.
Nambu Type 94
This Japanese pistol is famous for its awkward ergonomics and an exposed sear that can discharge when bumped.
It’s historically interesting, sure—but no one’s reaching for one to actually shoot. It’s a collector’s item, not a shooter.
Original Trapdoor Springfield
These rifles scream American history, but they’re single-shot and slow to load. Plus, most of them aren’t safe to shoot without careful inspection.
They’re better left as a symbol of the past rather than a part of your hunting setup.
Early Colt 1851 Navy Percussion
These cap-and-ball revolvers have great visual appeal, but they require time, patience, and black powder know-how to run.
Most folks don’t want to deal with the mess and complexity. They shine best in a display case, not a holster.
Chauchat
This WWI-era machine gun is notorious for its unreliable operation and awkward design. It jammed constantly and earned a bad reputation in the trenches.
It’s a cool museum piece, but even collectors hesitate to shoot them—if they can find ammo that fits at all.
Spanish Ruby Pistol
Many of these WWI-era pistols were poorly made and wildly inconsistent in quality. They were produced by dozens of subcontractors with varying standards.
They might function—barely—but they’re not something you’d trust. Better left in a case than on your belt.
Egyptian Hakim
The Hakim is big, heavy, and loaded with quirks. It uses the same action as the AG-42 Ljungman, but with even more bulk.
They’re tricky to maintain, not especially accurate, and kick like crazy. They’re interesting, but impractical for most uses.
Remington Rolling Block in Military Calibers
These single-shot rifles are cool throwbacks, and they were tough in their day. But they’re heavy, slow to run, and the ammo is often obsolete.
They have a spot in history—but not in modern hunting or target shooting circles.
Reproduction Pirate Pistols
You know the kind—mass-produced flintlocks with brass fittings and faux-aged wood. They look fun but are mostly just costume pieces.
They’re not built for accuracy or reliability and usually aren’t even safe to fire. Leave ’em on the wall.
Ornate “Commemorative” Editions
Some manufacturers release limited-run commemorative rifles or handguns covered in gold accents and laser etching.
They look flashy but aren’t usually built with hard use in mind. Most folks never fire them—and honestly, they probably shouldn’t.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
