You’ve probably seen the marketing before—claims of sub-MOA groups, match-grade triggers, or long-range dominance straight out of the box. But not every gun that talks a big game can back it up. Some rifles and handguns get your hopes up with all the right specs on paper, but when you get them on the bench or out in the field, they leave you scratching your head. Whether it’s inconsistent groups, poor build quality, or issues that only show up under pressure, these guns tend to fall short when accuracy really matters.
Remington 770
The Remington 770 was supposed to be a budget-friendly option for folks who wanted out-of-the-box precision. But what it delivered was sloppy bolt operation, inconsistent grouping, and cheap materials throughout. It’s got a factory-mounted scope, sure—but even that’s not much help when the rifle’s internals aren’t up to par.
The synthetic stock feels hollow, and the trigger isn’t doing any favors for accuracy. Most shooters who’ve tried to stick with the 770 end up replacing it as soon as they can swing a better rifle. It might look like a deal, but it often shoots like a gamble.
Ruger Precision Rimfire (.22 LR)
This rifle looks like a scaled-down version of the Ruger Precision Rifle, and it gets a lot of attention from folks wanting a tactical-style trainer. But performance can vary more than it should. Some rifles are tack drivers, while others can’t keep groups consistent, even with match-grade ammo.
The trigger is decent, and the adjustability is nice, but many shooters report barrel droop or inconsistent accuracy after heating up. If you get a good one, it’s fun to shoot. If you don’t, it’s frustrating to chase precision that doesn’t come.
Savage Axis II Precision
Savage makes some great shooters, and the Axis II Precision looks like a serious long-range setup at a fair price. But once you start running it, it becomes clear the rifle is held back by inconsistent build quality. Some barrels shoot tight, others string shots after a few rounds.
The stock is adjustable, but not especially sturdy, and the magazine fit can be sloppy. It’s marketed as a precision platform, but it often needs aftermarket help to really perform. You’re not guaranteed the accuracy you’re paying for—and that’s the real problem.
Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Speed
On paper, this rifle should be a laser. It’s lightweight, has a great finish, and comes with a fluted barrel and upgraded features. But some shooters find it underwhelming once it hits the range. Accuracy can be inconsistent, and the factory trigger can feel gritty right out of the box.
For the price, you expect more precision and less fine-tuning. Some models shoot great, but others take handloads or serious tweaking to dial in. That wouldn’t be a big deal on a cheaper rifle—but when you’re dropping that kind of cash, you shouldn’t have to fight for tight groups.
SIG Cross
The SIG Cross turned heads when it launched—a lightweight precision bolt gun with a folding stock and modular feel. But early production was hit-or-miss. Some rifles showed great accuracy, others had feeding issues, trigger quirks, or unpredictable point-of-impact shifts.
SIG has worked out some kinks, but there are still lingering concerns from folks who expected a ready-to-run rifle. For the price and the branding, you’d hope it delivered consistency. It’s a cool concept, but execution has kept it from living up to its promise in too many cases.
Tikka T3x Lite
Tikkas have a strong reputation for accuracy, and the T3x Lite isn’t a bad rifle by any means. But the lightweight barrel heats up fast, and that can lead to vertical stringing after a few rounds. For a hunting rifle, it’s fine. For repeated precision shots, not so much.
The action is slick, and the trigger is solid—but if you’re expecting match-grade accuracy on long strings, you’ll likely be disappointed. This one’s more accurate than most in its class, but it still doesn’t live up to some of the hype you hear around the brand.
FN SCAR 20S
The SCAR 20S is marketed as a precision semi-auto battle rifle, and it carries a premium price tag to match. But while it’s accurate enough for combat roles, it often disappoints shooters expecting tight, repeatable long-range groups.
The reciprocating charging handle affects how you grip the rifle, and the trigger—though improved—is still not on par with a true precision rifle. Add in some reported accuracy drift and barrel whip under heat, and it starts to show its limits. It’s built for hard use, not pinpoint precision.
Mossberg MVP Precision
Mossberg’s MVP Precision aims to be an entry-level chassis rifle with serious accuracy potential. And for the price, it’s got the right setup—mag compatibility, adjustable stock, and a decent trigger. But accuracy isn’t always there when it counts.
Some barrels shoot well, but others struggle with group consistency, even with quality ammo. Tolerances on some of the components feel loose, and the fit and finish aren’t what you’d expect from something marketed for precision. It looks ready to stretch its legs, but often doesn’t quite get there.
Remington PCR (Precision Chassis Rifle)
The Remington PCR had a lot going for it—solid chassis, adjustable trigger, and the 700 action at its core. But like many Remington offerings before the bankruptcy shake-up, quality control was all over the place.
Some rifles shoot sub-MOA, others can’t hold zero or have extraction issues. It’s a gamble. If you got a good one, you were set. But if not, you were left trying to fix what should’ve worked out of the box. That’s a problem when a rifle is sold on its accuracy claims.
Winchester XPR
The XPR is Winchester’s attempt at a budget precision rifle, and it looks sharp at first glance. But real-world performance often shows its limitations. The action isn’t smooth, and the trigger can be unpredictable, both of which hurt precision.
Accuracy is okay for a hunting rifle, but not up to the expectations set by the name or the marketing. For shooters chasing tight groups at longer ranges, the XPR tends to land in the “close, but not quite” category. It gets the job done, but doesn’t live up to the promise.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
