A low sticker price can be tempting, but some firearms end up costing far more in the long run. The trouble isn’t always obvious at first. Maybe it’s a steady stream of replacement parts, expensive magazines, or constant gunsmith bills to keep it running.
You think you’re saving money up front, but by the time it’s reliable or comfortable to shoot, you’ve spent more than if you’d bought a higher-quality gun from the start. Here are some guns that tend to eat into your wallet well after you’ve brought them home.
Remington 770
The Remington 770 comes with a low upfront cost and even includes a scope, but the savings stop there. The bolt can feel rough, and the accuracy isn’t always consistent.
Many owners end up replacing the scope, upgrading the stock, and paying for trigger work—sometimes before they even trust it for hunting. Those add-ons can quickly put you into the price range of better rifles that would have been more reliable from day one.
Kel-Tec PF-9
The Kel-Tec PF-9 is one of the cheapest 9mm carry guns you’ll find, but that low cost often comes with reliability issues. Feeding problems and premature wear on certain parts are common enough to make you keep a gunsmith on speed dial.
Add in the cost of higher-quality magazines, possible recoil spring replacements, and aftermarket sights, and you’ll realize it’s not such a bargain after all.
Mossberg 715T
The Mossberg 715T looks like a budget AR-style .22, but the design is essentially a dressed-up 702 Plinkster inside a plastic shell. That shell adds weight without adding durability, and small parts can wear quickly.
Many shooters end up spending money on better optics, rail covers, and even replacement furniture to make it more functional, which can double the initial cost.
Taurus PT140 Millennium Pro
The PT140 Millennium Pro can be found for cheap, but it’s known for finicky reliability. Some models have experienced feeding issues, and the trigger feel leaves a lot to be desired.
Between polishing the feed ramp, swapping sights, and possibly sending it in for warranty work, the costs can add up fast. By the time it runs consistently, you’ve invested well beyond its original price tag.
Hi-Point 995 Carbine
The Hi-Point 995 Carbine is often marketed as an affordable pistol-caliber carbine, and while it can be reliable, it’s heavy and limited in aftermarket options.
If you want better ergonomics, more capacity, or upgraded sights, you’ll be spending money on proprietary parts and custom work. Those costs can easily creep into the territory of higher-end carbines that offer more out of the box.
Century Arms C39V2
The Century Arms C39V2 is an American-made AK-style rifle that’s cheaper than many imports, but it’s had reports of premature wear on bolt lugs and other components.
Fixing or upgrading these issues can mean expensive parts replacements or sending it to a specialist. What started as a “budget” AK can end up costing as much as, or more than, a quality import that would have lasted longer.
Rossi R92 Lever Action
The Rossi R92 is a lower-cost option for a lever-action rifle, but it often needs a fair bit of tuning to run smoothly. Sharp edges, rough cycling, and feeding quirks aren’t uncommon.
Owners frequently pay for action jobs, sight replacements, and even stock refinishing. Once you add up those improvements, you’re in the price range of rifles that wouldn’t have needed the extra work.
SCCY CPX-2
The SCCY CPX-2 is an affordable concealed carry option, but its heavy trigger and occasional reliability complaints mean many owners start upgrading right away.
By the time you replace the trigger parts, swap the sights, and possibly troubleshoot feed issues, you’ve chipped away at the “savings” that made you buy it in the first place.
Remington 597
The Remington 597 can shoot well when it’s running right, but factory magazines have been a constant headache for many owners. Feeding problems are common enough that aftermarket mags are almost a necessity.
Add in scope upgrades, extractor replacements, and the occasional trip to the gunsmith, and this budget .22 ends up costing a lot more than you’d planned.
Kel-Tec Sub-2000
The Kel-Tec Sub-2000 folds up for easy storage and comes at a fair price, but many shooters quickly start customizing. The stock sights are hard to use, the trigger can be stiff, and the plastic handguard isn’t for everyone.
Once you add upgraded optics mounts, aftermarket parts, and possibly better magazines, the “budget” carbine has doubled in cost.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
