Every shooter eventually runs into a gun that looks good on paper but disappoints once you actually use it. Sometimes it’s poor reliability, sometimes it’s bad ergonomics, and sometimes it’s just a gun that doesn’t live up to expectations. Those are the ones that get traded, sold, or shoved to the back of the safe at the first chance. The following firearms are known for creating more frustration than loyalty, and it’s no surprise they don’t stick around long.
Taurus PT740 Slim
The PT740 Slim was meant to be a lightweight carry option, but it gained a reputation for snappy recoil and inconsistent reliability. Many shooters complained about frequent malfunctions, making it a poor choice for anyone relying on it defensively.
The small frame and sharp recoil impulse made it uncomfortable to shoot for extended sessions. That combination of poor ergonomics and questionable function meant many owners ended up getting rid of it as soon as possible. It’s one of those guns that didn’t hold up in real use.
Mossberg Blaze
The Mossberg Blaze looked like an affordable way to get into rimfire rifles, but the build quality left a lot to be desired. Owners often ran into cheap-feeling materials, feeding issues, and accuracy that didn’t impress compared to other .22 rifles.
The controls and ergonomics felt clunky, making it less enjoyable to run on the range. For many, the Blaze became a rifle they couldn’t wait to move on from once they tried better rimfire options. It’s a gun that proved underwhelming in practice.
KelTec PF-9
The KelTec PF-9 appealed to buyers for its slim profile and low price, but shooting it told a different story. It’s one of the hardest recoiling 9mm pistols in its size, making it tough to run for more than a magazine or two.
Reliability varied widely depending on ammunition, and the long, heavy trigger didn’t help accuracy. Many owners ended up frustrated and quick to sell it off for something more comfortable and dependable. It became known as a carry pistol people gave up on fast.
Winchester 1400
The Winchester 1400 semi-auto shotgun was never known for reliability. Feeding and cycling issues showed up often, especially with lighter loads. When other semi-autos were running smoothly, the 1400 struggled.
Its design also made cleaning and maintenance more of a chore than it should’ve been. Owners who tried to keep it running often lost patience, leading them to unload it in favor of more reliable shotguns. It’s one of those models that sounded appealing until the real-world flaws showed up.
Jennings J-22
The Jennings J-22 was cheap and easy to find, but it built a reputation as one of the least reliable .22 pistols ever made. Misfires, failures to extract, and jams were common, leaving owners frustrated after only a few range trips.
Its materials and construction didn’t inspire confidence either, and long-term durability was questionable at best. While some kept it as a novelty, many shooters sold it quickly. For those looking for an affordable .22 pistol, it often turned into a bad purchase they couldn’t wait to offload.
Remington 742 Woodsmaster
The Remington 742 Woodsmaster promised semi-auto hunting performance, but reliability issues made it infamous. The design was prone to jamming, especially after modest use, and many rifles developed problems that couldn’t easily be fixed.
The bolt and receiver wear was so common that gunsmiths often advised against repairing them. Hunters who tried to rely on it ended up moving on to more dependable options. Despite its good looks, the 742 became known as a rifle that didn’t last long in working condition.
Taurus Judge
The Taurus Judge drew attention for firing both .410 shotshells and .45 Colt rounds, but most owners found it to be more of a gimmick than a useful firearm. Patterns with .410 were inconsistent, and recoil with .45 Colt wasn’t pleasant in such a large revolver.
Its size made it awkward to carry, and its performance left many shooters unimpressed. While it was popular for a time, a lot of owners ended up selling theirs after realizing it didn’t fit any role particularly well. It’s a classic example of overpromising and underdelivering.
Remington R51
The Remington R51 came back with a lot of hype, but it quickly showed its flaws. Reliability problems plagued the early models, with reports of feeding issues and harsh recoil that didn’t match its intended role as a carry pistol.
Even after revisions, confidence in the design never fully returned. Shooters who bought into the promise of a compact, smooth-shooting pistol often found themselves ready to sell it off quickly. For many, it became more of a headache than a dependable handgun.
Armalite AR-7 Survival Rifle
The AR-7 was designed as a lightweight takedown rifle for survival, but in practice, it’s known for reliability issues. Feeding problems with .22 LR are common, and accuracy is often disappointing compared to other compact rifles.
Its appeal is mostly in its packability, but once owners took it to the range or field, many grew frustrated with its performance. For a survival rifle, reliability is everything—and this one often failed to deliver. That made it a gun many shooters sold quickly.
Cobray Derringer
The Cobray Derringer was a cheap, compact firearm, but its usability left much to be desired. The stiff trigger, awkward controls, and uncomfortable grip made it unpleasant to shoot. Add in poor accuracy and it quickly lost appeal.
Many owners picked one up as a novelty or backup but found it wasn’t practical in any real-world scenario. It ended up more frustrating than fun, and resale was usually the next step. The Cobray Derringer is a common example of a gun people don’t keep around long.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
