Cold weather hunts reveal which rifles can hang and which ones choke when things get tough. It’s frustrating to fight a frozen bolt or weak primer strikes when the temperature drops. Some rifles seem fine in mild weather but start failing when snow and ice show up. If you hunt in northern climates or mountain country, it pays to know which rifles have a reputation for cold-weather failures. Here are thirteen rifles that too many hunters have seen turn into a headache when the mercury dips.
Remington 770
The Remington 770 is known for rough bolts even in good conditions, but cold weather makes it worse. The cheap bolt assembly can seize up with ice buildup, making fast follow-up shots tough. The plastic stock doesn’t help either, getting brittle in low temperatures. Many hunters who tried this rifle in cold climates found themselves fighting the action when they needed it most. It’s affordable, but in cold weather, you’re often left frustrated.
Savage Axis XP
The Savage Axis XP gets praise for value but struggles with cold-weather consistency. The factory scope tends to fog easily, and the bolt can feel sticky when the grease thickens in freezing temps. Multiple reports mention extraction failures when snow and slush start creeping in. While it’s a fine starter rifle in warmer months, winter hunts often show its weak points, especially with minimal maintenance in rough weather.
Ruger American Rimfire
The Ruger American Rimfire is handy for small game, but cold weather exposes a few flaws. The bolt gets sluggish with moisture, and the trigger doesn’t always break clean after freezing rain. Add in stiff polymer magazines that don’t always seat well when frozen, and it turns frustrating fast. If you’re out chasing rabbits or squirrels in winter, don’t be surprised if the cold slows this one down.
Winchester XPR
Winchester’s XPR looks the part but often struggles in below-freezing hunts. Owners report that the trigger gets inconsistent when wet and icy, with misfires cropping up more than they should. The bolt, while smooth in good weather, develops drag in extreme cold, especially when factory lubricants stiffen. For those who hunt in snow-covered backcountry, it’s a rifle that’s earned mixed reviews in harsh conditions.
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin Model 60 is a plinker favorite, but winter causes big headaches. The semi-auto action is known for jamming when moisture freezes inside, and rimfire ammo becomes unreliable in the cold. Cycling the bolt manually often doesn’t help, since it sticks after a few rounds. If you’re targeting small game during frigid months, the Model 60 is a gamble more than a dependable choice.
Mossberg Patriot
The Mossberg Patriot offers good features for the price, but its cold-weather performance leaves something to be desired. The bolt can become stiff after snow exposure, and stock flex is noticeable in freezing temperatures. Cold conditions often reveal small machining imperfections that go unnoticed otherwise. Hunters report an uptick in misfires and feeding issues when temperatures plummet, making it a frustrating rifle for late-season hunts.
Remington 710
The Remington 710 had a rough reputation from the start, and it gets worse in winter. The action, already rough, can freeze up completely if snow or ice gets inside. Magazine fitment also becomes inconsistent, with feeding issues common in frigid temps. Many hunters abandoned this rifle after seeing how poorly it handled in the cold, opting for more reliable setups when winter hunts rolled around.
Henry Classic Lever Action .22
While Henry lever actions usually run smooth, the Classic .22 model often chokes in cold weather. Ice buildup around the hammer and trigger guard can lock up the action. The tubular magazine can also freeze shut, making reloads a hassle. Even light snow can cause gumming in the action after a few hours outside. Small game hunters in winter quickly notice how this fun little rifle struggles in the cold.
Browning AB3
The Browning AB3 offers nice accuracy for the price but shows weakness in cold-weather hunts. The bolt can get sticky after a few snow drifts, and moisture often affects cycling speed. Hunters have reported frost buildup in the trigger housing, causing light strikes and inconsistent ignition. While it’s a nice budget option on the range, it’s not the rifle you want when the temperatures drop below zero.
Rossi RS22
Rossi’s RS22 is another semi-auto rimfire that doesn’t love winter weather. Cold conditions often lead to failures to eject, and the bolt can seize when rimfire ammo starts to underperform in freezing temps. The magazine can also develop frost-related fitting problems. While it’s fine for backyard shooting in warm months, it’s not the rimfire you want in the truck when snow covers the ground.
Remington 597
The Remington 597 already had reliability concerns, and cold weather only makes them worse. Cycling becomes inconsistent, the trigger feels mushy, and frozen magazines lead to constant stoppages. Rimfire ammo also doesn’t do the rifle any favors in winter conditions. Many users report abandoning the 597 after a few miserable cold-weather trips, favoring more reliable platforms for icy hunts.
Thompson/Center Compass
The Compass came in as an affordable bolt gun but disappointed some hunters in cold-weather hunts. Reports of bolt binding, inconsistent accuracy in frigid temps, and factory scope mounts losing zero aren’t uncommon. Even with pre-hunt cleaning, many found it prone to freezing issues after snow exposure. For high-elevation and late-season trips, the Compass sometimes leaves hunters wishing they’d picked a more cold-resistant option.
Remington Nylon 66
The Nylon 66 is a classic, but winter reveals some rough spots. While the nylon stock doesn’t swell, the action tends to gum up after exposure to snow and ice. The blowback design doesn’t like freezing rain, and misfires happen more often than expected. It’s a fun nostalgic rifle, but for serious small-game trips in winter, many hunters leave it at home in favor of something more rugged.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
