Every hunter has seen them—the rifles that gather dust in pawn shop racks, marked down again and again, because no one really wants to carry them into the field. These guns often look fine on the surface, sometimes even carrying recognizable names, but their track records tell a different story. They’re plagued by poor accuracy, rough actions, unreliable feeding, or simply a reputation that kills confidence. The truth is, some rifles are better left as bargains for collectors or range curiosities than trusted companions in the woods. If you’re serious about putting meat in the freezer, these rifles aren’t the ones you’ll want in your blind.
Mossberg Blaze
The Mossberg Blaze was intended as a lightweight, affordable .22 LR, but it earned a reputation for being unreliable and flimsy. Feeding problems show up often, especially with bulk ammunition, and accuracy doesn’t compare well to other rimfire options. In a world where Ruger and Marlin rimfires dominate, the Blaze feels like an afterthought.
Its plastic-heavy build leaves most owners unimpressed, and many complain about durability over time. For new shooters expecting a dependable plinker, it often becomes a source of frustration. That’s why pawn shops are full of them—people trade them in for rifles that simply work better. While it may be good enough for casual backyard shooting, it’s not the kind of gun you’ll want to rely on for small game hunting. The Blaze highlights the difference between a rifle that looks affordable upfront and one that earns its keep season after season. This one falls into the first category, not the second.
Remington 742 Woodsmaster
The Remington 742 Woodsmaster sold well when it was introduced, but its long-term track record is what lands it in pawn shops today. The semi-auto action is prone to wearing out, with the receiver rails developing grooves that make cycling unreliable. Once that happens, the rifle is practically unrepairable, which is why many gunsmiths won’t even take them in.
Feeding and extraction problems are common, and while the rifle looks good on the surface, owners often find themselves dealing with more malfunctions than they can tolerate. For hunters who need reliability in the field, the 742 doesn’t inspire confidence. Many of them end up being traded off when the problems outweigh the nostalgia. You’ll see plenty of them sitting in racks, often at low prices, but there’s a reason they’ve been there for months. The Woodsmaster might look like a classic, but in practice, it’s a rifle that belongs in a pawn shop rather than a deer blind.
Century Arms C308
Century Arms’ C308 is supposed to be a budget version of the HK G3, but quality control issues make it a frequent pawn shop item. Many of these rifles suffer from misaligned sights, rough finishing, and reliability problems that frustrate owners. Feeding issues are a common complaint, especially when paired with surplus magazines that don’t always fit right.
On paper, it seems like a great deal: a battle rifle design at an affordable price. In reality, the performance is hit-or-miss, with some rifles running okay and others constantly jamming. That inconsistency means many hunters who picked one up for fun quickly lost interest and traded them in. The C308 is a reminder that not all clones live up to the originals, and this one has a reputation for letting shooters down. For hunting, where dependability is everything, it’s better to leave these rifles where you often see them—lined up in pawn shops waiting for the next bargain hunter.
Marlin Model 995
The Marlin Model 995 is another rimfire that shows up in pawn shops more often than blinds. While Marlin has a good reputation overall, this semi-auto .22 LR just never delivered consistent reliability. Feeding problems and frequent jams are the main issues, making it frustrating for new shooters who expected better.
Accuracy isn’t terrible when the rifle does function, but reliability is where most owners draw the line. Compared to the Ruger 10/22, which has earned a loyal following, the 995 feels rough and underwhelming. It never gained much aftermarket support, which further limited its appeal. Many who started with one ended up moving on to more dependable rimfires, leaving their 995s to be traded or sold. That’s why pawn shops are often the final stop for these rifles. It’s a gun that could have been decent, but instead it left most owners disappointed and looking for something they could trust more in the field.
Remington 597
The Remington 597 was introduced to compete with the Ruger 10/22, but it never came close to dethroning it. Early magazines were notoriously bad, causing frequent feeding problems, and even later versions struggled with reliability. Owners often found themselves dealing with jams or inconsistent performance no matter what ammo they used.
Accuracy was decent when the rifle ran right, but the constant headaches overshadowed that potential. Without aftermarket support and with a reputation that soured quickly, many 597s ended up being traded away. Today, they’re a common sight in pawn shops, usually sitting at low prices with little demand. For hunters or shooters who expect a rimfire to run smoothly, the 597 simply didn’t deliver. It’s a rifle that reminds you that a recognizable name on the receiver doesn’t guarantee success. In this case, the flaws outweighed the strengths, making it more of a disappointment than a dependable hunting partner.
Rossi RS22
The Rossi RS22 is often marketed as a budget alternative for those looking for an entry-level .22, but it rarely lives up to expectations. Feeding issues show up frequently, especially with hollow points, and the rifle’s lightweight plastic build feels cheap in the hands. Accuracy can be inconsistent, frustrating hunters who expect better even from an affordable rimfire.
For many owners, the RS22 quickly loses its appeal, leading to trades and pawn shop appearances. While it can function as a backyard plinker, it doesn’t earn the trust needed to carry into the field. When compared to established rifles like the Marlin Model 60 or Ruger 10/22, it’s clear the RS22 falls short. That’s why pawn shops are full of them—hunters realize quickly that saving a little money upfront often means sacrificing reliability. The RS22 is a reminder that not all budget rifles deliver long-term value, and this one has proven it the hard way.
Savage Axis (First Generation)
The first-generation Savage Axis seemed like a good deal on the surface, but most new owners found it disappointing once they used it. The heavy, gritty trigger, flimsy stock, and clunky bolt throw made it feel awkward compared to other rifles in its class. Accuracy could be acceptable, but it wasn’t consistent enough to inspire confidence.
Many of these rifles were sold as budget hunting options, but once hunters compared them to competitors like the Ruger American, they often traded the Axis in. Later versions improved with better triggers and stock designs, but the early models remain a letdown. That’s why they show up in pawn shops so frequently—they simply didn’t hold onto their owners for long. A hunting rifle should inspire trust, and the first-generation Axis often did the opposite. For many hunters, it’s the kind of rifle they wouldn’t take back into the woods once they’d experienced its shortcomings firsthand.
Winchester XPR
The Winchester XPR was marketed as a budget-friendly way to get into a rifle with the Winchester name, but expectations and reality didn’t line up. The rifle’s build feels cheap, with plastic parts that turn hunters off immediately. The bolt is serviceable but lacks the refinement associated with the Winchester legacy, and accuracy, while workable, doesn’t stand out.
Feeding issues with the detachable magazine are another frequent complaint, adding to the rifle’s lackluster reputation. Many hunters who wanted the pride of carrying a Winchester ended up disappointed, and those rifles often found their way into pawn shops. The XPR shows how a recognizable name isn’t enough if the performance doesn’t measure up. For those expecting the smooth handling and quality tied to the Model 70, the XPR feels like a major step down. It’s a rifle that proves branding alone can’t carry a product when the execution leaves hunters dissatisfied.
Remington 770
The Remington 770 has become a regular in pawn shop racks for good reason. It was marketed as a budget-friendly hunting rifle, but most owners find themselves disappointed quickly. The bolt feels sticky, the action is rough, and the magazines are notorious for causing feeding issues. Accuracy is inconsistent, which is a dealbreaker when you’re trying to build confidence in a hunting rifle.
Many hunters who started with a 770 end up upgrading within a season, leaving the 770 to make its way into secondhand racks. Even though it carries the Remington name, it feels more like a cost-cutting project than a serious tool. It’s not uncommon to find these rifles heavily discounted, and that alone says a lot about how they’re viewed. If you’re looking for a rifle that inspires confidence in the woods, this isn’t the one. The 770 is better left where you usually find it—sitting on pawn shop shelves.
Charter Arms Explorer II
The Charter Arms Explorer II, based on the AR-7 survival rifle, often ends up in pawn shops because it simply doesn’t deliver in real hunting use. Feeding problems with .22 LR are common, and the pistol-like design feels awkward for accurate shooting. The novelty factor wears off quickly once owners realize how inconsistent it is in practice.
While it has some historical curiosity, it’s not a rifle you’d want in your blind when it matters. Accuracy is mediocre, the ergonomics are strange, and reliability is lacking. For many who bought one expecting a unique small game or survival tool, disappointment set in quickly. That’s why these rifles pop up in pawn racks often—they don’t hold value, and they don’t live up to expectations. The Explorer II is better off as a collector’s oddity than something you’d carry into the woods, and most hunters who’ve used one will tell you the same.
Remington 783
The Remington 783 was supposed to fix the problems of the 770, but it still leaves many hunters cold. While the action is smoother, the rifle feels uninspired overall. The stock is flimsy, the trigger is mediocre, and accuracy is only adequate compared to other budget rifles on the market.
For many new owners, it didn’t feel like an upgrade so much as another compromise. When compared side by side with rifles like the Savage Axis (later generations) or Ruger American, the 783 rarely comes out on top. That’s why they often end up traded in after only a short time. You’ll find plenty in pawn shops, usually priced low, but their reputation keeps them from moving fast. It’s another case of Remington missing the mark in the budget hunting rifle category, and hunters know it. The 783 might look serviceable, but in practice, it rarely earns a spot in anyone’s blind.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
