Rifles That Refuse to Stay Sighted In
You’ve sighted it in, torqued the mounts, and double-checked everything—but some rifles still can’t hold zero. Whether it’s flex in the stock, questionable fitment, or poor machining, these rifles have a habit of drifting. If you’ve spent more time chasing groups than hitting them, these might look familiar.
Remington 770
This rifle shows up often in budget setups, but many regret the decision. The factory scope mounts tend to loosen, and accuracy isn’t exactly consistent.
Even with upgrades, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the rifle just doesn’t want to cooperate past 100 yards.
Century Arms C308
Century’s C308 looks tough, but holding zero can be a battle. Loose rails and inconsistent bolt lockup don’t help.
It may look like a clone of the G3, but keeping your rounds on paper can feel like rolling dice every range trip.
Mossberg MVP Patrol
The MVP Patrol tries to be versatile but doesn’t always deliver on accuracy. Between the flexy synthetic stock and shifting bases, the zero tends to wander.
If you’re relying on repeatable shots past 200 yards, expect some frustrating surprises.
Kel-Tec SU-16
It’s lightweight and handy, but the SU-16 isn’t built for precision. The plastic upper can flex just enough to knock your optic off target.
Group one might look okay. Group two? Not so much. Not ideal if consistency is your goal.
Ruger American Rimfire
Lots of shooters love Ruger’s rimfires, but some struggle with shifting zeros. The stock can flex, and scope rings tend to walk after a few outings.
It’s a good plinker, but if you’re chasing tight groups, you might spend more time tweaking than shooting.
Winchester Wildcat
This one’s fun and light, but it doesn’t always hold zero well. The plastic rail and loose tolerances make it tough to rely on for anything beyond backyard plinking.
You’ll notice the point of impact change if you even bump the optic wrong.
Remington Model 710
The Model 710 didn’t stick around for long. The factory scope setup was part of the problem—mounts often came loose, and the rifle never really inspired confidence.
Even after tightening things down, the overall build quality leaves a lot to be desired.
Browning AB3
The AB3 is accurate—when it stays that way. Several users have reported issues with the stock shifting or screws loosening under recoil.
If you don’t recheck your mounts often, you might find your groups drifting with each outing.
Savage Axis
Affordable, yes. Reliable zero? Not always. The factory scope package on early Axis rifles often comes loose, and the flexible stock can shift zero if rested unevenly.
It’s a great entry-level gun—but you may need some tweaks to get it to hold steady.
Remington 742 Woodsmaster
Older 742s are classics, but they’re known for wear that affects accuracy. Bolt slop and worn locking lugs can slowly ruin your zero.
It may hit close at 50 yards, but try pushing farther and things can get unpredictable—especially with aging parts.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
