Some rifles tease you with a tight cluster on that first range trip, then fall apart when you try to repeat it. Barrel heating, poor bedding, or sloppy machining can turn what looks like a capable gun into a frustrating one. These rifles end up with reputations for being “accurate only once”—delivering a single promising group before drifting, stringing, or scattering shots. If you’ve ever chased consistency from one of these models, you know how short-lived that first bit of hope can be.
Remington 742 Woodsmaster
The Remington 742 often looked good for one group, then quickly lost accuracy as the barrel heated. Many owners noticed it would put a few rounds together before opening up into wide patterns. Wear on the bolt and receiver also added inconsistency over time.
Hunters frustrated with its tendency to jam or drift often retired it after a short period. While it remains a recognizable rifle, its accuracy reputation has always been shaky. It’s remembered more for problems than for precision in the field.
Ruger Mini-14 (early models)
The early Ruger Mini-14 rifles were notorious for inconsistent accuracy. Some owners could get one tight group, but repeatability was rare. Barrels were thin and prone to heating fast, leading to significant stringing after just a few shots.
While newer models have improved, the originals often left shooters scratching their heads. A first target might look promising, but follow-ups spread all over. For many, it became more of a short-range utility rifle than anything resembling a precision tool. The inconsistency defined its reputation.
Winchester 100
The Winchester 100 semi-auto had its fans, but accuracy was never consistent. Shooters sometimes managed a decent group early on, only to watch performance degrade as heat built up or cycling wore on. Barrel whip and design quirks made repeatable precision elusive.
It could handle hunting ranges in the right conditions, but calling it accurate beyond that was a stretch. Owners often grew tired of chasing better results and moved on. The Winchester 100 carried charm, but dependable accuracy wasn’t its strong suit.
Century Arms C91 (HK91 clone)
Century Arms’ C91 rifles, built as clones of the HK91, often left shooters disappointed with accuracy. Some examples would give a decent group once, but many showed erratic performance afterward. Rough machining and inconsistent builds hurt repeatability.
While the platform itself is capable, the C91’s quality control problems made it unpredictable. Barrel alignment and fit weren’t always right, and it showed downrange. Owners who expected HK-like accuracy often felt misled. Many of these rifles ended up sold off after frustrating range trips.
Remington 770
The Remington 770 came marketed as a budget hunting rifle, but accuracy beyond the first few groups was disappointing. The stock flexed, bedding was poor, and the overall build quality made it hard to maintain precision.
While a brand-new barrel and cold shots sometimes printed well, it rarely lasted. Many hunters quickly upgraded, frustrated with wandering groups and inconsistent results. It earned a reputation as a starter rifle that didn’t grow with its owner. For repeat accuracy, the 770 often failed to deliver.
Norinco SKS Copies
While SKS rifles in general are serviceable, some Norinco variants were notorious for erratic accuracy. A cold barrel might give a fair group, but sustained fire spread shots noticeably. Loose tolerances and varying barrel quality added to the issue.
Owners looking for repeatable precision found themselves frustrated. At best, these rifles worked for close-range plinking or rough hunting use, but consistency was never their strength. For those expecting accuracy beyond that first decent group, disappointment usually followed. The inconsistency kept them from being trusted precision tools.
Armalite AR-7 Survival Rifle
The AR-7 was designed as a packable survival rifle, not a precision piece. Many owners found that it might give a tight group once, but follow-ups opened up fast. Lightweight construction and a loose-fitting stock assembly made accuracy hard to repeat.
Wind, weather, and even how the stock fit together could change point of impact. Shooters who tried to rely on it for consistent target work quickly realized its limits. While handy to carry, it was never built to shoot straight group after group.
Century Arms WASR-10
The WASR-10 is an AK variant known more for durability than accuracy. Some rifles would give a surprisingly tight group when cold, but repeatability was rare. Barrel heating and loose tolerances made consistency tough to maintain.
For many shooters, it became clear the rifle was best kept at short ranges. Those who expected accuracy beyond that were often disappointed. While reliable mechanically, its tendency to scatter after the first promising shots gave it a reputation for being serviceable but not precise.
Remington 597 (early production)
The Remington 597 in its early production runs suffered from inconsistent magazines and feeding issues that impacted accuracy. Some shooters managed a tight group, but it often fell apart as reliability issues showed up.
Stock flex and questionable barrel quality in some models added to the inconsistency. Later versions improved, but the early ones left many owners unimpressed. It was a rifle that teased accuracy without ever delivering it consistently. For those who bought early, selling it off wasn’t uncommon.
MAS 49/56 (with bad conversions)
The MAS 49/56 in original French military configuration could be accurate, but many rifles were poorly converted to 7.62 NATO for the U.S. market. Those conversions often destroyed accuracy. Some would group well once, but repeatability was poor.
Gas system and chamber issues made them unreliable and inconsistent in performance. Shooters who expected a solid surplus rifle found themselves frustrated. In its original form, it was capable, but the conversions ruined reputations. Many ended up being sold quickly after disappointing range days.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
