There are guns that always pop up on “best of” lists. People swear by them, recommend them to every new shooter, and won’t shut up about how great they are. But let’s be honest—some of these picks are just plain overrated. I’ve handled, shot, and owned enough to know when something doesn’t live up to the hype. Here are ten guns everyone seems to love… that I personally can’t stand.
Glock 43
The Glock 43 gets pushed on every concealed carrier like it’s the end-all solution. But it just feels awkward in the hand and doesn’t shoot nearly as nice as people claim. It’s not the worst gun out there—but it’s definitely not the magic carry pistol folks make it out to be.
I’ve shot a lot of single-stack 9mms, and the Glock 43 doesn’t impress. The grip texture feels half-baked, and the slim frame can be uncomfortable over longer sessions. There are better options out there that don’t carry the same reputation baggage.
Ruger LCP II
The LCP II is small, sure—but it’s also snappy, hard to shoot well, and has a trigger that never feels quite right. Everyone talks about how easy it is to pocket carry, but that’s about where the benefits stop.
I get why folks like the idea of it, but after actually putting rounds through one, it’s not something I’d recommend to anyone unless they absolutely needed the tiniest option possible. Accuracy and comfort just aren’t there.
Taurus G3c
People rave about the G3c because it’s budget-friendly and checks a lot of boxes on paper. But it still feels like a cheap gun when you shoot it. The trigger has too much take-up, and the finish wears faster than it should.
Even though Taurus has come a long way, the G3c still reminds me of the company’s rougher days. It might be “good for the money,” but that doesn’t mean it’s actually good.
SIG P365
Before you come at me—yes, I know it changed the game. But every time I shoot one, the recoil feels sharper than it should, and the grip just doesn’t work for me. It’s top-heavy, too.
I’ve tried to like the P365, especially with all the variations they’ve released. But something about the ergonomics and snappiness has always felt off to me. I’d rather carry something a little less trendy and a little more comfortable.
KelTec Sub2000
This one gets passed around like it’s a genius backpack gun. Folds in half, takes Glock mags—sounds cool. But when you actually shoot it? The sights are awkward, the ergonomics are weird, and the trigger is awful.
I’ve shot a few versions and never walked away thinking, “Yeah, I need one of those.” It feels like a neat idea that never quite got finished.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
The Shield used to be the go-to concealed carry gun, and people still recommend it out of habit. But by today’s standards, it’s clunky. The trigger’s gritty, the reset is vague, and the grip feels like a brick.
I’ve carried a Shield, and I’ve moved on. There are better micro-compact options now that are easier to shoot and more comfortable to carry.
Desert Eagle
Sure, it looks cool in movies. But shooting one is a whole different story. It’s huge, heavy, and not remotely practical. Yet people still act like it’s the ultimate “bucket list” gun.
I’ve shot the .50 AE version, and while it’s fun for about two rounds, that novelty wears off fast. It’s a range toy at best—and not a very enjoyable one.
Remington 597
It’s cheap and available, so folks buy it up. But it’s also finicky, prone to feeding issues, and not nearly as reliable as people hope. Compared to a Ruger 10/22, it’s a mess.
I’ve owned a 597, and it never ran right. If you like clearing jams and tinkering, maybe it’s your thing—but I’ve had enough headaches with it to swear it off for good.
Springfield Hellcat
Everyone rushed to praise the Hellcat as the “P365 killer.” But the trigger leaves a lot to be desired, and the grip texture is downright painful after a few mags. It’s aggressive in all the wrong ways.
I wanted to like it, especially with that high capacity. But it just never felt good in the hand, and I found it harder to shoot consistently than it should’ve been. Not my pick for EDC.
Mossberg Maverick 88
The Maverick 88 gets suggested constantly for new shotgun owners. It’s affordable, sure—but it also feels loose, clunky, and underbuilt compared to a standard 500. Controls feel cheap, and the safety placement is annoying.
I’ve shot and owned the 88. It works, but it’s not something I’d trust for serious use. Spend a bit more, and you’ll get a lot more gun.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
