If you’ve ever burned through a box of ammo and still couldn’t get your rifle to group, you know the kind of guns we’re talking about. Some rifles fight you from the first shot—wandering zero, barrel heat shift, or an overall design that’s never been known for precision. You can change optics, swap loads, and even re-torque everything, but these models have a way of keeping you chasing accuracy no matter how much you tweak.
Winchester 770
The Winchester 7700 never gained much traction, and part of the reason is its spotty accuracy. Even with solid optics and good ammo, groups tend to open up past 100 yards. The factory trigger isn’t great, and the action can feel rough compared to other bolt guns in its class. Some rifles shoot better than others, but the inconsistency is the problem—you never know which one you’re getting. If you’re expecting a tack driver out of the box, this one will keep you guessing.
Remington 742 Woodsmaster
The Remington 742 earned a reputation for feeding issues, but accuracy complaints weren’t far behind. Its semi-auto design, while smooth-shooting, isn’t known for stacking tight groups, especially after the barrel warms. Over time, wear in the bolt rails can make accuracy worse. Even with a fresh scope and premium ammo, you’ll be chasing a zero that likes to wander. Many hunters moved on to bolt actions simply because they wanted something they could count on past the first couple of shots.
FN FAL (Surplus Builds)
The FN FAL has a long military history, but surplus or parts-kit builds are notorious for mediocre accuracy. Looser tolerances make it reliable, but that same design means 3–4 inch groups at 100 yards are common. You can fine-tune gas settings and handload, but you’ll rarely get precision rifle performance. It’s built for durability in harsh conditions, not punching tight clusters in paper. For hunting or precision work, it’s more of a challenge than most are willing to take on.
Weatherby Vanguard Series 1
The first-generation Weatherby Vanguard isn’t a bad rifle, but it was hit-or-miss in the accuracy department. Some shot sub-MOA with the right load, but others never got there no matter what you fed them. The factory trigger on early models was heavier than most shooters liked, and barrel heating could push shots off target. The later Series 2 models solved much of this, but if you’ve got an original, you may find yourself constantly chasing that “perfect” load.
M1A Standard Model
Springfield’s M1A is loved for its heritage, but the standard model is no precision rifle. Even with match ammo, it often struggles to match the accuracy of bolt guns in the same price range. The design is battle-ready, not benchrest-focused, and groups can open quickly as the barrel heats. For general shooting and practical accuracy, it’s fine. But if you’re trying to shrink those groups under an inch, you’ll find yourself adjusting optics and loads far more than you’d like.
CZ 550 Safari Magnum
While the CZ 550 Safari Magnum is rock-solid for dangerous game, it’s not built for precision shooting. The heavy recoil, iron sights, and thick barrel profile favor reliability over small groups. Even with a good optic, the rifle’s big calibers aren’t exactly forgiving when it comes to shooter error. Past 200 yards, it’s harder to maintain tight groupings, and most owners accept that. It’s made for close-range stopping power, not precision work, so you’ll be chasing accuracy if that’s your goal.
Ruger American Predator (Early Runs)
Later models of the Ruger American Predator have improved, but early runs were known for inconsistent accuracy. The factory stock could flex enough to touch the barrel under sling pressure, and the triggers weren’t as crisp as they could be. While some rifles shot well, others required bedding, trigger work, and careful load selection to keep groups under control. For the price, it’s still a solid option, but without upgrades, the early models could keep you fighting for a repeatable zero.
IWI Galil ACE
The Galil ACE has modern updates, but its accuracy is still more in line with AK-pattern rifles than precision ARs. Group sizes of 3–4 inches at 100 yards are normal, even with quality ammo. The heavy piston system, short sight radius (on iron sight models), and military heritage all lean toward reliability first. You can mount optics and tighten things up a little, but if you’re looking for match-grade precision, you’ll find yourself chasing groups that don’t want to stay small.
Henry Long Ranger
The Henry Long Ranger is a great lever-action concept with a detachable box magazine, but accuracy can be inconsistent. Barrel heating and the design’s natural limitations mean groups tend to open up on longer strings. Even with a good scope, you may see fliers that don’t match your point of aim. For hunting inside 200 yards, it works fine, but stretching it farther often leads to more frustration than success. It’s more about utility than precision.
PTR 91
The PTR 91, a U.S.-made HK91 clone, is known for ruggedness but not benchrest performance. The heavy roller-delayed system is reliable in harsh environments, yet 2–3 MOA is about the best you can expect without significant tuning. Barrel heat and surplus ammo can push that higher. Even with a match barrel, the trigger and ergonomics make precision work tough. You can improve it with upgrades, but right out of the box, it’s a rifle that’ll keep you working for every inch of accuracy.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
