Some guns sound great on paper, but the reality hits hard once you start shooting them. They might feel awkward, have more recoil than you expected, or fail in ways you didn’t see coming. Sometimes it’s an issue with the trigger or sights, other times it’s flat-out reliability. If a gun doesn’t earn its place in your lineup, you won’t hesitate to put it on the chopping block. These are the ones that have a habit of getting traded off fast—because they don’t live up to what you need in the field or at the range.
Taurus Spectrum
The Taurus Spectrum tries to be a pocket pistol with style, but its performance leaves a lot to be desired. The trigger is long and mushy, making accurate shooting a chore. The ergonomics aren’t great for larger hands, and the sights are tiny enough to slow you down in low light. While it’s easy to conceal, you’ll likely find yourself frustrated at the range. Many owners end up trading it in for something that’s easier to shoot well and feels more solid in the hand.
Remington R51
The Remington R51 came back with a lot of buzz, but it never truly recovered from its early problems. Cycling issues, awkward ergonomics, and a heavy recoil spring make it less than pleasant to run. While later versions tried to improve reliability, the reputation stuck. The grip shape can feel odd, and reassembly isn’t as intuitive as it should be. Even if you get one that runs right, you might still be tempted to move it along for a gun that’s easier to shoot and maintain.
KelTec PF-9
The KelTec PF-9 was one of the thinnest 9mm pistols on the market for a while, but that comes at a price. The recoil is sharp for such a small gun, and the long, heavy trigger pull doesn’t do accuracy any favors. The build feels lightweight in a way that can come across as cheap. It’ll work for deep concealment, but you might find it uncomfortable for extended practice. Many shooters quickly swap it out for something with better shootability and a more confidence-inspiring feel.
Ruger LC9
The Ruger LC9 is reliable enough, but the trigger is notoriously long and heavy. It’s slim and easy to carry, but that doesn’t matter much if you struggle to shoot it accurately. The sights are small and basic, making precision even harder. Ruger eventually released improved versions with better triggers, which says a lot about the original’s shortcomings. While it serves its purpose, most people end up trading it for something more enjoyable to run at the range and more confidence-inspiring in a defensive role.
Smith & Wesson Sigma
The Sigma series is known for having one of the heaviest triggers in a striker-fired pistol. While it’s durable and generally reliable, that trigger makes shooting accurately a real challenge. The grip angle is fine, but the overall feel is dated compared to modern options. Many owners end up replacing it with something that has a smoother pull and a better shooting experience overall. Even though it’s affordable, you’ll likely be happier with an upgrade in both feel and performance.
Hi-Point C9
The Hi-Point C9 is often bought as an inexpensive entry into 9mm, but its size and weight make it less than ideal for carry. The blowback design adds more felt recoil than you’d expect from such a heavy gun. The bulky slide and crude finish don’t help its case either. While it can be reliable in some hands, the shooting experience feels clunky compared to most other options. It’s not uncommon for owners to sell or trade it once they’ve saved for something more refined.
Remington RP9
The RP9 aimed to be a budget-friendly full-size 9mm, but the execution fell short. The grip feels overly large for many shooters, and the trigger is spongy with an inconsistent break. Reliability issues have been reported, especially during high round counts. The aftermarket support is minimal, leaving you with few customization options. Most people who buy one end up moving on to something that fits better, shoots cleaner, and offers more confidence when it matters.
SCCY CPX-2
The SCCY CPX-2 offers an affordable, compact 9mm option, but the double-action-only trigger is long and heavy. That can make accurate follow-up shots more difficult. The lightweight frame also means you’ll feel more recoil than you’d expect. While some appreciate the low price point, others find that it’s not worth holding onto long term. Many owners eventually trade it for a compact pistol with a smoother trigger and better recoil control for regular carry.
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico is slim, snag-free, and easy to conceal, but its tiny controls and stiff slide make it frustrating for many shooters. The sights are small, and while the gun’s size is great for deep concealment, it’s not the most enjoyable to shoot. The trigger is heavy for such a small pistol, and that alone is enough for some people to let it go. If you want something in this size range, there are other options that balance concealability and shootability better.
Jimenez Arms JA Nine
The Jimenez Arms JA Nine is one of the cheapest 9mm pistols you can buy, but you get what you pay for. It’s bulky for its capacity, and the reliability is questionable in high round counts. The trigger is gritty, and the finish wears quickly. Many buyers pick it up for the low price and quickly realize it’s not something they want to depend on. Trading it in for a more proven platform is common, especially once you’ve handled better-built handguns.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
