15 Guns That Missed the Mark for Their Owners

Guns have long been a contentious topic in America, with passionate advocates on both sides of the debate. As of 2023, firearm ownership remains a significant aspect of American culture, with recent surveys indicating that 32% of U.S. adults personally own a gun.¹ 

Despite a slight decline in gun purchases since the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans still bought 5.5 million firearms in the first four months of 2024 alone.² However, not all gun purchases lead to satisfaction. Some firearms, despite their initial appeal, leave owners with a sense of regret.

Here are 15 guns that usually result in buyer’s remorse.

1. Taurus PT111 Millennium

This compact 9mm pistol has gained notoriety for its reliability issues and potential safety concerns. Numerous reports of accidental discharges have surfaced, leading to recalls and legal troubles for the manufacturer.

Despite its affordable price point, the PT111 Millennium’s quality control problems have left many owners feeling shortchanged. Some users have experienced frequent malfunctions, including failure to feed and extract, making it an unreliable choice for self-defense.

The gun’s poor reputation has significantly impacted its resale value, leaving owners with limited options for recouping their investment.

2. Hi-Point C9

The Hi-Point C9 is often criticized for its unappealing aesthetics and bulky design. This budget-friendly 9mm pistol is known for its heavy weight and awkward ergonomics, making it uncomfortable to shoot and carry.

Many owners find themselves regretting the purchase due to its limited practical use.

While the C9 is praised for its durability, its poor accuracy and clunky operation overshadow this positive attribute. The pistol’s low-capacity magazine and difficult-to-rack slide further contribute to user dissatisfaction.

Despite its low price, many gun enthusiasts argue that investing in a higher-quality firearm would provide better value and performance in the long run.

3. Remington R51

The Remington R51 was highly anticipated but quickly became a disappointment for many buyers. This compact 9mm pistol was plagued with reliability issues upon its initial release, leading to a recall and redesign.

Even after the relaunch, many users reported persistent problems with feeding and extraction.

The R51’s unique delayed blowback system, while innovative, proved to be finicky and prone to malfunctions. Its tight tolerances and sensitive design made it less forgiving of different ammunition types, further frustrating owners.

The gun’s troubled history and ongoing reliability concerns have significantly diminished its appeal, leaving many purchasers wishing they had chosen a more proven design.

4. Sig Sauer P365

Early production models were plagued with various issues, including premature striker wear and light primer strikes. These problems led to reliability concerns and a loss of confidence among some users.

While Sig Sauer has addressed many of these issues in later production runs, the initial negative experiences have soured some gun owners on the P365. Additionally, some users find the pistol’s compact size challenging to shoot comfortably, especially during extended-range sessions.

The P365’s high price point has also disappointed those who expected flawless performance from a premium brand.

5. Kel-Tec SUB-2000

The Kel-Tec SUB-2000 is a folding carbine that has left many owners feeling underwhelmed. While its compact folding design is innovative, the gun’s build quality and reliability have been frequent points of criticism.

Many users report issues with the sights, charging handle, and overall durability of the firearm.

The SUB-2000’s ergonomics are another source of disappointment for some owners. The stock design can be uncomfortable for extended shooting sessions, and the sight picture is often described as less than ideal.

While the concept of a folding 9mm carbine is appealing, many owners find that the execution falls short of their expectations, leading to regret over the purchase.

6. Remington 887 Nitro Mag

This pump-action shotgun was marketed as an innovative design with its polymer-coated receiver and barrel. However, many users have reported reliability issues, including problems with the action and feeding mechanisms.

The 887’s unconventional design has also made it challenging to find aftermarket parts and accessories, limiting customization options. Some owners have experienced issues with the polymer coating chipping or wearing prematurely, detracting from the gun’s durability claims.

These factors, combined with the discontinuation of the model, have left many owners regretting their purchase and struggling to find support for their firearm.

7. Taurus Judge

The Taurus Judge, a revolver capable of firing both .45 Long Colt and .410 shotgun shells, has been a controversial firearm. While its versatility seems appealing, many owners find its practical applications limited.

The Judge’s poor accuracy with .45 LC rounds and limited effectiveness of .410 shells for self-defense have led to disappointment.

The revolver’s large size and heavy weight make it impractical for concealed carry, further limiting its usefulness. Additionally, the high cost of ammunition, particularly .410 shells, can make regular practice prohibitively expensive.

Many owners find that the novelty of the Judge wears off quickly, leaving them with a firearm that doesn’t excel in any particular role.

8. Remington R1 1911

The Remington R1 1911 has left many enthusiasts disappointed, especially those expecting the quality associated with the Remington name. This 1911-style pistol has been criticized for its poor fit and finish, with many owners reporting issues with the slide-to-frame fit and overall build quality.

Accuracy problems have also been a common complaint among R1 owners. Some users have experienced reliability issues, particularly with feeding and extraction, which are crucial for a defensive firearm.

The lackluster performance, combined with stiff competition in the 1911 market, has led many buyers to regret choosing the R1 over more established 1911 manufacturers.

9. Chiappa Rhino

While innovative, the Rhino’s complex mechanism has led to reliability issues for some users. The unconventional design can also make maintenance and repair challenging, often requiring specialized knowledge.

The Rhino’s trigger has been a point of contention, with many owners finding it heavy and inconsistent. Additionally, the revolver’s unusual ergonomics and recoil characteristics can take significant time to master, leading to disappointment for those expecting a more traditional shooting experience.

The high price point of the Rhino further amplifies the regret when these issues arise.

10. Century Arms VSKA

The Century Arms VSKA, an American-made AK-style rifle, has been a letdown for many AK enthusiasts. Despite claims of improved materials and construction, numerous owners have reported issues with premature wear, poor build quality, and potential safety concerns.

The VSKA’s cast trunnion, a critical component, has been a particular point of worry for many users.

Accuracy and reliability problems have also plagued some VSKA owners, with reports of inconsistent performance and durability issues. The rifle’s shortcomings are particularly disappointing given the reputation and history of the AK platform.

Many buyers have expressed regret, wishing they had invested in a more reputable AK variant or saved for a higher-quality option.

11. Kimber Solo

Despite Kimber’s reputation for quality 1911s, the Solo has been plagued with reliability issues. Many users report frequent malfunctions, particularly with feeding and extraction, making it an unreliable choice for concealed carry.

The Solo’s sensitive nature regarding ammunition selection has also been a major drawback. Kimber’s specific recommendations for ammunition type and weight limit the gun’s versatility and increase operating costs.

These factors, combined with the pistol’s high price point, have led many owners to regret their purchase and seek more reliable alternatives for everyday carry.

12. Remington 770

This entry-level rifle is often criticized for its poor build quality, with many owners reporting issues with the synthetic stock, rough action, and subpar trigger. The 770’s accuracy has also been a point of contention, falling short of expectations even for a budget rifle.

Owners frequently complain about the difficulty in finding aftermarket parts and upgrades for the 770, limiting its potential for improvement. The rifle’s overall performance and durability issues have led many to regret not saving up for a higher-quality option or opting for a used rifle from a more reputable line.

13. Cobra Derringer

These small, two-shot pistols are often plagued with quality control issues, including poor fit and finish, unreliable extraction, and questionable durability. The extremely short barrel length also results in poor accuracy and limited practical range.

Safety concerns have been raised by some Cobra Derringer owners, with reports of accidental discharges and fragile safety mechanisms. The gun’s harsh recoil, especially with more powerful calibers, makes it uncomfortable to shoot and practice with regularly.

Many buyers find that the Cobra Derringer’s drawbacks far outweigh its benefits as a deep concealment or backup weapon, leading to significant purchase regret.

14. SCCY CPX Series

While attractively priced, these pistols often suffer from reliability issues, with many users reporting frequent failures to feed and extract. The heavy, long trigger pull of the CPX pistols is another common complaint, making accurate shooting challenging, especially for less experienced shooters.

Quality control has been inconsistent across the CPX line, with some owners experiencing premature wear on critical components. The pistols’ ergonomics have also been criticized, with many finding them uncomfortable to shoot for extended periods.

15. Taurus Spectrum

The Taurus Spectrum, a compact .380 ACP pistol, has disappointed many owners looking for a reliable pocket pistol. Despite its eye-catching design and color options, the Spectrum has been plagued with functionality issues.

Many users report frequent malfunctions, including failures to feed and extract, making it unreliable for self-defense purposes.

The Spectrum’s unique grip texture, while visually appealing, has been criticized for providing inadequate traction during firing. Additionally, the pistol’s tight tolerances and sensitive design have made it finicky with ammunition selection.

While firearms can be valuable tools for sport, self-defense, or collection, not all purchases live up to expectations. Thorough research and hands-on experience before making a firearm purchase are important.

What works for one person may not suit another, and even reputable brands can produce disappointing models.

Sources:

1. Pew Research Center
2. National Criminal Justice Association