When a firearm is built for self-defense, duty use, or even hunting, reliability isn’t optional – it’s the entire point. But not every gun that hits the market lives up to the hype. Some arrive with slick designs and glowing reviews, only to disappoint when it matters most. Whether it’s feeding failures, safety issues, or the dreaded “fired without pulling the trigger” scenario, these weapons became infamous not for their features, but for their flaws.
Below is a list of 15 firearms that looked promising but ultimately failed the reliability test in one way or another. Some were recalled, others quietly faded away, but all share one thing: they couldn’t be trusted when the stakes were high.
1. Sig Sauer P320 – The Drop Fire Disaster
The Sig P320 was celebrated for its modularity and even selected as the U.S. Army’s sidearm. But things went sideways fast when reports emerged that the pistol could discharge if dropped at specific angles. This wasn’t just theoretical – there were videos, injuries, and lawsuits. Sig responded with a voluntary upgrade program, but for many, the damage was already done. A pistol firing without a trigger pull is the stuff of nightmares, and the P320 became a cautionary tale about innovation without thorough vetting.
2. Colt CBX – When the Safety Fails You
Colt’s CBX bolt-action rifle was supposed to be a new beginning in the precision shooting world. Instead, it turned into a serious safety concern. The issue? If you pulled the trigger while the safety was on, nothing would happen… until you flipped the safety off, then the gun would fire. That kind of delayed discharge could be lethal. The entire line was recalled, and rather than repair them, Colt offered full refunds or replacement revolvers. When a company decides to scrap a rifle line rather than fix it, that says a lot.
3. FN 502 Tactical – Missing Parts, Big Problems
FN is usually rock-solid, but their .22 LR FN 502 Tactical had some unfortunate reliability issues tied to its safety mechanism. Some units shipped without functioning safety levers, while others had levers so poorly installed they failed to prevent firing. These weren’t just little quirks – they were serious design and assembly problems, leading to accidental discharges. For a training gun marketed as a safe stand-in for larger calibers, this kind of issue defeats the entire purpose.
4. Winchester SXP – Fires on Its Own
Imagine racking your shotgun and it fires – without you touching the trigger. That’s exactly what happened with certain Winchester SXP models. Some variants would discharge simply when chambering a round, regardless of whether the safety was on or the trigger was touched. This malfunction was confirmed by multiple video demonstrations and led to a widespread recall. Firearms that discharge during basic handling? That’s a hard no.
5. Remington R51 – A Comeback Gone Wrong
Remington tried to revive the classic Model 51 as a modern concealed carry pistol – and failed spectacularly. The R51 was plagued with feeding, ejecting, and cycling issues. Slides wouldn’t close, mags would fall out, and some guns even fired out of battery. It felt like the firearm equivalent of a beta release – glitchy and unfinished. Despite a Gen 2 version that addressed many problems, the damage was done. The R51 tanked Remington’s credibility and became one of the most infamous modern pistol flops.
6. Savage Arms B.Mag – Bolt Meets Safety Malfunction
Savage is usually known for solid, affordable rifles, but their B.Mag in .17 WSM had a weird issue. Closing the bolt could inadvertently slide the safety into the fire position. That’s the exact opposite of what a safety is supposed to do. Even though no injuries were reported, the potential for a gun to go hot during basic handling was enough to warrant a recall and retrofit. Safety mechanisms should prevent danger, not cause it.
7. Ruger Mark IV – A Safety Trap
Ruger’s Mark IV .22 pistols were a dream to clean, thanks to a simple takedown button. But there was a hidden trap. If you pulled the trigger with the safety not fully engaged and then flipped it off, the gun could fire, even though your finger wasn’t on the trigger anymore. That’s not just dangerous – it’s misleading. Ruger offered retrofits and even gave away magazines for the trouble, but the situation left a mark on the Mark IV’s otherwise solid reputation.
8. Colt MSR – Double Tap Surprise
Colt’s modern sporting rifles had a recall-worthy issue with their hammers. Some defective models could fire a second round when the trigger was released, creating an unintentional binary effect. That’s not only unexpected but potentially illegal in some jurisdictions. Bad hammers from suppliers caused the problem, which affected several models, including some in the iconic LE6920 line. For a company with Colt’s history, this kind of quality control failure was disappointing.
9. Mossberg SA-410 – Shells Exploding in Hands
This .410 bore semi-auto shotgun from Mossberg had a frightening flaw. If a shell was released too early during loading or unloading, it could strike the bolt lock button and detonate inside the loading port. Translation: the shell could explode in your hand. Mossberg issued a recall and offered upgraded trigger groups, but the damage to confidence was real. Exploding ammo during handling is as serious as safety problems get.
10. Walther PPS M2 – Drop It, Fire It
Walther’s PPS M2 is a slim, comfortable carry gun that fell short – literally. Some units were prone to drop fires, where the gun would discharge when dropped under certain conditions. Walther issued a recall and identified the affected models by serial number, but any gun that can fire just from hitting the ground is a red flag for concealed carriers. For a self-defense weapon, that kind of vulnerability is unacceptable.
11. Winchester XPR – Safety Makes the Trigger Move
Another Winchester rifle, another unsafe safety. The XPR bolt-action rifle had a bug where flipping the safety could actually engage the trigger mechanism, resulting in unexpected firing. A rifle that fires just from being taken off safe is downright dangerous. Winchester told owners to stop using the guns immediately and replaced trigger groups on affected models. It’s a painful reminder that even companies with long histories can still make dangerous mistakes.
12. Ruger American Pistol – Cracking Slides
Ruger’s entry into the striker-fired polymer market had high hopes, but the American Pistol 9mm ended up with an embarrassing problem: the slide could crack. Locking surfaces between the barrel and slide were wearing out far too quickly – sometimes after fewer than 10,000 rounds. Structural cracks near the ejection port are more than cosmetic – they’re dangerous. Ruger offered free retrofits, but the fact that this gun had to be “retrofitted” so soon after launch wasn’t a good sign.
13. Armalite AR-10 & M15 – Accidental Doubles
Armalite’s AR rifles are typically trusted tools, but in 2016, the company recalled a number of AR-10 and M15 models due to disconnector and hammer issues. Some rifles would fire more than once per trigger pull, which can be both unsafe and potentially illegal. The issue came down to out-of-spec parts from outside suppliers. Armalite responded by offering free repairs and discounts on accessories, but this hiccup hurt the reputation of a brand once synonymous with dependable AR platforms.
14. Sig Sauer P365 – Promising, Then Problematic
When it launched, the P365 was hailed as a revolutionary concealed carry pistol. Big capacity in a tiny frame? What’s not to love? Unfortunately, early models were plagued with problems. Broken strikers, feeding failures, extraction issues, dead triggers, and malfunctioning night sights made it a reliability roulette. Later production runs improved significantly, but for a firearm designed to save lives, that first impression really stung.
15. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ – Easy to Fire Accidentally
The Shield EZ series was built for folks who wanted less effort to operate a semi-auto pistol. Unfortunately, some models had cracked hammers that could cause them to fire when chambering a round, without pulling the trigger. Others could go full-auto with a single pull. It turned out that hammers from a third-party supplier weren’t up to spec. Smith & Wesson offered free inspections and replacements, but for a gun built around safety and ease of use, this was a major embarrassment.
Trust, But Verify
Each of these firearms came from a major manufacturer. Many had clever designs, big marketing campaigns, and loyal fans. But somewhere between the engineering table and the factory floor, things went wrong. Parts didn’t fit, safeties didn’t work, or quality control slipped – and when that happens, people’s lives are at risk.
This list isn’t about trashing brands. It’s a reminder that even the biggest names make mistakes. As a consumer, always research your firearms, especially new releases. Read recall notices. Check serial numbers. And above all, test your gun before betting your life on it.
Because a gun that looks great on paper doesn’t mean much if it can’t be trusted in real life.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.