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Firearms with undeserved reputations

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BenderRodriguez
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8:43a, 4/29/26
AG
And to add one to the overrated side of the spectrum: The Kalashnikov.

I still own...several. Used to own a lot of them when ammo was cheap.

The thing that is overrated about them is the idea that they cannot fail and are ultra reliable. They are reliable, but they're not markedly more reliable than a similar quality AR.

Still one of those guns worth owning since its so common and how it makes you appreciate the differences in design philosophy and manufacturing between capitalists and communists, but their reputation is overblown.
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Eliminatus
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In reply to BenderRodriguez • 8:55a, 4/29/26
AG
There it is. Was waiting for this one to pop up. Figured you were holding a big one close to your chest when you created this thread.

I'm just here for the fallout!
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Eliminatus
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9:05a, 4/29/26
AG
Maybe not underrated by this board in particular, but in the broader gun world I do think the CZ P10 series is an incredibly underrated handgun here in America. I legitimately think they easily stack up against any of the big polymer frame makers out of the box and when you add the pricing, becomes a crazy value pick. Yet, I know so many people who are only tangentially aware they even exist. Power of advertising I guess.
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BenderRodriguez
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In reply to Eliminatus • 9:29a, 4/29/26
AG
Eliminatus said:
Maybe not underrated by this board in particular, but in the broader gun world I do think the CZ P10 series is an incredibly underrated handgun here in America. I legitimately think they easily stack up against any of the big polymer frame makers out of the box and when you add the pricing, becomes a crazy value pick. Yet, I know so many people who are only tangentially aware they even exist. Power of advertising I guess.


Funny you say that, because the P-09 (the older hammer fired polymer CZ) was on my mind as an underrated gun too.

Full size hammer fired gun that holds 19+1, is reliable, and lightweight. At one point they were selling them for under $400 which was an outrageous bargain.

I don't have any experience with the P10 line but know people who shoot and love them so I guess "CZ polymer guns" can all go into one big underrated group.
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BenderRodriguez
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In reply to Eliminatus • 9:32a, 4/29/26
AG
Eliminatus said:
There it is. Was waiting for this one to pop up. Figured you were holding a big one close to your chest when you created this thread.

I'm just here for the fallout!


Don't think anyone will get too offended by that one, I'm probably one of the biggest AK nuts here and I'll admit their reputation is overblown.

Didn't really have any big specific post or gun in mind for this one, just always interesting to see what the reputation of different things is online. Well, those that are talking about guns that are actually better or worse than their reputation and not just listing the things they personally like and dislike, anyway.
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agsalaska
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9:39a, 4/29/26
AG
Sig p239. The most underrated concealeabke handgun ever made. It was ultimately discontinued by Sig about ten or so years ago as it lost market share to the plastics.

Mine is always loaded and often carried. I really really like that gun.
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zooguy96
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9:41a, 4/29/26
AG
Meh, I got rid of all my AK's. I like my AR's much better. None of the AK's I had was that great of a shooter.

Last one I owned - something was rattling around inside it. I had never shot it or done anything. It was a Century AK.

Open it up, and there is a coin the size of a silver dollar inside. Russian face and writing - some type of commemorative coin. Came that way from wherever I bought it from (I believe online - don't remember).

Luckily, I hadn't shot it - that might have been a huge mistake.
I know a lot about a little, and a little about a lot.
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Eliminatus
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In reply to BenderRodriguez • 9:43a, 4/29/26
AG
BenderRodriguez said:
Eliminatus said:
Maybe not underrated by this board in particular, but in the broader gun world I do think the CZ P10 series is an incredibly underrated handgun here in America. I legitimately think they easily stack up against any of the big polymer frame makers out of the box and when you add the pricing, becomes a crazy value pick. Yet, I know so many people who are only tangentially aware they even exist. Power of advertising I guess.


Funny you say that, because the P-09 (the older hammer fired polymer CZ) was on my mind as an underrated gun too.

Full size hammer fired gun that holds 19+1, is reliable, and lightweight. At one point they were selling them for under $400 which was an outrageous bargain.

I don't have any experience with the P10 line but know people who shoot and love them so I guess "CZ polymer guns" can all go into one big underrated group.

Funny, as the P-07 is my favorite polymer they make. (Haven't gone hands on with a P09C yet though). I got the threaded OR version for like $415. That is just well into the shut up and take my money realm. Insane value.



I am a hammer guy for life, but even I will acknowledge they are a very niche group these days, especially in the compact/carry options so didn't list it either. That being said, I also own three P10s in various configs. Just such damn good guns.

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CS78
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In reply to BenderRodriguez • 9:46a, 4/29/26
Id say a well built AR is as good or better. Id take a crappy AK over a crappy AR. Out of the box ARs just seem to always have stuff coming loose. Its like they should all come with two bottles of lok-tite. Never forget the first time I had a castle nut come loose on an od school CAR stock in the 90s, the detent spring get messed up and next thing you know the whole gun is coming apart in your hands.

Where I feel the AK shined from the beginning and still shines today is in the round itself. Small and light enough for 30 round mags, relatively low recoil, but still has the power to shoot trough telephone poles, medium sized trees, etc.
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maverick2076
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9:47a, 4/29/26
Underrated, or maybe just overlooked: The Steyr M9 and variants. Designed by Wilhelm Bubits as an improvement on the Glock, ignored by Gaston Glock, and subsequently built by Steyr. Ridiculously low bore axis makes it a flat shooting, easily managed pistol. More ergonomic than the Glock by far. And while the triangle/trapezoidal sights are disruptive, they are the fastest and most intuitive iron sights I ever shot.

Totally agree about the M9. Its a good pistol with a bad rep based on some crappy aftermarket mags and abused service models. Yeah, its better for big hands, and the safety design is a little stupid, but its a great shooter.

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aTm2004
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9:47a, 4/29/26
AG
Beretta PX4. The biggest knock they get is most people think they're ugly, but very few of those people have actually shot one. Once they shoot it, they quickly change their mind. Recoil is very minimal and it has been 100% reliable for the ~2,000 rounds I've fired through it since I've owned it. I bought mine back in 2005, and out of the Glocks, S&Ws, and Springfields I own, the PX4 is still my favorite. Outside of my LCP, it is also the only hammer fired gun in my safe and there's just a joy with shooting it that I don't get with the others.

Now, if SHTF, I would grab my Glock only because of how common they are and the odds of finding extra mags, barrels, etc is much much higher, not because I think it's more reliable or I enjoy shooting it more.
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BenderRodriguez
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In reply to Eliminatus • 9:55a, 4/29/26
AG
Eliminatus said:

I am a hammer guy for life, but even I will acknowledge they are a very niche group these days, especially in the compact/carry options so didn't list it either.


My man. I also love a good hammer gun.

My DWX Compact would be my "if I could only have one handgun" pick.
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UTExan
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9:59a, 4/29/26
Bulgarian Makarovs: huuuuge bargain back in the day if you could find one with a good trigger.
“If you’re going to have crime it should at least be organized crime”
-Havelock Vetinari
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BenderRodriguez
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In reply to CS78 • 9:59a, 4/29/26
AG
CS78 said:
Id say a well built AR is as good or better. Id take a crappy AK over a crappy AR. Out of the box ARs just seem to always have stuff coming loose.


That is where things get interesting, choosing the best worst option.

I would take a crappy communist built AK over a crappy AR. Sights might be canted, mag fit might be loose, but it should run. The problem with crappy American AKs is that where they tend to fail is poor heat treat, bad rivets etc. You can repair/replace stuff on a crappy AR way easier than on a crappy AK as well if you're a garage level tools kind of guy.

ETA: agree that 7.62x39 is a pretty great round
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BenderRodriguez
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In reply to maverick2076 • 10:01a, 4/29/26
AG
maverick2076 said:
Underrated, or maybe just overlooked: The Steyr M9 and variants. Designed by Wilhelm Bubits as an improvement on the Glock, ignored by Gaston Glock, and subsequently built by Steyr. Ridiculously low bore axis makes it a flat shooting, easily managed pistol. More ergonomic than the Glock by far. And while the triangle/trapezoidal sights are disruptive, they are the fastest and most intuitive iron sights I ever shot.

Totally agree about the M9. Its a good pistol with a bad rep based on some crappy aftermarket mags and abused service models. Yeah, its better for big hands, and the safety design is a little stupid, but its a great shooter.



I really disliked the triangle sights on the steyr. I also dislike heine straight 8s, but that's a different story.

Size is one valid Beretta complaint, though the A3/A4s come with the vertex grips as an option which helps smaller hand shooters some.

The safety design is from another era, but you either G model it or Beretta is now making the GTS guns with the frame mounted safeties. I don't think they're selling super well, I've seen some crazy deals on them.
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BenderRodriguez
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In reply to aTm2004 • 10:04a, 4/29/26
AG
aTm2004 said:
Beretta PX4.


Heard good things, never done much with one.
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ldg397
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In reply to Eliminatus • 10:15a, 4/29/26
AG
Eliminatus said:
Cromagnum said:
Kimber 1911, any kind. Tries to look custom, has all the problems of cheap, poorly fitted 1911s.

Supposedly the QC has gotten markedly better last few years. Sadly, the last one I bought was well in their dark times. Had a custom unit design one that had to be sent back twice before I just gave up. When I first got it, I think I audibly gasped at how bad the finish was on it. Horrendous on a special order gun.

I haven't had any issues with any kimber of mine since I threw all the kimber mags in the trash and purchased replacements from wilson combat. All issues vanished.
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EliteElectric
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In reply to ldg397 • 10:29a, 4/29/26
ldg397 said:
Eliminatus said:
Cromagnum said:
Kimber 1911, any kind. Tries to look custom, has all the problems of cheap, poorly fitted 1911s.

Supposedly the QC has gotten markedly better last few years. Sadly, the last one I bought was well in their dark times. Had a custom unit design one that had to be sent back twice before I just gave up. When I first got it, I think I audibly gasped at how bad the finish was on it. Horrendous on a special order gun.

I haven't had any issues with any kimber of mine since I threw all the kimber mags in the trash and purchased replacements from wilson combat. All issues vanished.

only Kimber I own is this one in .45 and it is smooth and accurate, no buyers remorse whatsoever.

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agsalaska
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In reply to aTm2004 • 11:13a, 4/29/26
AG
I keep watching for a PX4. It's on my short list.
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zooguy96
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12:22p, 4/29/26
AG
I'd add rock Island to this list. I have a 9 mm, and a .45, and they've been flawless. The .45 is a great shooter.
I know a lot about a little, and a little about a lot.
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O.G.
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1:56p, 4/29/26
I think a lot of the "best" and "worst" lists came from the gun industry itself, back when gun magazines (the paper kind) were still a thing. Every month was the latest/greatest wizbang on the cover, followed by full page adds from those same gun companies.

Then when internet forums became a thing, it took on a whole new direction with a lot of misinformation being propogated as "knowledge".

People hang on to old ideas/information etc and will not turn loose of them.
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91AggieLawyer
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3:04p, 4/29/26
AG
I don't know if underrated is the right word, but H&K pistols, in general, don't get the love they deserve. I don't know if it is the cost (in reality, some good models aren't much higher than their competitors) or the somewhat stale model selection -- they don't make the umpteen different models Glock and other makers have. With that said, they are usually a far superior firearm to their competitors. Not only in reliability and accuracy, but features as well. My USP and VP9sk, for example, have very comfortable slide releases, unlike Glocks. Further, you can forcefully load the magazine with the slide back and the slide will release automatically. As long as you know about that and are prepared for it, that is a good thing.

I think they're a better handgun than the Glock in every way except weight. And I own 2 Glocks, having just bought another one the other day. Sometimes weight (and cost) is a big issue.
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gwellis
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10:32p, 4/29/26
AG
I freaking love my USP .40. Have had it for 30 years. It just runs, period.

Overrated, I'd say is the judge. Just too gimmicky and a ton of folks hav them that can't handle that large a round.

I also love my REM 700's in 7MM MAG and .300 RUM. Wood furniture and reliable.



Underrated round to me is the .22-250. Amazing round. I also miss the old .264 Magnum.
Gil '91
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JSKolache
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In reply to Cromagnum • 11:43p, 4/29/26
AG
Cromagnum said:
Kimber 1911, any kind. Tries to look custom, has all the problems of cheap, poorly fitted 1911s.

Thank you. I bought one and it broke first trip out. Snapped recoil spring. Easy fix, but hassle and soured me on them.
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robbio
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6:18a, 4/30/26
I bought a Smith and Wesson 9mm semi-auto because of the name. Then I bought an H&K 9mm. I'll never own another S&W.
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theJonatron
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7:28a, 4/30/26
AG
Overrated: Springfield M1A

I bought a Socom and changed just about everything on the gun. I put an EBR stock, Sadlak mount, changed the gas system to make it suppressed, put a Vortex Razor HD, etc.

Extremely heavy, ergonomics aren't great, magazines can be tough to load in the gun, not an accurate gun (I can't get under 3" MOA), and it's a complicated gun to clean. If you do clean it, guess what? You'll need to rezero.

I ordered a bunch of rounds that the gun supposedly likes, so we will see. The factory barrel on these are not great, and I'm considering replacing do a match 18".

Does it look cool? Hell yes it does.
Do I get compliments? Absolutely,
Would I want to use this rifle for anything else than prone or sit down range or 100 yard hunting? No way Jose.

I could have bought a match AR10 for significantly less.

https://imgur.com/a/udUAVjr
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schmellba99
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10:22a, 4/30/26
AG
Not really specific to a gun brand but more of an overarching group:

Underrated - basic white girl 1911's that aren't Wilson Combat or some other ultra high end super uber duper custom. I'm talking your RIA's, American Classic, etc. and the idea that they don't run. Yeah, fit and finish on them isn't as good as a Dan Wesson or Wilson, etc. but the low end ones I have and have experience with have all ran just fine and so far I havne't found any ammo my cheapo ACII won't eat up.

Specific brand:

Overrated - Glock. Not that it isn't a good gun, reliable, etc. it's the glock dork fanboys that will have you believe it is indestructible and incapable of any type of failure and that even though the ergos suck on it, you should just run your hand through a meat grinder so you can learn to love it just because. Fun fact - last pistol class I took (granted, it's been a minute) there was only 1 gun that jammed. It was a glock. My buddy's glock at that. With factory ammo. They are like any other mechanical device - they have malfunctions, things can and will break and they are not made of adamantium.
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ldg397
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10:31a, 4/30/26
AG
This will probably stir up a hornets nest. I think savage's are overrated, I wouldn't own one mainly because I don't like their looks (trigger and barrel nut) and everyone telling me how great they are. Only savage I own is a prewar 99R which is a pretty amazing rifle, so underrated? Is it possible to be both?
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EliteElectric
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10:48a, 4/30/26
I have a few high end AR's and have to say the Springfield Saint is underrated. Stands up pretty well to "bougie" offerings.
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zooguy96
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In reply to EliteElectric • 11:16a, 4/30/26
AG
EliteElectric said:
I have a few high end AR's and have to say the Springfield Saint is underrated. Stands up pretty well to "bougie" offerings.


Yeah, they're pretty good. I guess if a Sig Tread is my "low end" AR", I'm doing pretty well with AR's.
I know a lot about a little, and a little about a lot.
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agsalaska
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In reply to schmellba99 • 11:56a, 4/30/26
AG
I've owned four Glocks in my life and still have two. I have a 19 and 20 and had a 32 and 42.

The 42 was downright unreliable. Period.
The 32 ran flawlessly but I didn't care for the .357sig at the time and sold it.

The 19 is a gen 3 that I bought in about 2007 and it has thousands of rounds with no issues.

The 20 took some work to get it to run right but I think I have it down now. Enjoy shooting it but would need a LOT more rounds without malfunction before I trusted it

I'm indifferent towards Glocks. They are fine. But to your point I have not found them to be any more or less reliable than any other plastic. Some are great. Some not so much.
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O.G.
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12:45p, 4/30/26
They are ceramic. They can get through airport metal detectors.

Bruce Willis said so.
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schmellba99
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In reply to O.G. • 12:51p, 4/30/26
AG
O.G. said:
They are ceramic. They can get through airport metal detectors.

Bruce Willis said so.

They cost more than you make in a month too!
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Mr. Dubi
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In reply to agsalaska • 1:35p, 4/30/26
agsalaska said:
I've owned four Glocks in my life and still have two. I have a 19 and 20 and had a 32 and 42.

The 42 was downright unreliable. Period.
The 32 ran flawlessly but I didn't care for the .357sig at the time and sold it.

The 19 is a gen 3 that I bought in about 2007 and it has thousands of rounds with no issues.

The 20 took some work to get it to run right but I think I have it down now. Enjoy shooting it but would need a LOT more rounds without malfunction before I trusted it

I'm indifferent towards Glocks. They are fine. But to your point I have not found them to be any more or less reliable than any other plastic. Some are great. Some not so much.


Pretty much my experience as well. I was totally underwhelmed with my G34….

And to make matters worse, magazines wouldn't take a round longer than 1.155", which happens to be the OAL of a lot of 9mm rounds
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Bigballin
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1:44p, 4/30/26
AG
Sweet! the low volume, high opinion shooters have arrived!
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