Firearms built for precision, power, and prestige often come with a silent cost, the repair bill. While these rifles perform exceptionally when cared for, even small malfunctions can lead to sky-high expenses. Specialized parts, complex systems, and expert labor make maintenance anything but cheap. From military grade titans to handcrafted precision rifles, here are twelve models that can turn a single breakdown into a wallet-draining nightmare.
1. Barrett M82
The Barrett M82 is an American icon of long-range firepower, but when it breaks, the cost is brutal. Firing .50 BMG rounds puts tremendous stress on every component, from the recoil spring to the bolt carrier. Even minor issues require factory-level expertise and high-grade materials. Shipping a 30-pound rifle and sourcing parts from Barrett can easily cost thousands, proving raw power isn’t cheap to maintain. A new M82/M82A1 typically ranges from $8,000 to $10,000.
2. Accuracy International AXMC
Built for elite marksmen, the AXMC delivers exceptional multi-caliber precision, but that modular magic carries a steep price when things go wrong. Its intricate chassis and tight tolerances demand specialized tools and certified gunsmiths; replacing a worn barrel or bolt head usually means ordering parts directly from Accuracy International, often overseas. New AXMC rifles typically cost about $7,500 to $8,500, and repairs or factory parts can add substantial extra expense.
3. Blaser R8
The Blaser R8’s straight pull action and quick-change barrel are German engineering marvels, but when they fail, repairs are costly. Damaged locking systems or misaligned bolts demand Blaser specialists and proprietary parts. New R8s vary widely by model and options, typically ranging from about $4,000 up to $15,000, with premium/Carbon versions commonly starting near $10,500; parts and specialist service add significant extra expense.
4. FN SCAR 17S
The SCAR 17S earned its reputation as a reliable battle rifle, yet maintaining it can test any owner’s patience and wallet. Built with unique polymer components and a short-stroke gas piston, even minor failures often demand OEM parts and professional service. New SCAR 17S rifles currently run roughly $3,000 to $4,300, depending on model, special editions, and regional availability, and repairs or hard-to-get parts can add substantial extra expense.
5. Heckler & Koch MR762
H&K’s MR762 brings military precision to the civilian market, but ownership is costly: proprietary bolts, barrels, and trigger systems mean replacements and service are seldom cheap. Factory service or certified gunsmiths are often required. New MR762 models generally list around $4,700 to $5,200 MSRP, while street prices commonly fall roughly between $3,000 and $6,500, depending on model and availability; parts and specialist service add significant extra expense. That makes the MR762 not only expensive to buy but also to keep in top condition.
6. Steyr AUG
The Steyr AUG’s bullpup design is legendary for innovation, but its upkeep can be punishing. With tightly packed internals and complex disassembly, even small malfunctions in the gas system or trigger module often demand factory parts and expert service. New Steyr AUG rifles typically cost around $2,000 to $2,500, depending on model and configuration, and repair or replacement components add significant extra expense proving that futuristic design often carries a very modern price tag.
7. McMillan TAC-50
The McMillan TAC 50 is a long-range powerhouse used by military snipers, but it’s not built for bargain repairs. New TAC 50 rifles typically list around $9,000 to $12,000. McMillan shows the TAC-50C near $11,670, while used examples can appear near $7,800 to $9,000. Its enormous .50 caliber components require precision tools and experienced hands; a simple barrel swap can cost over $1,000, and custom stocks or mounts add more. This rifle hits targets miles away when it breaks; the target is your bank balance.
8. Sako TRG 42
The Finnish-made Sako TRG 42 is prized for sniper-grade precision, but parts and service are costly and slow to source. New TRG 42/42A1 rifles typically list roughly $3,500 to $7,500, depending on model and options, while used examples commonly sell around $3,000 to $4,000; specialist repairs and OEM parts add substantially to ownership costs.
9. Barrett MRAD
The Barrett MRAD’s modularity lets shooters swap calibers with ease, yet the system’s precision demands flawless alignment. If a locking lug, barrel extension, or firing pin fails, it’s not a quick fix. Proprietary parts, custom fitting, and strict repair policies mean even minor malfunctions turn expensive fast. New MRADs commonly run about $4,000 to $6,200 for standard models, while ELR/special configurations can approach $9,000 to $10,000, and parts/service add substantial extra cost.
10. Desert Tech SRS
The Desert Tech Stealth Recon Scout packs power and accuracy into a compact bullpup frame, but when it seizes, its unique internals demand full disassembly by trained pros. Swapping barrels or adjusting tolerances is precise work, not a hobbyist task, and imported proprietary parts plus special tools make any malfunction costly. New SRS models typically run about $3,400 to $5,00,0, depending on configuration and vendor, with many listings near $4,500, and parts/service add significant extra expense.
11. Remington 700
The Remington 700’s ubiquity hides a costly upgrade path: factory rifles are affordable, but once you add match barrels, chassis, or custom triggers, gunsmithing for headspacing, barrel fitting, and action truing balloons the bill. New Remington 700 models commonly sell for around $700 to $ 1,500, depending on the model and region, while custom or long-range builds easily push into the $2,000 range; parts and professional fitting add significant extra expense.
12. Vintage Winchester Model 70
The classic Winchester Model 70 is a collector’s favorite, but its restoration can be expensive. Authentic parts are scarce, and precision fitting demands old school craftsmanship. Repairing a worn bolt, cracked stock, or trigger alignment is preservation, not routine service. New production Model 70 rifles typically cost around $1,200 to $1,800, while older pre-’64 or collector variants can reach $2,000 to $4,000, and sourcing vintage components adds even more to the expense.
