Not every rifle is built for long-range accuracy, and some are best suited for close encounters or casual shooting. While many models perform admirably within limited distances, stretching them past 100 yards exposes flaws in design, power, and precision. Knowing which rifles fall short helps you avoid frustration and disappointment in the field. These examples serve as reminders that sometimes, the right tool for the job is not always the one in your hands.
Mosin-Nagant Carbine
The Mosin-Nagant carbine looks tough, but struggles with accuracy once you pass 100 yards. Its short barrel and rough sights make precise shooting difficult, especially in low light. While it may hit targets up close, long-range dependability is not one of its strengths.
Hi-Point 995TS
The Hi-Point 995TS is affordable and reliable at short distances, but it simply is not designed for long-range shooting. Its pistol-caliber chambering limits power and trajectory beyond 100 yards. As a budget-friendly plinker, it works fine, but accuracy drops quickly past that range.
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 is beloved for small-game hunting and recreational shooting, but its .22 LR chambering is the limitation. At close range, it performs beautifully, yet past 100 yards, its light rounds lose energy and accuracy. It remains a fantastic rifle, but long-distance reliability is not its role.
Kel-Tec Sub 2000
Designed as a folding pistol-caliber carbine, the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 excels in portability rather than distance. Its accuracy fades when you push past 100 yards, and its limited ballistics reflect the handgun calibers it fires. It is practical for short-range defense but not a precision tool.
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin Model 60 is another popular .22 LR rifle best kept under 100 yards. While accurate enough for target shooting and small pests, the cartridge’s limitations become clear at longer ranges. Beyond that, you will see inconsistent grouping and a weaker impact.
Winchester Model 190
The Winchester Model 190 has nostalgic charm but falls short in precision beyond close range. With its .22 LR chambering, it mirrors the limitations of similar rifles. At 50 yards, it is enjoyable and effective, but you will not trust it for serious accuracy past 100.
Taurus CT9 G2 Rifle
The Taurus CT9 G2, a pistol-caliber carbine, delivers reliable firepower up close but falters with distance. Its 9mm rounds lose velocity and stability quickly. For tight spaces, it is dependable, but on the open range, 100 yards is pushing its limits.
Remington Nylon 66
The Remington Nylon 66 is lightweight and innovative, but its .22 LR chambering caps its effective range. While fun and reliable for plinking, it does not hold consistent accuracy at extended distances. It is best enjoyed where targets are near.
Henry U.S. Survival AR-7
The Henry AR-7 was built for portability and emergency use, not long-distance performance. Chambered in .22 LR, it does well for small game within close range. Beyond 100 yards, its limited accuracy makes it impractical for serious shooting needs.
Rossi RS22
The Rossi RS22 is affordable and great for entry-level shooters, but its rimfire rounds do not carry well beyond 100 yards. Its lightweight design contributes to fun handling, though precision quickly drops with distance. It is a backyard favorite, not a long-range contender.
Chiappa M1-22
Modeled after the iconic M1 Carbine, the Chiappa M1-22 is chambered in .22 LR and shares the same range challenges. It delivers enjoyable shooting under 100 yards, but accuracy fades fast once you stretch further. Nostalgia aside, it is not built for long shots.
Savage Model 64
The Savage Model 64 is a solid semi-auto rimfire rifle, but like most in its class, it is not reliable past 100 yards. Its performance is perfect for small targets nearby, yet the lightweight rounds lose effectiveness beyond short ranges. It thrives in close quarters only.
Kel-Tec CMR-30
The Kel-Tec CMR-30 chambers .22 WMR, giving it slightly more punch, but accuracy beyond 100 yards is inconsistent. Its design favors compactness and firepower over precision. While fun to shoot, it cannot match rifles built for distance.
Marlin Camp 9
The Marlin Camp 9, a pistol-caliber carbine, is dependable for short-range shooting. Chambered in 9mm, its rounds lose significant power past 100 yards. Its charm lies in its simplicity, but stretching it further will leave you disappointed.
Mossberg Plinkster 702
The Mossberg Plinkster 702 is an affordable .22 LR that works well for casual shooting. Like others in this category, it falters with accuracy at longer distances. At under 100 yards, it is reliable and fun, but past that, the limits become obvious.
Ruger PC Carbine
The Ruger PC Carbine is versatile, accepting pistol magazines and offering solid short-range shooting. Still, it is bound by the limitations of 9mm rounds. Accuracy and power drop significantly past 100 yards, making it more suited for defense and plinking than precision.
Thompson/Center T/CR22
The T/CR22 is Ruger 10/22-inspired and shares its rimfire chambering. While precise in close shooting, the .22 LR cartridge sets a firm boundary. It is reliable, lightweight, and enjoyable, but you should not expect it to perform well at a distance.
Charter Arms Explorer II
This semi-automatic pistol-based rifle is chambered in .22 LR and known more for novelty than long-range accuracy. Within 100 yards, it offers basic performance, but extending beyond that exposes its flaws. It is more of a collectible than a field tool.
Kel-Tec SU-16C
The Kel-Tec SU-16C is chambered in .223, yet its lightweight build and flexible stock design compromise precision past 100 yards. It is intended more for portability than pinpoint accuracy. While it can handle close encounters, it is not a dependable distance rifle.
Marlin Model 989 M2
The Marlin Model 989 M2 is another rimfire classic that shines within limited distances. With its .22 LR chambering, it keeps pace with similar rifles but falters past 100 yards. For small-game hunting or target shooting nearby, it works well, though distance performance is not its strength.
