Are you looking for a firearm that you don’t see every day — maybe a nice conversation piece to impress your friends and fellow gun owners?
Today, we are going to look at some of the most underrated rifles and shotguns that you can still buy.
For one reason or another, all of these guns showed great promise and innovative designs but failed to get traction in the U.S. commercial market. That doesn’t mean you should overlook them, though.
Let’s look at the most underrated rifles and shotguns!
THE QUICK LIST
-
Best AR-15 Alternative
-
Best Remington 700 Alternative
-
Best Value
-
Best Tactical Shotgun
-
Best Unconventional Shotgun
Table of Contents
Loading…
Underrated Rifle & Shotgun Comparison Chart
| Caliber | Action | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Capacity | Price | |
| Steyr AUG A3 M1 | 5.56 NATO | Semi-automatic, piston | 16.375″ | 28.15″ | 7.7 lbs | 30+1 | $1,650 |
| Remington Model 788 | .222 Rem-.44 Rem Mag | Bolt action | Varies by model | Varies by model | Varies by model | Varies by model | $749 |
| CZ 600 | .223 Rem-.300 Win Mag | Bolt action | Varies by model | Varies by model | Varies by model | Varies by model | $521 |
| Benelli M3 | 12ga (3″) | Semi-automatic/pump action | 19.75″ | 41″ | 7.2 lbs | 5+1 | $1,699 |
| SRM Arms M1216 | 12ga (3″) | Semi-automatic, roller-delayed blowback | 18.5″ | 33.75″ | 7.75 lbs | 16+1 | $1,713 |
How We Chose the Most Underrated Rifles & Shotguns
For this article, we gathered a bunch of underrated rifles and shotguns we’ve personally shot, reviewed, or owned here at Pew Pew Tactical. The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on ergonomics, size, and experience.
We prioritized rifles and shotguns that are reliable and accurate, but don’t get as much recognition as we think they should. Some are old and discontinued, some come from smaller manufacturers, and some just never quite caught on with American buyers.
Most Underrated Rifles & Shotguns
1. Steyr AUG – Best AR-15 Alternative
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Compact
- Some take AR-15 mags
- Easy barrel changes
Cons
- Bullpup trigger
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Action: Semi-automatic, piston
- Barrel Length: 16.375″
- Overall Length: 28.15″
- Weight: 7.7 lbs
- Capacity: 30+1
In the 1960s, some very creative engineers designed what was undoubtedly a space-age rifle: the Steyr AUG.
This bullpup (chamber behind the trigger) blaster used a ton of polymer and came with an integral optic. It looked like it belonged in “Flash Gordon,” not your local gun store.
The AUG was popular in some European, South American, and Asian countries, but the poor little rifle never got much love in the U.S. A small group of American Steyr AUG cultists exists, but that number is far too small for such a cool gun.
The AUG A3 M1 a semi-automatic rifle chambered for 5.56 NATO that has managed to keep up with the times.
Modern AUGs let you choose from integral optics or the ability to add your own via a Picatinny rail. They also include rails for lights, lasers, and other accessories. They even make a version that is compatible with standard AR-15 magazines.
One of the AUG’s best features is the quick detach barrel.
Anyone can remove the barrel and replace it with zero tools. Users can slap on 20-inch heavy barrels with bipods, SBR length barrels, and even 9mm conversion kits with ease.
Besides being modular, it’s accurate, reliable, and incredibly compact.
With everyone wanting rifles for home defense these days, the short and NFA-free AUG is still a viable option when outfitted with a red dot and a light.
2. Remington 788 – Best Remington 700 Alternative
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- 60-degree bolt throw
- Wide cartridge assortment
- Old-school Remington goodness
Cons
- Discontinued, so selection is limited
Specs
- Caliber: .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 6mm Rem, 7mm-08 Rem, .30-30 Win, .308 Win, .44 Rem Mag
- Action: Bolt action
- Barrel Length: Varies by model
- Overall Length: Varies by model
- Weight: Varies by model
- Capacity: Varies by model
Remington built the Model 788 in 1967 as an affordable alternative to the company’s flagship rifle, the Remington 700. Remington must have put an over-enthusiastic new guy on the task because the rifle they turned out was outstanding.
The Remington 788 had a unique bolt with lugs at the rear instead of the front. There are nine lugs separated into rows of three that lock into the receiver behind the magazine well. Due to this, the bolt only requires 60 degrees of rotation to unlock.
What’s the benefit of a 60-degree bolt lift? Well, it is quicker to operate and provides more clearance for low-mounted optics, which is nice.
Better yet, the bolt travel is also reduced due to this design, so cycling is super fast for a bolt gun.
A strong receiver helps ensure the rifle is very accurate — theoretically more accurate than the Remington 700.
Aside from the more traditional chamberings like .308 Win, .223 Rem, and 7mm-08 Rem, the gun also came in weird offerings like .44 Mag and 6mm Rem.
Remington discontinued the Model 788 in 1983, so you’re limited to used guns. They’re out there, though. You might just have to wait for the right cartridge and condition you’re looking for.
3. CZ 600 – Best Value
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Five models to choose from
- Readily available
- Accurate
Cons
- Some models have limited cartridge selections
Specs
- Caliber: .223 Rem, .224 Valkyrie, .243 Win, .270 Win, .30-06 Sprg, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .300 BLK, 7.62×39, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag
- Action: Bolt action
- Barrel Length: Varies by model
- Overall Length: Varies by model
- Weight: Varies by model
- Capacity: Varies by model
CZ has made some great bolt-action guns over the years, with their newest model being the CZ 600.
Their current lineup of centerfire rifles consists of five models: the do-it-all Alpha, the Euro-stylish Lux, the highly accurate Range, the lightweight Trail, and the new (but conventional) American.
These rifles come in a wide variety of calibers depending on which model you opt for, and all models come standard with threaded barrels.
Each CZ 600 comes with a sub-MOA guarantee, with the Range series boasting an impressive guarantee of 3/4-MOA five-shot group at 100 meters.
Sleek, sexy, elegant, and definitely underrated, the CZ 600 is sure to garner some curious looks at the range while also performing admirably.
4. Benelli M3 – Best Tactical Shotgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Hybrid operation
- Extremely reliable
- Great build quality
Cons
- Quirky controls
Specs
- Caliber: 12 ga (3″)
- Action: Semi-automatic/pump action
- Barrel Length: 19.75″
- Overall Length: 41″
- Weight: 7.2 lbs
- Capacity: 5+1
Benelli makes incredible shotguns, and that includes the often-overlooked Benelli M3.
This is the same Italian company responsible for making semi-auto shotguns for military use.
The M1 is an absolute legend, the M2 is one of the best semi-auto shotguns on the planet, and the M4 proved itself for more than 20 years in the Global War On Terror.
But what about the M3? We don’t hear much about this shotgun.
That’s a real shame because Benelli figured out how to make a hybrid semi-auto/pump-action design.
Having pump and semi-auto capability allows the Benelli M3 to cycle any 12-gauge shotgun shell you can fit in its three-inch chamber.
On semi-auto, the M3 can deliver standard buckshot and birdshot loads without issue. Swap to pump-action, and you can use breaching loads, less-lethal loads, or other light loads that semi-auto actions struggle to cycle reliably.
It’s a sweet design that heavily appeals to the shotgunner in me. It’s not perfect — the pump locking to the rear is a hassle when using it in the pump action configuration — but I can deal with it. I just wish the M3 got the love it deserved.
Plus, it was used in the film “Heat,” and that’s just plain cool.
What do you think of the Benelli M3? Give it a rating below!
5. SRM Arms 1216 – Best Unconventional Shotgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- 16+1 capacity
- Ambidextrous
- Clean-running action
Cons
- Bulky
Specs
- Caliber: 12ga (3″)
- Action: Semi-automatic, roller-delayed blowback
- Barrel Length: 18.5″
- Overall Length: 33.75″
- Weight: 7.75 lbs
- Capacity: 16+1
The SRM Arms M1216 works to address a few issues with shotguns, namely capacity. The name indicates the gun’s capacity of 16 rounds in a detachable rotating tubular magazine.
Detachable box magazines on shotguns can be tricky because leaving shells in a box magazine too long can cause them to deform. That isn’t an issue with this tube design.
The SRM 1216 has been rocking and rolling since 2011, predating the IWI TS12.
Aside from the detachable magazine, the gun is semi-automatic, readily accepts accessories, and uses a quasi-bullpup action to keep the length short and sweet — if at the expense of trigger feel.
You can configure the weapon for right- or left-handed use, or order the gun in the configuration you want from the factory.
Mine has been nothing but reliable and capable. The SRM 1216 even uses a roller-delayed system like an MP5, which reduces the amount of cleaning you have to do.
It’s a bizarre set of features that come together to make one of the most capable combat shotguns on the planet. This gun deserves much more attention than it gets for its modern take on the combat shotgun.
Honorable Mentions
The rest of our picks are hard to come by, so don’t expect to add one to your cart and have it at your FFL this week. Keep a watchful eye out for them. If you see one, don’t let it get away!
CZ Vz 58
I’ll always appreciate the Czechoslovakian resistance to the Warsaw Pact. Whenever the Soviets came out with a new gun, the Czechs went their own way. The CZ Vz 58 is a perfect example of this.
The Vz 58 is AK-like in appearance, but very different in design. Instead of a long-stroke gas piston operating system, it utilizes a short-stroke piston. It comes in different magazines and furniture configurations but remains in AK’s native 7.62×39 caliber.
The Vz 58 tends to be more accurate than most AKs and just as reliable. Plus, the safety is much more ergonomic than the AK, and a last-round-bolt-hold-open device is a welcome touch.
The Vz 58 proves that the AK can be done better, lighter, and more ergonomically. Sadly, it never gained the popularity it deserved.
Luckily, a small group of enthusiasts keeps the market alive, and various Vz 58s exist — including some neat SBR variants.
Stevens Model 77E
When we talk about budget shotguns these days, the Mossberg Maverick 88 seems to rule the roost. The Stevens Model 77E has flown under the radar.
The 77E earned some fame as the most common shotgun used in the Vietnam War. As evidenced by its military use, this Stevens scattergun isn’t just a budget option, it’s an extremely robust shotgun.
The receivers are all steel and quite strong. It has beautiful wood furniture and provides a tight lockup and incredibly smooth action.
Slop was never an issue, and all models I’ve handled ran as smooth as butter (although those shotguns were certainly well-worn). An oversized ejection port ensures that spent shells eject reliably.
It was a well-built, brilliant shotgun. There is no way a shotgun this well-made would be considered budget-grade in 2022.
The good news is that used 77E shotguns still sell for relatively low prices, when they pop up for sale. They might be beaten up a bit, but they should work well. And remember, this shotgun is a bonafide war veteran — show it some love!
Asgard Defense M127 Kriger
You may have never even heard of Asgard Defense, much less the M127 Kriger — and that’s the point.
This is a semi-automatic, tube-fed shotgun designed to emphasize modularity. From the outset, Asgard Defense wanted to make it more like an AR-15 than a conventional shotgun.
It has an AR-style buffer tube with a captured recoil system that works with standard buffers. This translates to less recoil, which is certainly a good thing.
Asgard Defense has this novel idea of making the charging handle more ergonomic by placing it on the left side of the gun.
Why so few semi-auto shotguns do this is beyond me. Across the top is a massive monolithic optic rail, and the handguard offers a quad rail.
The M127 Kriger combines the ergonomics of a standard shotgun with those of an AR-15 to create a capable, low-recoiling shotgun that features plenty of original ideas.
It’s a purely tactical shotgun and carries a high price, but it’s criminal how ignored this shotgun is.
How to Pick the Most Underrated Rifles & Shotguns
How would you like to own one of these bizarre guns? They’re just as fun to show off as they are to shoot!
First, decide how you’re going to use it. If you have practical intentions like home defense, hunting, or competition, think about how easily you’ll be able to buy ammo, parts, and accessories.
Some of these guns are unjustly shunned, while others can be hassle to fix if something breaks.
If you’re just in it to have fun, go ahead and get weird! Having something unusual at the range is a great way to spark conversations, make friends, and of course assert your dominance as a firearm aficionado.
Meet the Experts
Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike authored this article. Travis spent a lifetime shooting as a kid and later joined the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. In the middle of his Marine Corps career, he began writing and never stopped. Travis is an NRA-certified instructor and Concealed Carry Instructor for the state of Florida. He has thousands of articles to his name with a variety of publications, including Pew Pew Tactical.
Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
I guess being underrated is better than being overrated.
It’s sad to see so many rifles and shotguns with innovative ideas get ignored in favor of more “traditional” designs. To hell with tradition, I say.
Buy something unique and share it with the world!
What are your favorite underrated rifles and shotguns? Let us know in the comments! When you’re done, check out our article on the Most Underrated Handguns for more guns that need love.
Latest Updates
April 2025: Added a comparison chart and updated supporting content.
23 Leave a Reply
The marines I knew from the Vietnam nam war swore by the Ithaca model 37 shotgun. They had a bottom eject which did not send shell hulls across a left handed shooter’s vision. It was based on an old Remington design by John Browning. They are light in weight but robust because of the solid receiver sides. Low range serial numbers could be fired continuously by holding down the trigger and cycling the pump.
CZ600s are terrible for hunting because you can’t lock the bolt down. When the safety is engaged you can still manipulate the bolt. That’s lawyer b.s. for you. A real hunting bolt action rifle like the old school Winchester 70 with it’s three position safety that they knocked off the Mauser 88 locks the bolt when safety is in the rear, when the safety lever is in the middle position the rifle is on safe but the bolt can manipulated and of course in the front position the weapon can be fired. If you want to hunt with a CZ then stick with the CZ 500 which is another Mauser inspired rifle.
VZ 58 is a favorite in my collection.
Highly customizable and a WTF at the range.
G
Just re-watched Schwartznegger's 1985 "Commando". Gary Carlos Cervantes in his role as the dictator uses a Steyr Aug in the final scenes.
For me the CZ600 is a failure due to the limited caliber options. The CZ550 was amazing. The 550 was beautiful steak, the 600 is a happy meal burger. A giant downgrade. I love my CZ550 in 6.5×55 and 375 H&H, the CZ600 has no big game calibers and no options that are worth recommending.
یک کلت ۹میلی متری قابل اعتماد زنگ نزنه داغ نکنه ،گیرنده فشنگ بیشتری داشته باشه وازنظرقیمت مناسب باشه عشق کامله.ممنون اگه جواب بدین.من همیشه طرفدارتونم،موفق باشید.
That’s what she said.
سلام برنامه هاتون رودنبال میکنم خیلی مشتاقم چندتا ازاسلحه ها رابخرم ،همیشه ازاسلحه خوشم میاد.طرفدار هميشگي، موفق باشيد. دوستتون دارم.
Google translate to the rescue:
A reliable 9mm collet that doesn't rust, doesn't heat up, has more cartridge slots, and the price is right, it's perfect love. Thank you if you answer. I'm always in your favor, good luck.
Hello, I am following your programs, I am very eager to buy some of the weapons, I always like weapons. Always a fan, good luck. I love you.
Does not make much sense, but that's what Google translate says.
I like to break out my KelTec PMR30 (all stock) when I take friends to the range. 30 round of .22 WMR never fails to bring a smile to their faces, and most hand it back saying "I'm getting one of those." I know there are many horror stories relating to their reliability, but I've had exactly one stovepipe in hundreds of rounds since I found ammo it likes (CCI MaxiMag 40 gr.). I'd call it underrated.
My dad was a splendid fellow and novice hunter. A man who worked for Winchester gave him a .308 Remington 788 when Dad shot a spike buck in 1966. I remember that rifle being noteworthy for having the fastest lock time of any on the market.
The Remington 788 was also available in .30-30 and .22-250.
The Steyr AUG is a great rifle, ideal for home defense situations!
I'm not sure how these are underrated. I guess your version of underrated and mine are totally different. A gun I would consider to be underrated is the Canik. This gun has great features for the price tag. On the overrated side, I have always felt the Remington 1100 was an overrated shotgun. It's very heavy, really didn't offer anything special and was always more expensive than what I thought it was worth. Again, these are just examples of what I think the term underrated and overrated mean.
I have to chime in hear and agree with everybody else the prices are beyond what people want to pay for innovation, then the typical retiree and backyard farmer is willing to pay. when there are a lot more viable options on the market for less then half the price. This is a little off topic but it has a point to the story. Do you know why the AR platform reigns supreme? (rhetorical) It is because it has a low cost, reliable & easy to maintain, has multitude of calibers, and you can find parts and accessories just about anywhere in any shape form or style, There is "NO" other platform on earth that does that, none!! That is why no other platform to date will ever knock the AR of it Mountain, unless they were to build a platform that were to utilise interchangeability with the AR platform more expensive guns on the market have their place but not to the average gun buyer extreme enthusiasts competition shooters & collectors, are the only ones buying high dollar guns the rest of us stick to practicality and budget. At least all of this is just my opinion. And 1 gripe who in their right mind wants to spend the same or more for an optic then the price you paid for your gun that is "CRAZY" and "DUMB" most of the differences in the expensive optic over the budget optic nobody will be able to tell anyway unless you have perfect eye sight and no astigmatism in which 80% or better of everybody has. that's just my grip. Thank you & God Bless You All
Yeah, I'm afraid I'm going to have to add my voice to the "Meh" crowd. Yes, they're all good guns (though in a bolt action I want more Oomf than .308 or 7mm-08), but all of them are outside this retiree's budget, especially in the Bidenomics economy we're in.
How about giving us the poop on which under $600 guns are worth our deflating, but still hard earned shekels?
I have to tend to agree with the consensus here. These guns are underrated because they are not affordable or no longer produced. There are a lot more guns that are far more underrated like high point and Taurus. These gun makers provide lifetime warranties but still do not get the recognition that they deserve.
Maybe these guns are under-rated, not because they are not appreciated, but because they are too expensive for the average shooter?
Most people are looking for value for their money.
Some of these guns would do much better in the US if they were more affordable.
Pew Pew is notorious for recycling articles or taking an older article and sprucing it up a bit, and here’s a great example. The CZ is out of production and you’re only going to find them used if someone is willing to part with it. Fantastic rifle, just has a picky scope base.
I bought a used Remington 788 in 243 Win. about 20 years ago for $400, and I only paid that much (at the time) because it was from the original owner and knew its whole history. I honestly thought then that it was too much, but the compact size and easy handling appealed to me. It has earned its keep and more over the years.
The Remington 788 was offered in .222 Remington, .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6mm Remington, 7mm-08, .308 Winchester, .30-30 Winchester, and .44 Magnum. While it is an AWESOME rifle, pricing for examples in good condition usually exceeds $500. Mine, in .308 Winchester, was bought NEW in 1975 for $100.
The CZ is no longer made. When was this written?
I've got a 77E, was definitely not brand new when I got it but is it a very solid, dependable, well made shotgun and a reliable performer. If they made them today the same way they would definitely not be budget grade shotguns.