the problems i've had haven't been with manufacturers, it's been with models, the last run of savage99's were really bad, the but stock looked like american black walnut and the fore end stock looked the hardwood, it didn't fit into the receiver right, and when i shot it after the shot was fired the safety would engage for no apparent reason. they discontinued the model about a year after i bought that one. as for big mistakes, i'de have to say remington stopping production of 12 guage model 1100 shotguns, i don't count the english field