cause if stolen, the loss is minimal. They can have a bit more range for use on either varmints or big game than the sks has, for considerably less $ (in the case of the Moison-Nagant at least) and in some cases, they might cause you less hassle if they are spotted by the cops, etc. Such a low cost, bolt action 308 or 06 or 8x57 can fire an AP type round that is more likely to pierce water towers, power transformers , propane tanks and pipelines than is the sks round (much less the 223) but I don't regard the above as enough reason to bother OWNING any, tho. If shtf, I'd FAR rather have a 6" barreled, telescoping stocked, box mag fed 22lr auto, with luminous sights, see thru mount and 2x7 scope than ANY noisy bolt action.