they havent been popular because some states like pennsy dont allow them . i think the media has painted a picture of semi's as being terrorist weapons and lump them in with full autos and probably dont know the difference. i can assure you my remington 5 shot clip 742 in 308 win. is hardly that i feel. it does provide for a compact darn accurate LOW recoil hunting rifle. follow up shots are a breeze and i feel they have a definite use in hunting if people would just get over things.