As pointed out, both platforms have both pro's, and con's. If you are a serious varmint taker, a bolt gun would be very good. However you are looking to serve two masters, varminter and fun gun. For many people it simply comes down to how much do you want to spend? Taking into consideration; platform, ammo, add on parts, reliability, and of course "The cool factor" There is nothing like a pumped up AK blasting cinder blocks to dust.... Then again that's just my 2 cents.