That put's lot's of space between me and the zombies.
well you gotta hope you have that space. you dont always get to choose where when and how you fight. while bolt guns and big bores have range, many would be ill fitted to engaging multiple targets ( such as zombie hordes, or looters/raiders) at close range.
the M1a does have a good mix of range and firepower. the AK leans more towards the firepower, where as a subgun or carbine is specificly firepower.
i like my milsurps. and my mosin is better than a pointy stick, mainly because its a pointy stick that also shoots lead, from a secure position id love it. but if im walking the streets id take an SKS, AK, AR, M1a, M1, M1 carbine, SVD, SVT,G43. anything semi auto, holding more than 5 shots and reloadable via magazine or strippers.
if i have to choose between a weapon that only holds the benefit of range, or a weapon that has the benefit of fire power. il take fire power. if im walking with an AK,AR etc, and see something 1000 yards out... il go around it. if im walking with a bolt gun and see multiple threats 50 yards out. going around it, or retreat may not be an option.
while a bolt gun may be more reliable than a semi auto. which it should be. i dont feel that trade off of suitability for reliability is worth it. just like you may not feel the trade off of an AK's range is worth the reliability. YMMV