Just to beat on this a bit more.How many times do I have to say this? For me it is the idea that someone would want, and especially to hunt with, a rifle that is a watered down replica of what its real cousins are.
I hunt with an L1A1. . .a lot. It's not a "watered down replica". The L1A1 has always been a semi auto, the L2A1 and FAL were full auto. So I'm not a wannabe because my rifle is in full trim?
I hate to burst any bubbles but there's more reasons than looks as to why people hunt with black rifles. Ergonomcs for one. Wrist geometry with a pistol grip is far better for me than a more traditional semi pistol grip or straight stock. The safety on most "assault rifles" is easier to manipulate than on a "sporting" rifle (even the AK if you know what you're doing).
AK/SKS is good for hunting because they are reliable and tough, and fire enough cartridge for most hunting purposes. ARs are extremely good varmint guns, and with the advent of the 6.8/6.5 are good for medium game and the .308 versions can take anything most "sporting rifles" can take.
An M1, M1A, same thing, great for hunting.
I also like hunting with my No4 Enfields and Mosin Nagants in full military trim. I get many remarks about that "Wha don't ye git a sportin' rahful?" Because I think sporters suck and I like having a full set of furniture on a rifle. IMO it's a superior setup.
Now the idea that "Guy are going to run about willy-nilla spraying the woods with bullets and gunning down Bambi" is the same class of srgument that anti-gunners use when they say "We shouldn't allow people to carry guns. They're going to run around having duels at high noon, and the streets will run with blood."
Both are BS arguments,.