When you mention semi-auto rifles some things come to mind.
Heavy
Unreliable
Inaccurate
Expensive
Ugly, compared to traditional rifles
Odd ergonomics, again, not traditional
Lousy triggers
Some of these issues are fact, some perception, but all semi rifles are burdened with some of them. The Ar rifles are among the best but,
Ugly
Heavy, can be light but in reality usually 8# +
Looks and ergo, odd for traditionalist
Trigger, can be made decent
