Don't get me wrong, I like the AR for it's intended use. I had a pre-ban Colt that I used for USAF High Power matches. They are nice house guns and for law enforcement/security use. I do wish they hadn't taken over the gun shows but I suppose folks will sell whatever people will buy.
I think that people are attracted to what they are used to. I grew up with bolt action rifles and that's what I consider a sporting firearm. The AR platform has been around for 50 years as a US military rifle and that's what a lot of folks trained on and got used to. Much of the rifle competition scene is not dominated by AR platforms. And the younger crown is comfortable with them and will use them for hunting.
Since it is what so many have gotten used to, its only natural that they'd look to buy one.
