The SKS wouldn't be my first choice, but it's certainly a decent rifle for the money. There are some situations where a rifle is much more appropriate than a handful of magazines and a sidearm. On the down side, I suspect that price was a significant factor in selecting the SKS. As such, I suspect there will be little or no training with respect to the specific problems that the SKS can have. For example, how inadequate cleaning can result in the firing pin sticking in the forward position and firing the whole magazine upon dropping the bolt on a fresh magazine. Not a frequent problem, but I've seen it happen more than once at a range. Also, the pump shotgun is in common use because they can be neglected for quite a while and pulled into use with absolute confidence. I don't think the SKS would be anywhere near as reliable when neglected for some time. As much as AR's are nice rifles, I think the Mini-14/30 is really more appropriate for police work, with the AK being a slightly cheaper, but just as reliable alternative. But then, what do I know, I sit in front of a computer all day. =)