Skeletal Mesh Animation VS Blueprint Timeline?

Okay so I have a lot of static meshes for low poly gun parts that I want to integrate into a zombie survival system. As I see it I have two options. Create skeletons for each gun type, animating the slides, triggers, bolts, etc. Or I can just animate the individual part, EX. translate the slide back x amount and slide forward x amount using a timeline.

I will probably do the latter because it seems easier. However, what the advantages to ever using skeletal meshes for animating? Is it the different in very standard movements like a gun slide as compared to more complex arms/legs for example?

Thanks. I am new to animation and rigging type things and trying to wrap my ahead around this.