Long story short, I've sold almost all of my guns aside from my S&W 642 that I CCW and several guns that I've inherited from relatives. This includes all the ARs that I used to have. I want to "rebuild" my arsenal, but I keep going back and forth between what I "want" and whats "practical". My reasons for owning guns in general is that I'm fascinated with mechanical things, I enjoy shooting/blowing stuff up (legally, of course ), and I want the best tools for self-defense.

I'm an engineering type (my father is an engineer), and auto-loading weapons with detachable magazines are naturally much more appealing to me (ARs/AKs, SIGs, Glocks, etc...). They definitely have a bad-ass factor to them. They're also generally more expensive and require more support equipment (spare magazines, magazine pouches, etc...).

My practical side tells me that self-contained weapons systems are a better way to go. This is because they're usually cheaper and they don't "require" support equipment (besides an ammo pouch). Also, I can pretty much travel to all 50 states with these types of weapons, where as the former type of weapons are restricted in some areas (I might have to leave my home "free" state to find a job). The self-contained weapons systems I'm referring to include revolvers, and lever/pump/bolt-action long guns with fixed magazines.

A lot of you are going to say "just buy both!", but for me that isn't an option at this moment, nor do I ever expect it to be in the future (I have other priories in life besides collecting guns). Also, this ties in with one of my personal life philosophies, which is to be a material minimalist without needlessly sacrificing fun or enjoyment (basically don't be a collector or "hoarder" of material things).

The fact that the former type of weapons requires support equipment really bugs me. Call me paranoid, but I'm really worried about the economic future of this country. If the shit really does hit the fan, and I'm forced to travel across country, keeping firearm(s) with me and my group will be one of many concerns ––> self-contained weapons systems that don't "require" support equipment = simplicity in carrying/travel. I don't want to worry about misplacing detachable magazines, or struggling to carry them on my person with all the other things I'd need. If I can stay at home or in a fixed location, this becomes less of an issue.

As far as firepower concerns, I feel fine with either choice. In the event that I get into a firefight using either type of weapon system in SHTF type scenario, I'd feel well armed with either an AR carbine and an auto-loading pistol or a couple revolvers and a pistol caliber lever-action carbine. Other people might disagree, but my take on SHTF is that you're trying to avoid contact/conflict with bad guys. Without trying to start up a flame war, I'm going to say that in all likely-hood if you get into a firefight where you're outgunned while armed with a couple of revolvers and a lever-action rifle, then you're pretty much dog meat no matter what you're armed with (I highly doubt you'll be up against adversaries with good shooting/tactical skills).

I think that's about it. What do you guys think? Go with what I want, or what my gut tells me is the most "practical" choice?