I was wondering why anyone would go so far as to get a rifle, then skip on the other aspects of being prepared.
Nobody here advocates that. Prepping for SHTF with only a gun makes one a looter.
why do I always seem to be the lone dissenter in any group?!
'cuz someone has to play the role of the cantankerous old fart.
Unless you are on your OWN ground, defending your own space, (and maybe even then) you are going to get shot strolling around with a long gun visible.
Methinks most SHTF gun discussions focus on you being on your own ground, as most of the related discussion cover having enough supplies that you won't be going anywhere else for a while.
Yes, if you're roaming around anonymously in a looter zone while visibly armed, you may become a target. Under-discussed Rule #1 for dealing with dangerous situations is
don't be there - go home, stay with your tribe, only go out in competent-looking non-looter-like groups, get out of looting areas.
If you need to travel, definitely go armed. Have a handgun for instant response, and a rifle can be kept at hand less than obvious (wrapped in a blanket, in a "discreet rifle case", etc.). Consider something compact for such situations (say, collapsing-stock SBR AR-15) that can be kept under a coat or some such.
If situation means I walk home with a rifle (about a day's hike from work), then I'd do what I could to keep it - and me - low profile. So long as one keeps moving, and perhaps keeps movement to night, avoiding problems should be possible.
Your concern is legitimate. Pity there isn't always a perfect answer. Best guess: have both, use as you see fit given the particular situation.
What many people don't take into account when considering needs for SHTF situations other than their own is the differences in geographical related circumstances.
Quite. We're not all in the same boat. If SHTF, I can usually be home in about a half hour. Walking would take a day. Usually there is some warning, if not there is usually a short period of confusion you can take advantage of to bug out to a suitable location.
My geographic situation now is a single-entrance housing development. Major SHTF may involve organizing the neighborhood, securing the point of entry, and arrange watch teams strolling about. Rifles would be preferred.
Your mileage may vary. Apartments may make long guns unwieldy; farms make anything else ineffective per distance.