Thanks for the advice!
I should have been more clear in my original question. I recognize the role that on-my-person pistol, and a pistol & shotgun by the bed have in home defense. I also recognize that each person has to decide what is best for them. I didn't mean to suggest otherwise.
I was asking, what questions do I need to be asking myself, what information about the firearms do I need to understand, and what factors should I consider in deciding what is the best rifle for me?
I couldn't find a point-by-point comparison of semi-auto, lever-action, and bolt-action (much less the different types of bolt action). That, caliber, and quality seem to be the key points.
I haven't been hunting much, and am hoping to get the opportunity in '09. The guys who I would be imposing upon to teach me, friends of the family, are substantially poorer than me. I don't want to be a mooch if I can help it.
I don't expect to ever be involved in violence, and I don't expect to ever have to defend my home. I pray that God blesses our elected & appointed officials with wisdom and grace to lead our country, so that I'm never involved in civil unrest.
But...
I read the adage, 'use your pistol to fight your way to your rifle', and I don't have a rifle to be fighting toward. 'Fight my way to mass transit' or 'fight my way to the tub, then lay in the tub until the police arrive, the tub should stop most calibers' don't inspire my confidence.
Realistically, I'm not going to train enough with multiple rifles. I relax by shooting my 22lr pistol and 22lr rifle. I practice with a 9 mm pistol for personal protection. I don't practice with a 12 gauge shotgun but I know I should. And I want to add a rifle to the mix.
For me personally, I won't train adequately with an optimal hunting rifle + an optimal home defense rifle. My time would be better spent exercising.
Add to that the assault weapon ban. I don't know if we'll get a federal AWB, but I'm certain Maryland and Virginia will pass versions.
Any other advice or comments are welcome. Thanks again.