There are two other things I must consider. I have had 3 surgeries on my shoulder and I am now a little sensitive to recoil. D*mn nerve damage. 308's are a little much for me. Which makes me mad as I used to own and love hard kickin guns. A personal favorite was my 1895 Marlin in 45-70. Nice little shoulder thumper but no way in hell I could shoot it now.
In a combat situation, I must also consider the fact that because of my ankle, back and knees I simply won't be able to fight in any offensive operation because of my lack of movement.
I'm sure you think I'm an old broken down old man but I'm actually only 33 years old. Looking at me you'd never suspect that I have physical problems but I know that I just could not endure day to day combat. I was in the Infantry so I know how hard that kind of life can be. Basically I'm like an antique gun. I'm just as deadly as a new gun, until something breaks.
Whatever happens I will be in the boonies on defense. I live in rural Missouri. I've got plenty of kin who have long range weapons. I'll only be needed if they get close.
I picked the 357 levergun because it's so simple to keep loaded in a gunfight. Shoot once, load one. Shoot 3 times load 3 times. I also picked it because I believe in having similar actions in my house. What I'm trying to say is I want every rifle to basically function the same way. I want every handgun to function the same way.
I figure if I stock up on leverguns and double action revolvers I only have to teach my family 2 manual of arms. My wife isn't exactly a gun person but wants to know how to shoot everything I have.
Besides, my Daisy lever action was enough to keep me alive fighting the Yankees, Nazi's, commies, aliens, Imperial stormtroopers, Cylons and all other foes.