Id choose a pistol
You will get a LOT of attention if you are walking down the road with a rifle
(Unless a lot of attention is what you are seeking )
There are a great deal of things that can happen when you are traveling and going in and out of hotels and cars.
Things get stolen in hotel rooms and cars.
Do you leave the rifle in the hotel room when you go to a restaurant?
Do you carry it with you?
I travel in state (fellow texan) and out of state ...... When in Texas, My Shield 40 is enough gun for me