I guess if you live in a state that bans or restricts semi-autos...
...I'd probably get one of those Marlins in your fave calibers that holds as many rounds as possible. Since you won't be shooting a .223 or .308, I'd use the Hornady Leverevolution rounds with pointy flex tips for best feasible trajectory.
But even in California, you can have an AR, if properly configured.
