Maybe a little of each. Something like a mosin might be good enough for the isolated loyalist to protect themselves and their neighbors from minor problems (or to get them a better weapon :) ). 800 rounds of 7.62x54 can be found for about $70-80 online. This is something that almost any family can swing. It could easily be used to take down some game also.
What semi is inexpensive now? I think the cheapest sks are around $300.00 ?
I should of picked-up some demo AR's last year when I had a chance, though I'm assuming the ones I didn't get are in good hands now :-)