Semi-auto pistols are my favorites.
That doesn't mean I dont want to own every single rifles, shotguns, revolver, muskets, machine guns, carbines, canons ... that I see.
That's why I like the word "GUN", it says it all.
I like gun, that's all.
I voted pistol, but I don't know what you mean by prefer. I voted pistol becase I always have one with me and never leave home without one, but if SHTF I would prefer a rifle. In the end I love all guns though!!!
I still like my older bolt action hunting rifles. Would not have a problem using them for self defense either.
Then again, I learned to make a shot count. Not spray and pray. I learned to shoot with a revolver and bolt action rifles. Guess that is why I feel comfortable with them.
While I own all three I just seem to gravitate to rifles. Just somthing atrractive to me about hitting targets at long ranges. And belive me I know it takes skill to hit with the pistols, I suck at steel and bowling pins. As a matter of fact my rifle shooting in competition could use a lot of improvement. But it's my favorite.