hobbyist. We have a fifth wheel travel trailer, and have traveled over much of this country. I am a rock hound, and go to many out of the way places where a gun in necessary for protection from both two and four legged animals. Thru my experience I would strongly advise against taking an AK, or any assult type rifle. A shotgun is mak be OK as long as it meet the standards of a hunting firearm. AS for the pistol, it depends largely on where you plan to go. I would check the laws of the state to which you intend to travel FIRST.
By the way, we spent a week at Waynesboro, Va two years ago, it was spent with a metal detector at a Civil War Site where we found three mini-balls and part of an old metal button.......I plan to go back.