Need to define your context a little more. Location; what kinda game; for protection as well as hunting? What sort of Working Man? Settler/Farmer in fields on edge of the Wilderness? Crafts or tradesman in a remote Shop? I've often thought if I was a Farmer/Settler on the fringe of Civilisation and not in the position to afford/need a custom piece I would probably get a hold of a Charleville or Bess, have my local Gunschmidt lop a foot or so off the Barrel, load it up with Buck & Ball, and then go plowin'. But give us a little more info - there's lotsa choices, all of which could be equally appropriate.
Eric