That's sort of what's put me off the other two stalker games, I've become quite attached to being able to swap from a rifle to a shotgun in seconds to ruin some fools day.
Plus unless I'm artefact hunting, or I have a need to travel light, I don't really carry a handgun on me, if I do it's either March, SIP or Black Kite.
Only thing that really bugs me is the really awful stamina, but SMRTER adds in a drink that basically gives you unlimited stamina for two minutes, almost enough to cross most of a map.