I dont do much of the silvers or SRC but the guys at Patrick's Fly shop do. They all use 8wt single handers. Having said that they also want to cast a country mile because they own or work at a fly shop. I'm sure a 5wt will be big enough to pull in resident silvers and for sure SRC, its just a matter of getting a bigger fly out past 50' that will be an issue with the 5wt.

I do think a 5wt is the perfect all around trout and pan fish rod, good idea to take it out, see how you like fly fishing before spending money on rods to target specific fisheries (like spey for rivers or 7wt for bass...)

Good luck and have fun. We'll know that you've totally hooked if your next posting is asking for advice on a tying vice.