rattlesnake pistol

[Cassidy]

I'll be moving to another house in a month or so. The previous owner said he has had rattlesnakes in the backyard which backs up to a greenbelt preserve (with coyotes and wild ferral hogs in the area as well) , 3 under the deck, and also some copperheads in the front yard. These reptiles are not there all the time, just once in a while. Thinking about carrying a sidearm during the summer months when in the backyard. Will a 22 with ratshot work OK?

 

[tuttlefarm]

No, 22 with shot just makes them mad, I use a judge with 4 shot,

 

[th82457]

I would use a 38 with birdshot - if you want to kill the snake and not just make him angry. not many pellets in a 22 shotshell.

 

[joshb]

I'd suggest a nice 44 mag, with a 6 or 8 3/8 barrel. They're nice guns to have around, and fun to plink with, using the 44 special loading. The longer barrel gives you better aim, etc. The shot shells carry a pretty good load. Hold on there, pardner! I see you're in Texas. You almost have to get a Colt SAA 45. 😄😄😄 Looks classic with the hat and boots. You could also get a pet Mongoose. Years ago, my brother lived in an old house that had a black snake problem. He got a mongoose and solved it .

 

[MrMajestic]

CCI .45 ACP shot rounds pattern very well and carry a good load. A plus is that they will cycle in some, including mine, firearms. The .22 rounds are great for Carpenter Bees and sure makes you feel good when you get them flying with a revolver! ;D

 

[JRS]

Be sure to check your local laws regarding the discharge of a firearm Personally, I would opt for a 38 or larger.

 

[KMart]

I too use to have copperheads in my yard regularly. I used a singleshot 22 rifle with ratshot and a shot to the head is bad juju for them. They seemed to be good up to about 10-15 ft. The long barrel allows you to keep some space between you and the snake.
I have not had a rattlesnake problem and never shot one with the ratshot. I have shot about a 4 ft water moccasin and he was a goner.
I would think that a diamond back of some size might be a problem with the 22.
Copperheads are not aggressive and you can almost get the rifle barrel up to their heads without any response from them. I even stepped on one about dusk one evening and got away without being bit. I feel sure that luck played a big part in that....and my jumping ability.
another suggestion is a .410 with some 2 1/2 inch shells with 7 1/2 to 9 shot. They are a bit more quiet than the short barrel pistols and won't disturb the neighbors as much.

 

[mac86951]

I've found a nice low cost wheel gun with 22CBs does just fine. Doesn't disturb the neighbors either. Of course you could get a Thompson contender and go 45-70, but seriously...

-Mac

 

[Pappy42]

Bond Arms .45 Long Colt/.410. Number 8 or 9 shot works.

 

[jimcasey01]

Years ago, I used a 410, was very effective.

 

[jwink]

As I have no love loss for any snake, I prefer a 12 ga. 1-3/8 oz. load, at least 7 round capacity, semi auto, 18" barrel.

 

[rayporter]

a 22 just makes them mad? sorry, i must disagree!

i kill one or two a year with a north american arms 22 with rat shot. it is always in my pocket and ready. no, it wont work from 15 feet but if you get with in 6 feet every one has died with one shot. a 22 mag has a few more pellets if you think you need them.

 

[mshelton]

If you have a revolver, you can load your own shot shells, pretty fun to play with but just a little time consuming.

Primer, 5-9g of red dot, an over powder disc, your choice of shot then an over shot disc and seal it up with a drop of water glass if you like. The discs can be made out of thin cardboard, just tamp everything down and there you have it.

 

[Joe Salt]

Taurus Makes the Judge 410-45! just what you need.

Joe Salt

 

[lawrence97]

I worry about rattlers every day when walking dogs. I started with a 22 using the ccii bird shot rds in a revolver and they do nothing unless you get within a foot and shoot several rds. I then switched to regular walther p22 and would practice my marksmanship skills trying to hit the snake. I finally upgraded to the Taurus polymer judge and it has been excellent. The best part is that I can find ammo in abundance from bird shot, slugs, personal defense and buckshot. It is also fun and cheap to shoot.

 

[rkittine]

I have a Model 29 S&W .44 Magnum with 8 3/8" Barrel. Works great with an old supply of .44 Magnum Thompson Contender Shot Shells that I still have.

Bob

 

[drover]

I kill 3 or 4 rattlers every year on my place and I use a 22 revolver with birdshot, I have never had a problem with using a 22. As a matter of fact I tried using my 38 with shot and had a problem with being a bit too close and apparently the shot capsule did not have enough distance to open up and it only made a 38 size hole rather than multiple hits like the 22 does.

drover

 

[bdale]

Tarus Judge in 410 Ga. pistol

 

[Lapua40X]

The only tool for that job, IMO:

https://www.google.com/search?q=the+judge+pistol&client=ubuntu&hs=faC&channel=fs&tbm=isch&imgil=MczFg1cKu_sZvM%253A%253B7QzJH2zscl87oM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ammoland.com%25252F2013%25252F01%25252Ftaurus-judge-public-defender-pistol%25252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=MczFg1cKu_sZvM%253A%252C7QzJH2zscl87oM%252C_&biw=1231&bih=927&usg=__xLgJT4R2rZ_GxD_9YSBbBQJQaCE%3D&ved=0CCgQyjdqFQoTCKmVuYmQ5cYCFRA6iAodj_QMIg&ei=MoKqVam0O5D0oASP6bOQAg#imgrc=MczFg1cKu_sZvM%3A&usg=__xLgJT4R2rZ_GxD_9YSBbBQJQaCE%3D

 

[people]

Any handgun will work. Well as long as you can shoot it accurately. I never used the shot rounds on snakes just mice and was not impressed. I also like a little more distance if I can get it.