.22 Short for a Snake Gun?
- Thread starter Mosin-Marauder
- Start date
Bill DeShivs
New member
It's illegal to kill them in Tennessee.
Mosin-Marauder
New member
I could understand not killing a black snake, maybe a copperhead if it's not in my way, but if I see a rattler, it WILL get dispatched.
bedbugbilly
New member
No criticism intended - but you must be a "crack shot" if you can hit a snake and kill it with a 22 short or a 22 LR for that matter. I'm assuming you are going to go for "head shots"?
Most people . . . and snakes .. . . will avoid each other if possible. If you're close enough to a snake that you are going to try an drill it with a 22 short - chances are it will get you before you get it.
The key is to be alert and aware of your surroundings and on the look out for them - so you can avoid them.
The minimum I'd carry is a 38 special loaded with snake shot - and depending on how "rattled" you are if you come face to face with one, there's no guarantee you are going to get a killing shot off.
I'm in AZ in the winter and I have killed smaller rattlers with a shovel when they've come out to warm up in the sun. A larger rattler? I don't think they are going to stay put while you aim your 22 at their head . . . and if you're at a distance where you can put your arms out and aim, you're at a distance that you can turn back and find another way around it.
Most people . . . and snakes .. . . will avoid each other if possible. If you're close enough to a snake that you are going to try an drill it with a 22 short - chances are it will get you before you get it.
The key is to be alert and aware of your surroundings and on the look out for them - so you can avoid them.
The minimum I'd carry is a 38 special loaded with snake shot - and depending on how "rattled" you are if you come face to face with one, there's no guarantee you are going to get a killing shot off.
I'm in AZ in the winter and I have killed smaller rattlers with a shovel when they've come out to warm up in the sun. A larger rattler? I don't think they are going to stay put while you aim your 22 at their head . . . and if you're at a distance where you can put your arms out and aim, you're at a distance that you can turn back and find another way around it.
A .22 short will work fine if you can do your part: Head-shot required. I’ve killed a number of rattlers with just an Aguila powderless .22 round out of a Winchester 62a.
I don’t have anything against most snakes and am aware of their pest control qualities. Some, however, are, themselves, pests. I have grandkids and other young ones around and I won’t pass up a chance to thin the crowd of the poisonous ones. I don’t have research data and only personal data on a few. A copperhead or a moccasin can very well be aggressive and doesn’t always require prior aggravation to bite. I have a friend who spent time in the hospital and multiple thousands of $$ on treatment of a copperhead bite and he’s not yet sure he’ll ever walk quite the same again. Do not mistake that some of these are dangerous to even knowledgeable folk.
I’ve only seen one coral snake in the wild, and it was headed the other direction at a pretty high rate of speed and I didn’t feel inclined to hunt it down. I have a veterinarian friend who opined that was an error on my part.
I’ve never seen a rattlesnake be aggressive and have seen a bunch of them. I thin them out, as well, as I don’t want anyone bitten even by mistake. BTW, you can often smell a rattler before you see it and, as mentioned, they don’t always warn.
Will
I don’t have anything against most snakes and am aware of their pest control qualities. Some, however, are, themselves, pests. I have grandkids and other young ones around and I won’t pass up a chance to thin the crowd of the poisonous ones. I don’t have research data and only personal data on a few. A copperhead or a moccasin can very well be aggressive and doesn’t always require prior aggravation to bite. I have a friend who spent time in the hospital and multiple thousands of $$ on treatment of a copperhead bite and he’s not yet sure he’ll ever walk quite the same again. Do not mistake that some of these are dangerous to even knowledgeable folk.
I’ve only seen one coral snake in the wild, and it was headed the other direction at a pretty high rate of speed and I didn’t feel inclined to hunt it down. I have a veterinarian friend who opined that was an error on my part.
I’ve never seen a rattlesnake be aggressive and have seen a bunch of them. I thin them out, as well, as I don’t want anyone bitten even by mistake. BTW, you can often smell a rattler before you see it and, as mentioned, they don’t always warn.
Will
Dusty Rivers
New member
If you need to
If you feel the need to shoot it, shoot it. If you don't feel the need, then don't feel obligated to kill it. Let it go. Snake shot gives you a slightly better chance of hitting it. A shovel or rake is better, but only if you have high boots on. 22 Shorts are not worth buying. Buy 22 LR or snake shot.
It is up to you to deal or not deal with any snake you encounter. Only you will be there and know what is or is not required. The same goes for bad guys and skunks. It is always a good idea to be prepared so you have options.
Most importantly watch where you step and reach. I had a 4 foot copper head hiding in my tool bucket. I almost grabbed it instead of my hammer. --Poor dead snake.
If you feel the need to shoot it, shoot it. If you don't feel the need, then don't feel obligated to kill it. Let it go. Snake shot gives you a slightly better chance of hitting it. A shovel or rake is better, but only if you have high boots on. 22 Shorts are not worth buying. Buy 22 LR or snake shot.
It is up to you to deal or not deal with any snake you encounter. Only you will be there and know what is or is not required. The same goes for bad guys and skunks. It is always a good idea to be prepared so you have options.
Most importantly watch where you step and reach. I had a 4 foot copper head hiding in my tool bucket. I almost grabbed it instead of my hammer. --Poor dead snake.
gyvel- Bovine discussion aside, a typical snake cannot eat a human. They only strike for two reasons, to eat and self defense. A water moccasin can't eat you. So that leaves defense. If a snake comes out of the water after (and I would really have to see that as every snake I've ever encountered did its best to get away from humans) it must have felt threatened somehow. Even at that, unless one is elderly or crippled I bet one can still outrun a snake by walking away briskly.
Ok.. years ago, one spring morning, I was fishing in a small creek out side of Houston that had a spillway with a small pond behind it, where I would catch and release bigmouth bass.
That morning I had an encounter with at least ten water moccasins that were swimming across the pond, that would see me, and change directions and swim right at me, and come up on the bank and head straight for me. Others would chase my top water lure and then come up on the bank. I also had a small Gator follow my lure, but he took off when he saw me.
I left after I ran out of snake shot.
(and that's not the only time it happened)
I don't know about other snakes but water moccasins are VERY aggressive.
That morning I had an encounter with at least ten water moccasins that were swimming across the pond, that would see me, and change directions and swim right at me, and come up on the bank and head straight for me. Others would chase my top water lure and then come up on the bank. I also had a small Gator follow my lure, but he took off when he saw me.
I left after I ran out of snake shot.
(and that's not the only time it happened)
I don't know about other snakes but water moccasins are VERY aggressive.
green_MTman
New member
i would go with a pistol with snake shot or a .410,they also have smooth bore .22's as well.if your camping it may be best to red area of snakes so they dont come to your tent or sleeping bag at night especially if you have kids.
remember copperheads,rattlesnakes and water mocassins are pit vipers and pit vipers are attracted to heat they can sense through the pits on there nose.so people moving around or sleeping at night can attract them.
remember even if your bit before you see the snake shooting the snake is still a good idea because most snakes in the US are not that poisonous and will have to bite you twice to kill you or if they dont need a second bite to kill,your still reducing the venom in your system by stoping a second bit.so preventing a second bit in the deep woods adds precious time to your ability to get to a hospital in time.
most snakes dont bit unless picked up or steped on,but remember CHILDREN are the ones that likely may not know not to puck up a snake
here are existential new england snake facts
1.there are less than 500 copperheads left in massachusetts
2.copperhead venom is not powerfull enough to kill an adult human
3.in massachusetts copperheads are only found in remote areas
4.an old ski resort called Mt Tom has a good bit of the few hundred copperheads left in massachusetts
5.in the 1970's a family camping on mt tom during the summer had a child that was bit by a copperhead and the child died
so when you hear all the arguments rationalizing the danger of snakes and yes there arguments are true for the most part,snakes can kill even in massachusetts
remember copperheads,rattlesnakes and water mocassins are pit vipers and pit vipers are attracted to heat they can sense through the pits on there nose.so people moving around or sleeping at night can attract them.
remember even if your bit before you see the snake shooting the snake is still a good idea because most snakes in the US are not that poisonous and will have to bite you twice to kill you or if they dont need a second bite to kill,your still reducing the venom in your system by stoping a second bit.so preventing a second bit in the deep woods adds precious time to your ability to get to a hospital in time.
most snakes dont bit unless picked up or steped on,but remember CHILDREN are the ones that likely may not know not to puck up a snake
here are existential new england snake facts
1.there are less than 500 copperheads left in massachusetts
2.copperhead venom is not powerfull enough to kill an adult human
3.in massachusetts copperheads are only found in remote areas
4.an old ski resort called Mt Tom has a good bit of the few hundred copperheads left in massachusetts
5.in the 1970's a family camping on mt tom during the summer had a child that was bit by a copperhead and the child died
so when you hear all the arguments rationalizing the danger of snakes and yes there arguments are true for the most part,snakes can kill even in massachusetts
Bill DeShivs
New member
Being interested in herpetology from a young age, I had heard the "cottonmouths will come after you" stuff. I never believed it until it happened to me. That said, you can easily get away.
Mosin-Marauder
New member
What is a cottonmouth? Is that some kind of water moccasin?
Not when you're wading thigh deep in a MO creek running a fly reel with both hands. It did teach me some things-
A. I really didn't need that rod & reel, which is still somewhere in the creek.
B. You really do see your sights when you're scared.
C. 45 hardball is sufficient for Cottonmouth if it goes IN the mouth.
D. While I can't Walk On Water, I got pretty darn close.
Thanks to this guy-
22-rimfire
New member
They sure will. Have had it happen to me in Texas.
Generally, rattlesnakes and copperheads don't want to be close to you any more than you want to hang out with them. When ever possible, I do not kill either of these, but I will kill a water moccasin on sight.
My general philosphy is not to kill snakes when ever possible. A copperhead in my yard is a problem, but out in the woods, I leave them alone. All of these snakes are an important part of the eco-system and I respect that. Yes, even the dreaded Water Moccasin/Cotton Mouth. These snakes are just too aggressive as far as I'm concerned.
As for the RG with shots, sure, it will put a hole in a tin can, no reason why it won't dispatch any snakes found here in the US, if necessary. You do have to hit them however (head). Best approach is to walk around them.
aarondhgraham
New member
Go buy a rubber snake at a novelty store,,,
Go buy a rubber snake at a novelty store,,,
Then toss it on the ground and try to hit the head.
I'm not saying you can't do it,,,
I am saying you'll probably need to practice a bit.
Where are you getting .22 shorts?,,,
I haven't seen them in a looooooong time.
When I am at my outdoor range,,,
I almost always carry a 3" model 36 with snake-shot,,,
One of the park rangers told me not to get caught shooting a snake though.
I live in a very small town out in the boonies,,,
Last year I killed a rattler in my yard,,,
I caught all kinds of flack for that.
"Why didn't you just let it go away?"
Go away where,,,
To another part of my yard,,,
Where I might not notice it next time?
"They are part of the ecology"
My yard is not part of the ecology,,,
It's where I live, and walk, and mow, and stuff,,,
Nature and the ecology end at the boundaries of my yard.
I have a little H&R 410 single-shot,,,
It hangs just inside the door,,,
Specifically for slitherers.
I collect driftwood to build furniture with,,,
I have that model 36 on my hip when I'm collecting,,,
But in that situation I am very much on the lookout for snakes,,,
And out there I back away and leave them alone because it ain't my yard.
When my Pop first got me into building driftwood furniture,,,
He said there were two tests I needed to learn,,,
The Whop Test and the Wiggle Test.
Whop the stick against something,,,
If it doesn't break you can make something from it.
If the stick you just picked up wiggles,,,
Put it back down real gentle like,,,
'cause you picked up a snake.
I have on several occasions almost picked up a snake,,,
Most of the time I just use another stick,,,
And fling it out into the river.
Aarond
.
Go buy a rubber snake at a novelty store,,,
Then toss it on the ground and try to hit the head.
I'm not saying you can't do it,,,
I am saying you'll probably need to practice a bit.
Where are you getting .22 shorts?,,,
I haven't seen them in a looooooong time.
When I am at my outdoor range,,,
I almost always carry a 3" model 36 with snake-shot,,,
One of the park rangers told me not to get caught shooting a snake though.
I live in a very small town out in the boonies,,,
Last year I killed a rattler in my yard,,,
I caught all kinds of flack for that.
"Why didn't you just let it go away?"
Go away where,,,
To another part of my yard,,,
Where I might not notice it next time?
"They are part of the ecology"
My yard is not part of the ecology,,,
It's where I live, and walk, and mow, and stuff,,,
Nature and the ecology end at the boundaries of my yard.
I have a little H&R 410 single-shot,,,
It hangs just inside the door,,,
Specifically for slitherers.
I collect driftwood to build furniture with,,,
I have that model 36 on my hip when I'm collecting,,,
But in that situation I am very much on the lookout for snakes,,,
And out there I back away and leave them alone because it ain't my yard.
When my Pop first got me into building driftwood furniture,,,
He said there were two tests I needed to learn,,,
The Whop Test and the Wiggle Test.
Whop the stick against something,,,
If it doesn't break you can make something from it.
If the stick you just picked up wiggles,,,
Put it back down real gentle like,,,
'cause you picked up a snake.
I have on several occasions almost picked up a snake,,,
Most of the time I just use another stick,,,
And fling it out into the river.
Aarond
.
Mosin-Marauder
New member
I should not be laughing this hard at this.
QUOTE]gyvel- Bovine discussion aside, a typical snake cannot eat a human. They only strike for two reasons, to eat and self defense. A water moccasin can't eat you. So that leaves defense. If a snake comes out of the water after (and I would really have to see that as every snake I've ever encountered did its best to get away from humans) it must have felt threatened somehow. Even at that, unless one is elderly or crippled I bet one can still outrun a snake by walking away briskly. [/QUOTE]
Bovine discussion? Here's the situation: A buddy of mine and I worked for the same company in Miami, and, after work, we would head out to some remote drainage canal areas in west Broward to go shooting (which we could still do at the time). While standing by the bank, the moc swam across the canal (about 8' wide), came up the bank and proceeded to chase my buddy and me. We did, in fact walk away (briskly, as the snake was not just "moseying" toward us), but the snake still kept coming at us. I had my .45 with me, so I unholstered it and shot the snake at about roughly 7'. Had you been there with us, you could certainly have also borne witness to the event.
I suppose you are correct in saying that we could have easily walked away, but at what point does the snake give up the chase? It was easier to shoot it. I don't particularly like to kill any living creature, but, if I feel the situation warrants it, I will.
Regarding the snake eating you, most larger rattlers will give a defensive "dry bite" where little or no venom is injected since the venom is a slow-to-produce digestive aid and crucial to the snake's survival. It's the little ones that you have to worry about, especially the ones with no buttons.
As a rule, around my place, I watch where I walk, and always carefully look behind shed doors, etc. to make sure no little critters are coiled waitng to see what's causing all the vibrations in the earth.
Bovine discussion? Here's the situation: A buddy of mine and I worked for the same company in Miami, and, after work, we would head out to some remote drainage canal areas in west Broward to go shooting (which we could still do at the time). While standing by the bank, the moc swam across the canal (about 8' wide), came up the bank and proceeded to chase my buddy and me. We did, in fact walk away (briskly, as the snake was not just "moseying" toward us), but the snake still kept coming at us. I had my .45 with me, so I unholstered it and shot the snake at about roughly 7'. Had you been there with us, you could certainly have also borne witness to the event.
I suppose you are correct in saying that we could have easily walked away, but at what point does the snake give up the chase? It was easier to shoot it. I don't particularly like to kill any living creature, but, if I feel the situation warrants it, I will.
Regarding the snake eating you, most larger rattlers will give a defensive "dry bite" where little or no venom is injected since the venom is a slow-to-produce digestive aid and crucial to the snake's survival. It's the little ones that you have to worry about, especially the ones with no buttons.
As a rule, around my place, I watch where I walk, and always carefully look behind shed doors, etc. to make sure no little critters are coiled waitng to see what's causing all the vibrations in the earth.
Last edited:
Go a lake in Texas. Shine a light across the water at night. They will come towards you. Water moccasins are nasty snakes in Texas.
In general, out in the open, me and snakes have a live and let live relationship. Around people, dogs, cattle, horse etc. poison snakes need to be killed. I'm not gonna let a kid get bit by a snake I gave a break too.
Now, rat snakes, garden snakes, black snakes, I see them around the house on occasion, no desire to hurt one.
In general, out in the open, me and snakes have a live and let live relationship. Around people, dogs, cattle, horse etc. poison snakes need to be killed. I'm not gonna let a kid get bit by a snake I gave a break too.
Now, rat snakes, garden snakes, black snakes, I see them around the house on occasion, no desire to hurt one.
I stopped killing snakes years ago, but if you want to shoot one, 22 shorts will do just fine. They ain't tanks you know.
If you can hit them. Hitting them is the hard part.
I used to keep a Red Ryder BB gun in the rod locker of my bass boat for the kids to play with when they got bored fishing. I had a snake that kept hanging around the boat one day so I pulled it out and took a pot shot at him to run him away from the boat. I popped him right in the head with a copperplated BB shot. I was shocked when that snake rolled over and was DRT. Note to self. Don't shoot snakes with a BB gun either unless you really want to kill them.
If you can hit them. Hitting them is the hard part.
I used to keep a Red Ryder BB gun in the rod locker of my bass boat for the kids to play with when they got bored fishing. I had a snake that kept hanging around the boat one day so I pulled it out and took a pot shot at him to run him away from the boat. I popped him right in the head with a copperplated BB shot. I was shocked when that snake rolled over and was DRT. Note to self. Don't shoot snakes with a BB gun either unless you really want to kill them.