My son was fishing on the river last weekend and caught a 6-7 pound catfish right at dusk. As he was pulling the fish up onto the bank a raccoon walked out of the woods and straight to him, the fish and rod. He attempted to scare it away with no luck. He got into his car and called my Dad that lives about a mile away. When my Dad arrived he could not scare the raccoon away and ended the ordeal with his 12 gauge. My son is now in the market for a side arm for small varmints and snakes. I am leaning towards a 22 revolver loaded with 22LR and shot shells. Any recommendations are appreciated.