[The Reverend]

I will be moving to a new home in the next few weeks and I have been informed of a Copperhead problem in the back yard. Here is my problem...

I KNOW that a rake or spade shovel is the preferred method of dipatching a little nasty and when the opportunity presents itself I will certainly use that method. This home is a retreat facility that has a fully landscaped back yard with lots of brick and concrete surfaces and people will be using that area often, especially in the evening hours. I do not want to be carrying a shovel or rake EVERYtime I'm out and about, as people will begin to think I am pretending to be Gandolf the Gray.

I have narrowed down my list of choices to a small framed .22lr with a three to four inch barrel, but cannot seem to make a selection within that framework. So far the Taurus 94 seems to be the logical choice (heck 9 shots!).

But I am submitting to the wisdom of THR for great direction...

Thanks and GOD BLESS!

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Rev-

My preference in .22 LR caliber revolver's, lies with the now
discontinued 4" barrel Smith & Wesson model 18!:D
I bought one NIB back in 1971, and I sent thousands of
rounds down range without as much as a hiicup.:rolleyes:
They are kind'a hard to find these day's; and somewhat
pricey. The last one I saw, was almost a 100% NIB; but
the price tag was $509.95 + tax!:( Sometimes (but not
often) you can find a well used one at a lot less amount;
somewhere in the upper $200 dollar mark. Anyway, this
gun is worth waiting for if you are in the market for a .22
LR caliber revolver.:D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[C.R.Sam]

Nuther thought...
S&W 22-32 hand ejector, which became the Model 34.
J frame size and good fun gun that is usually darn accurate too.

My primary snake defense is my cane.
If goin into known snaky area, I use a 6 iron with a crutch tip on the grip as a cane. Head in hand and grip on ground. If needed, reverse positions and use as a proper golf club.

Once saw a Navy Captain put a cobra head about 40 yards with a 6 iron. Cost him a stroke too. :D

Sam

[Pappy John]

Nice revolvers, but both are pretty pricey collector's items now, when I think what the good Reverend is looking for is a tool. If you are going to be using snake shot for this job, accuracy isn't a requirement and the Taurus probably will go bang every time. And save you some bucks.

[Standing Wolf]

Well, heck, if you're just looking for a snake-killing tool, just about any pint-sized .22 caliber revolver would do the trick. I've seen used High Standard Sentinels for $79.99, and have to assume there are nameless revolvers one could pick up for less than that.

If I were to buy a cheap revolver, you can bet your last nickel I'd run two or three hundred rounds of ammunition through it to make sure it worked before using it to attack snakes.

If you wanted to go high end, you could look for a Colt Diamondback with a four-inch barrel, or a Smith & Wesson kit gun, both of which command fairly high prices these days, and aren't likely to get any cheaper.

[Peter M. Eick]

I have 2 I would suggest and use them both.

One is a k22 masterpiece from 1951 in classic 5 screw configuration. Great gun, accurate and the SA trigger is great.

A more modern piece is a Dan Wesson 722 with a 6" barrel, that has a great (smooth) DA but is slightly rough in SA mode.

The Dan Wessons are easier to find, but are a hidden jem. You can put a 2", 4", 6" 8" or 10" barrel on it and switch at any time. I switch mine in about 30 seconds, but I have done it a lot. Also the Dan Wessons are made on a 357 mag frame, so recoil is nothing.

Good luck.

[Hkmp5sd]

Charter Arms Pathfinder. They come with Walnut grips, wide trigger and fully adjustable sights. They stopped production back in the early 90s, but you can still find an excellent condition one for under $100.

[The Reverend]

I truly appreciate the timely responces and hope more folks can chime in... the more the merrier...

Anyway the suggestions are great, but allow me to refocus the discussion. As you can tell from my name, I am an ordained minister in the greater Memphis area, and in school pursuing an M.Div degree. With that you can probably tell I don't have alot of extra cash laying about to spend on a pistol. In fact, I've had to sell two in recent days.

In any case, most of you seem to have caught my drift. I am looking for something both me and my wife can use. Not just for the Copper-nasties, but as a casual plinker as well. So the gun should be relatively accurate, fairly durable, and low maintenance... all that and a good price point. That said, the Taurus 94 seemed to fill the bill, but I know that Rugers are great guns as are the S&W (albeit a bit pricey as some have noted). I also know that semi-autos are an option but with the wife in the mix....ehh you understand. She can shoot mind you but she lacks the confidence a shooter shooter. Being nervous can be dangerous...

Anyway thanks again for the input...keep it coming!

God Bless!

[10-Ring]

For its intended use, the Taurus 94 is a good option. I've had one for many years & many, many more rounds. It's never gonna be a true collector, but it is a fine tool for the job you intend :)

[sm]

I'm with Ala Dan and Sam , soft spots for mod 18 and 34 myself.

Sam...I personally do best with a 5 or 7 Iron...must be a "odd" thing with me...:p Actually when I used to chase the dimpled white ball I played with only 3,5,7,and putter...really ticks off people when your one over par on the short course, and you didn't "lug" the "wonder clubs and bag" to do it. :D
There was another "Iron" in my bag...that was for boogie man...not bogie ;)

[Brian Dale]

I played with only 3,5,7,and putter

:D We get it -- .357 -- do they make some kind of "Magnum" putter?

Reverend, have you taken your wife to a gun shop to find out what feels best in her hand? There are so many good .22s out there (good, logical choices) that balance and overall enjoyment are considerations you can address without breaking the bank account.

Caution: I've never fired a .22 revolver I didn't like, at least none that I recall.

By contrast, with respect to your earlier comment that
I KNOW that a rake or spade shovel is the preferred method
- now there are a couple of items that you don't find me going out to practice with for the fun of it.

Enjoy your search.

[citizen]

ALMOST offered to sell you my 94c, haven't shot it in 2yrs; but it's against my religion.:(

[sm]

I didn't even think about the 3, 5 7, reference--honest.
I really just used those irons and a putter. My other "Iron" was a Combat Commander at the time. Sheesh, maybe this gun thingy really is in one's genes...ya think? I never associated the choices...

My 22 revo growing up was a Sentinel...all I had and learned on back then.

.22s just too much fun, great trainers, and will surprise one with effectivenesss...

[The Reverend]

Happy Bob,

My wife is actually a very good hand when it comes to shooting and yes she has had much experience with "feeling" around a gun shop or show. Her current choices from the safe run to the semi-auto genre. Her current carry/home defence is a SIG P225 with 5 spare mags, she backs that up with my P226 (expensive taste)... She is such a good shot with this gun, I'm just abit of a bum getting her out there to a range to shoot shoot shoot so that she can gain that something we all needed to get when we started. She is ok with me standing there but on her own she begins to second guess herself and in my experience that can be dangerous with out supervision.


citizen,

LOL...If we need to start talking conversion here, I'm just the guy to talk to.

Thanks guys

God Bless!

[Ala Dan]

Hey-Hey-Hey Rev!

Looks like your wife taste are the "Rolls Royce" of
DA/SA firearm's!:D Both the P225 and the P226 make
an excellent choice for personal and home defense.

I've said many times, I prefer the .45 caliber SIG-Sauer
P220A for both of those application's; and I still live by
that thought. I need to "load up" on Federal's 230 grain
"Hydra Shok's", before they discontinue them though!:uhoh:

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Vern Humphrey]

Personally, I'd look at the Ruger SP101 -- I bought one of these for my daughter in .357, and was quite impressed with it. It comes in .22 LR as well, but for a snake gun, I would just as soon take this gun in .357 and use shot loads.

[The Reverend]

Ala Dan,

You have made a huge observation there my friend. No matter the situation or product... my wife will consistently "go" for the most expensive of the bunch, without really knowing much about the item or the price points. Some would call this a gift, and as long as she likes the guns I like, that'll be just fine. Heck, I'm just glad she is as much an avid shooting hobbiest as I am, the fact that her taste runs to SIG is icing on the cake...

By the by...the P220 is next on the list after this .22 purchase!

Vern,

Would love to consider the Ruger Sp-101 as it would compliment the GP-100 I have. But I have 2 issues:

1. The Ruger, while being a super dependable piece only comes in a 6 shot configuration (Taurus has 9). Can I get the Ruger in a 3 or four inch barrel length? If a four then I guess the Ruger is a good option.

2. The Ruger will be priced a bit higher than the Taurus... cost is an issue.

I have considered just using my GP-100 or Taurus 85 in .38 to pull the duty I am looking to have, but the noise factor is a MAJOR consideration. CCI shot loads may be a bit less loud, but not a whole lot. Don't want to tick off the neighbors.

Keep it coming guys the more knowledge I have the better off this preaher will be!

Thanks!

[Vern Humphrey]

Reverend -- yes, you can get the .22 version of the SP101 in a 4-inch barrel.

[p35]

I have a Rossi .22 with a pinned barrel that's a hoot to shoot and didn't cost much. 6 shot; the old Rossi bluing that rivals Colt quality, on "J" size frame; plenty accurate. Not sure I'd trust a bigger caliber Rossi as a serious defensive gun, but for a little .22 it's hard to beat.

[docbones]

Actually, this is just my own opinion, seconding that of Vern's, regarding the SP-101 in .22 LR. I have several rimfire SP-101's and despite the slight difference in cost between this model and others (Taurus and Rossi), its quality far supercedes the others. The Smith's really are in a class by themselves, much to be revered. I am just a meat and potatoes type of person when it comes to guns. I like them to be very reliable and very durable, owing my desires to the tool status to which I have relegated most handguns. In that regard, all Ruger products perform admirably. Between the anecdotal information obtained by myself and my best friend, who also owns a snubby SP-101 rimfire, these guns are more accurate than they have a right to be. So confident am I in their abilities, I am saving one for each of my daughters and one is soon to be given to one of my nieces, leaving me a few! If one is careful, he can find a good deal on any of the popular auction or sale sites, including but not limited to www.gunsamerica.com, www.auctionarms.com, www.gunbroker.com. They offer good to great accuracy, excellent durability, and exceptional quality and value. Just be sure to shoot a variety of ammo to see which your particular revolver may prefer. Beyond that and in consideration of quieter shooting in urban areas, I can recommend the Aguila ammo for quieter shooting in suburban areas. Once all in the family have gotten acquainted with it, the real problem you face is direct adoption!

Sincerely,

Docbones

[schapman43]

After all my research I decided to go with the SP101. It'll match my SP101 in .357 and compliment my GP100 and Redhawk :)





I really REALLY like Ruger revolvers!

[Jaco]

Reverend,

After a huge search for .22 Revolvers here I got my wife a Astra Cadix .22 snubby, with a 9 round capacity. Great gun for the price!

[JohnBT]

I believe they were discontinued five or so years ago, but keep an eye out for a S&W 63 kit gun.

Me? I'd like an original alloy-framed Ruger Bearcat.

John

[The Reverend]

Thank you so much for the reply to my questions. I know the time and thought that goes into a post like that and I really appreciate the spirit in which it was given. I will be taking a super hard look at the SP-101 and now that I know it does indeed come with a 4 inch barrel, it will that much harder to pass up.

Much appreciated!

God Bless!

[Okiecruffler]

Well, if you hadn't mentioned you also wanted a plinker I would have offered you my SA RG. The wife used it with CCI shot shells to send a copperhead and a couple of buzzworms to their reward before I remembered I had a .410 single shot. Snakes just aren't that tough. Me, I use a pillow case to get rid of them. Just pop them in and take them down the road a piece so the dogs can't muck with them.

[djl4570]

Keep in mind that if you kill all of the adult snakes in the area the less obvious baby snakes will move in the territory and their bite can be just as painful. Learn something about what habitat they like and do something to deny this to them in the landscaped area. Get a small terrier sized dog to help you flush them out. Years ago some friends of mine had a terrier mutt named Buffy that went after a 9 button western diamondback. She chased the snakle into the open where it was dispatched with a shovel.

That being said my choice would be a S&W model 17. These can be had in the traditional six shot or the modern 10 shot versions. A .410 shotgun with light loads would be a good backup.

[C.R.Sam]

re1973
I like to short course with just a 6 n a 2. Drive and putt with the 2.

Sam

[The Reverend]

This thread has been very helpful and the responces have changed my first option.

Originally, I believed the Taurus 94 to be the single best choice for my particular usage. With the information I now have been made privy to, I think I will be opting for the Ruger Sp-101 in .22lr. With a 4 inch barrel and a six shot capacity, I'm sure that it will fill the bill adequately. Know Ruger's the way I do, I will have it wfor many years to come.

Feel free to tell me what you think...

God Bless!

[10-Ring]

I haven't seen a 22lr wheelgun from Ruger for such a long time I forgot about them...good choice! Thanks for telling us which you decided to get ;)

[DougCxx]

Ehhhh........ -well-........
--Hate to spoil your paranoia, but Copperheads aren't deadly; in IL at least the standard emergency-room treatment is antihistamines and rest.
--Probably the best course of action is to make or buy some snake-tongs (or us esomething similar--they are rather expensive to buy), and when you find a snake where you don't want it, just gently pick it up, carry it away and toss it where it won't bother you. Snakes are territorial you see, and new snakes will keep moving in as long as there's currently no snake around. But if you let one or two live and pester them enough, they may stay away from the areas you don't want them in. Another thought is to eliminate or re-arrange any objects you find them frequenting, to make the objects less attractive. Consider that the objects may be attractive to prey species, as that is what the snakes are after.
--If you just gotta kill them, then I hardly see how walking around with a gun on your hip looks more dignified than brandishing a shovel, but anyway. Grampa knew best: get any cheap revolver with a barrel at least 4+ inches, ream out the rifling, and use shotshells. Hey, you never said it had to be legal. But if you don't undo the rifling, then don't bother with the shotshells--they are useless in rifled arms.
~

[Okiecruffler]

I agree with the idea of making the area less comfortable for them, we just had a woman around here get hit by a copperhead while moving debris from around the house. But if you're not experienced in handling them, don't try to move them. I do it, but I've been handling snakes for almost as long as I've handled guns. I talk about throwing them in pillow cases, but I hope no one is playing Crocidile Hunter out there because of something I said. A long stick will run off most copperheads, buzz worms and moccasins are a bit more stubborn. Current ER treatment in Texas for snake bite is 6 hours of observation then send you home, usually with a tet shot and some prophylactic antibiotics. Stratistically, more people die from allergic reactions to antivenom than from snake bite every year.

[Doug S]

I owned a Taurus 94 (9shot) for a couple of years. I was very pleased with this gun, thousands of rounds without any problems. Mine was a 2in snub that I wanted for pocket carry while walking in the woods. I traded on another gun, and have since missed the 94. Very good gun for the money $230 blued NIB. Don't think you find a Smith or Ruger new in this price range.

[Doug S]

Oh and as far as snakes go, I have a friend who owns a cabin in the mountains. On occassion they have had to dispatch rattle snakes. While skinning one particular rattler he found a number of 22 shot pellets just below the skin that hadn't harmed the snake. He uses 357/38 shot loads.

[The Reverend]

Thanks again for the responces all...

I guess I did not make myself clear in the original post, so I will try to restate the original premsis...

The home I am moving to is a retreat facility that I will be directly responsible for maintaining and hosting while guests are visiting. Much of the rear of the property has been significantly modified with concrete and masonry structures with concrete walks mazed about the area. This area is surrounded by some fairly thick wooded areas. In all the property is about 3 acres.

First of all, I really do not appreciate the condecending remarks reffering to me as being "paranoid". I too lived in Illinois for 5 years, but that was after living in South Florida for 15 years. The areas that I lived in were never more than 3 to 4 miles away from the Atlantic and always around small bodies of fresh water. I have some pretty good experience with reptiles of all kinds (Alligators, coral, cottonmouths, E. Diamond Backs, and yes copperheads). The choice I have made is to kill only the poisonous snakes I encounter. If you believe that you are more evolved as a person for disposing the creature, who am I to disparage you of your choice, more power to you.

And as I currently have a CCW in MS, the carrying of a sidearm is not foreign to me as it is with some who live in other states (ie ILLINOIS). I will have the courtesy carry the .22 in such a way that no one will know (ie concealed) unless I have to use the weapon.

Finally, I don't think I ever specified using shot loads in this particular discussion. You see, as a younger man a pet of mine was killed by an E. diamondback rattler because I tried to use a shot load (.22WMR) because had already moved it, and others like, several times. All it did was make it mad, and I quickly lost control of the situation. In light of that, I will probably use CCI maxi-mags or stingers... I think they will suffice, but if you have other suggestions that would be great. And besides, any excuse to buy another gun is good. This one will give me a great plinker!

Thanks, God Bless

PS tell Gov. Blogoiovich and the Rev. Jackson I say hi!