I ran across an article titled "America is on the Verge of Ratopocalypse" at the New Republic via Fark.com, and it made me wonder what a good shot load (from a pistol) is for rats.
I know bigger is better, but there is something to be said for small and quiet too. Would 22 shot be effective, or would it just make them mad? Would you have to go to 38 Special shot, or all the way to 45 ACP (that's the biggest revolver I have)?
I have never shot a rat, so I have no idea how tough they were. My father told me he used to shoot them at the city dump where he lived with a 22 Short High Standard Model C, but shot would seem preferable to bullets in an urban area.
I guess I am just daydreaming about this, but I'd still be curious to know. Thanks!