I carry a M63 S&W revolver in the summer, with a couple of CCI shotshells up top, for rattlesnakes. It kills them, although you need to be quite close to the snake for them to be effective. I use the .22 rather than a 9mm or .45 shotshell, mostly because they are quieter.

From experience, is the .22 Mag more effective, much louder, etc. than a .22 LR, and is it worth getting one for the purpose I have stated? I have been looking at a Charter Arms Pathfinder Target, with a 4" barrel, for possible use, if it is really worth the effort and expense to do so. Te .22 Mag. may be a marginal improvement in the role of self defense, also.

thanks.

I'd rather be a free man in my grave, than living as a puppet or a slave....