My preferred method for social interactions with snakes involves the Remington 870 12-gauge and just about any bird-shot load close at hand.

Three years ago we moved into a nice home right next to a couple million acres of southern Colorado prairie. Several rattlesnakes show up on or around my patio every year, and all the neighbors are elderly folks who call on me with similar problems. Being in the city with a lot of picky neighbors nearby, I rely on Mr. Garden Shovel and his assistant, The Rake. Pin him with the rake, whack the heck out of him with the shovel.

Here in Colorado our State Legislature has decreed rattlesnakes to be a protected species. Small game hunting license required. Established season and bag limits. Mandated lawful methods for taking these game animals. Sometimes I have to ignore such nonsense and just take care of business around the house.

Never had any real use for the piddly little shotshell loads for handguns.