I am looking for a 3", 4" or 5" .38 revolver to carry for snake protection with snake shot, and coup de grace on game with slugs. Since I am not familiar with the S & W models, I am looking for a recommendation for a functional revolver. Not looking for anything pretty just cheap and functional. What models should I be looking for?
Functional .38 for Snakes
- Thread starter Mcgiiver
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VaRecon
Member
I would get a nice 4" Model 64.
It's a medium sized K-frame and a good shooter.
K frames are plenty durable for extended use with .38
It's common to find this model with a bobbed hammer for carry comfort if you shop used.
More barrel lengths available too. And welcome to the forum.
It's a medium sized K-frame and a good shooter.
K frames are plenty durable for extended use with .38
It's common to find this model with a bobbed hammer for carry comfort if you shop used.
More barrel lengths available too. And welcome to the forum.
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Does it have to be .38 Special?
Consider the Governor?
GOVERNOR (Z) - Smith & Wesson
A .410 shotshell would be more effective against snakes than a .38 shot load.
Consider the Governor?
GOVERNOR (Z) - Smith & Wesson
A .410 shotshell would be more effective against snakes than a .38 shot load.
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Welcome.The 64 is a good suggestion,as is it blued counterpart,the Model 10.
VaRecon
Member
The model 10 is a much older model. It has a tapered barrel as opposed to the 64's heavy barrel
There are probably more differences that don't come to mind. The model 10 can be found in most any finish.
Snake Gun
A plain old model 10 or pre-10 in 38Spl. They made a million+ and they are everywhere. Tried and true, ruff and tuff and in all price ranges.
A plain old model 10 or pre-10 in 38Spl. They made a million+ and they are everywhere. Tried and true, ruff and tuff and in all price ranges.
Larry from Bend
Member
My sentiments exactly!!!! One should fit your needs perfectly. The 38 shot cartridge is a great snake pacifier.
For what you are talking about using it for most any brand of 38 special will do the trick. I would however suggest a short barrel revolver, something you can pocket carry. For years I carried a Charter Arms Undercover 38 Special from March to November here where I live in middle Georgia to shoot poisonous snakes with. Now days I carry either a S&W model 36, or a S&W mode 642.
smokey04
Member
Mcgiver,Lately I've been using a Mod.317 S&W AirLite in .22LR.Since you specified being able to finish off game I would suggest any "J" frame gun in .38/.357.
As a general rule,I have found the CCI Speer Shot shells to be the best,and I avoid any brand with "star crimped shells". Be cautious of shot shells loaded for autoloaders, using them in a revlover can lock up the cylinder when the crimp separates.It has always been my experience that the shorter the rifled barrel the less distortion of the shot pattern.When I feel the need for something a little stronger than a .22 in the woods I carry a Mod. 60 3" in .357 mag. but I hardly ever use mag loads.If I need something bigger then it is hard to beat a Mod. 29 or Mods. 57 &58. Nick
As a general rule,I have found the CCI Speer Shot shells to be the best,and I avoid any brand with "star crimped shells". Be cautious of shot shells loaded for autoloaders, using them in a revlover can lock up the cylinder when the crimp separates.It has always been my experience that the shorter the rifled barrel the less distortion of the shot pattern.When I feel the need for something a little stronger than a .22 in the woods I carry a Mod. 60 3" in .357 mag. but I hardly ever use mag loads.If I need something bigger then it is hard to beat a Mod. 29 or Mods. 57 &58. Nick
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Please don't shoot snakes. They are a part of nature, serve a purpose, and prefer to slither away from humans. Humans are not food to them and they strike only when frightened and are defending themselves. You don't need any gun for "protection from snakes" as they are not stalking you.
If you see a poisonous snake, take three steps around it. There is no need to senselessly kill them.
If you see a poisonous snake, take three steps around it. There is no need to senselessly kill them.
I'm with Saxon pig. If you are a true woodsman, you will simply walk around a snake, or know where not to put your hands and feet in order to avoid a surprise encounter. If you are simply the nonchalant hiker type, buy yourself a pair of snake boots. They are a lot cheaper than a quality firearm.
BearBio
Member
First, I grew up in SoCal where we have 10 different sub-species of rattlers. Saw very few until I was old enough to look for them. No reason to kill them.
Regarding your pistol, are you where you might need something bigger? Is concealed a requirement/option? Otherwise, I'd go for a 357 and use 38's most of the time. A 4" model 66 or 19 seems to be ideal. A good Tom Threeperson's rig and your good to go anywhere the big bears and moose don't abide.
Regarding your pistol, are you where you might need something bigger? Is concealed a requirement/option? Otherwise, I'd go for a 357 and use 38's most of the time. A 4" model 66 or 19 seems to be ideal. A good Tom Threeperson's rig and your good to go anywhere the big bears and moose don't abide.
michael thornton
Member
I used to kill every snake i saw, as i got older i learned to enjoy them being there, it added to my outdoor experience. i have steppen on more than one and have never been bit, the closest i ever came to being bit was while killing a large timber rattler, he just missed my hand thats all! but if your hell bent on killing them a good green stick behind the head is all it takes! I carry a pistol wile in the woods mostly for 2 legged beast.
LC '92
Member
If you want to shoot snakes on your place, shoot them. I have a country house and the thing that will keep the wife, daughters, daughter-in-laws, and grandkids away are snakes. I manage all the animals on my property, they don't manage me. When snakes start paying the taxes, the utilities, feed costs and upkeep, they can stay. Until then they all meet the same fate.
The lady that owned this property before me was bitten by a Timber Rattler while she was working in the flower bed. Luckily we are only about 20 minutes from a hospital. I have killed countless Copperheads in the watered areas around the house. They like the cool wet grass there.
I have used a 2" model 15 and a 3" model 60 with CCI shot loads. Accounted for several large rat snakes in my chicken house. Two quick rounds of it in the barn in the twilight when I couldn't see my sights scored a large opossum that had been bursting open all my feed sacks.
Also loaded some #12 shot in CCI capsules in a .44 Special Charter Bulldog to good effect. The good thing about using shot in your farmyard area is you don't have to worry about ricochets. Also they won't blow holes in the walls of the chicken house.
Please, no stories about how rat snakes eat mice and rats. I have a barn cat that eats all of those she can find. She will eat three a day to the rat snakes one a week.
The lady that owned this property before me was bitten by a Timber Rattler while she was working in the flower bed. Luckily we are only about 20 minutes from a hospital. I have killed countless Copperheads in the watered areas around the house. They like the cool wet grass there.
I have used a 2" model 15 and a 3" model 60 with CCI shot loads. Accounted for several large rat snakes in my chicken house. Two quick rounds of it in the barn in the twilight when I couldn't see my sights scored a large opossum that had been bursting open all my feed sacks.
Also loaded some #12 shot in CCI capsules in a .44 Special Charter Bulldog to good effect. The good thing about using shot in your farmyard area is you don't have to worry about ricochets. Also they won't blow holes in the walls of the chicken house.
Please, no stories about how rat snakes eat mice and rats. I have a barn cat that eats all of those she can find. She will eat three a day to the rat snakes one a week.
If you must shoot the snakes, the shorter barrel will result in the better shot pattern. The more "spin" the shot capsule has will spread out the shot. A 2" barrel 38 would work best.
jhvaughan2
Member
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I'm in the leave 'em alone category for snakes. As for coup de grâce weapon, I'd recommend he m64 over the m10.
It depends on what you are finishing off and how you carry it. A Stainless firearm will hold up much better any blood that may be splashed in shooting, transport or dressing.
It depends on what you are finishing off and how you carry it. A Stainless firearm will hold up much better any blood that may be splashed in shooting, transport or dressing.
OK Hog Shooter
Member
I say leave 'em alone. If you choose to dispatch them, at least skin 'em and eat 'em. They taste just like chicken. 
Chuck Jones
Member
Hey, fellers it's his land.
I say shoot 'em, skin 'em, 'n eat 'em, and that goes fer all dang trespassers.
/c
I say shoot 'em, skin 'em, 'n eat 'em, and that goes fer all dang trespassers.
/c
duckloads
Member
I have carried and used a m15 snubby for my trail gun. 3 rounds cci snake shot and 3 rounds swc +p loads. At 6 feet it kills rattlesnakes just fine with the snake loads with one shot to the head.
I also carry and have used my m625 mountain gun in 45 colt with snake shot. At 6 feet that load of snake shot is like hitting the snake in the head with a golf club.
I sold the m15 but am thinking of replacing it with a beater m10 for my trail gun. It's the same gun as the 15 but with fixed sights.
I also carry and have used my m625 mountain gun in 45 colt with snake shot. At 6 feet that load of snake shot is like hitting the snake in the head with a golf club.
I sold the m15 but am thinking of replacing it with a beater m10 for my trail gun. It's the same gun as the 15 but with fixed sights.
