Model 67 saves 3 year old boy from fearsome rattler!

[DR505]

My son was playing in our back yard when this took a run at him. The Model 67 on my hip really came through. Normally I leave snakes alone or move them, but this one was a bit aggressive. Only 18" long, but the smaller ones can't control venom release like the big ones. Didn't want to take a chance. The body is still out there wriggling around, and the mouth keeps opening and closing.

 

[Chipmunk6]

Looks like a nice hatband in your future, good shooting.
Chipmunk6

 

[GF]

He really lost his head over a .38 special .... sorry, couldn't help it.

GF

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Dear God! I hope your son is okay. I'm glad you were there, prepared, and took prompt and appropriate action.

God bless you and your family.

Regards,

Dave

 

[DR505]

My son is now running around the house with a tape-measure playing "rattlesnake attack"! Ah, the resiliency of youth.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

My son is now running around the house with a tape-measure playing "rattlesnake attack"! Ah, the resiliency of youth.

If you could see me now, you'd see a guy with a huge smile on his face! I am happy everything turned out well. Hopefully, your boy will one day appreciate your Model 67. My 15 year old son still thinks I'm just shy of being a caveman for my preference of, and fondness for wheel guns.

Regards,

Dave

 

[wildenout]

Great shootin' Tex! Sorry, I couldn't resist. It's not everyday that you can save someone like that glad you were prepared!

 

[DR505]

Great shootin' Tex! Sorry, I couldn't resist. It's not everyday that you can save someone like that glad you were prepared!

We have had three mountain lion sightings in the area just last week. The drought is bad and critters are desperate right now. I'm a lot more watchful these days when the boy is playing outside. I've usually got a revolver handy when I'm at home.

 

[vytoland]

great aim and good save.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Good shooting 505. I keep my 38 handy also.

 

[mg357]

Nice shot! I hope your son is ok.

 

[Texas Star]

Do you know the rattlesnake species?

You are correct that even young snakes have potent venom, often more virulent drop-for-drop than that of adult snakes.

What ammo did you use, and was more than one shot fired?

I see that the head was laid by the rest of the snake. The neck was blown off, but the brain not hit. You mentioned that the mouth was still closing after the head was blown off the body. I wonder if brain activity continues? I know that muscle contractions can continue for some time after the reptile receives a deadly wound.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

You mentioned that the mouth was still closing after the head was blown off the body. I wonder if brain activity continues? I know that muscle contractions can continue for some time after the reptile receives a deadly wound.

Texas Star: I hope you don't mind me tagging onto your thread: I was an Emergency Room Nurse for many years and saw a number (all males) of people that were bitten by "dead" snakes. I don't recall any fatalities, but the victims certainly suffered, and there was permanent damage to their stricken hands and arms.

Regards,

Dave

 

[keith44spl]

.

Rattlers in the yard, they get no pass around here....

Hell, I'd walk a mile to kill one, I reckon.


.

 

[Sebago Son]

Time to make chili!

 

[Bill Bates]

Looks like you may have shoot a Desert Massasauga. At 18 inches it was pretty much full grown. The venom is pretty potent on those little guys.

 

[DR505]

Do you know the rattlesnake species?

You are correct that even young snakes have potent venom, often more virulent drop-for-drop than that of adult snakes.

Others have said Desert Massasauga, but I don't know. A full grown DS reaches 1.5-2.5 feet in length according to DFG sources online. Looking at comparison photos, it may be.

What ammo did you use, and was more than one shot fired?

As I was more concerned with much larger critters seen around here lately, I had FBI loads in the revolver. One shot was sufficient.

I see that the head was laid by the rest of the snake. The neck was blown off, but the brain not hit. You mentioned that the mouth was still closing after the head was blown off the body. I wonder if brain activity continues? I know that muscle contractions can continue for some time after the reptile receives a deadly wound.

The photo you see is pretty much how things ended up...it is blurred a bit on the back of the snake and the rattle, as the snake was still moving when I snapped the shutter and I did not want to bother it until it laid still. I was aiming for the head itself, but the snake was moving, and I misjudged. But it worked out.

 

[goldenlight]

This is why I say: Always carry. Always.

 

[Texas Star]

DR505-

Thanks. BTW, I never load jusr for snakes, either. They're incidental to anything larger, like people or cougars that may need some lead. But your one shot certainly reassures me that the lead HP Plus P load is enough for rattlers.

I haven't previously seen these Desert Massasaugas. I note your location in NM, where I didn't know you had any Massasaugas. I do know that I've read that the normal M. has been found to have more toxic venom than some thought, as does the Pygmy Rattler. Certainly, one could kill a three-year-old boy. I'd be surprised if it couldn't.

Once blood supply has been cut off (when you blew the neck and head off the body) the brain should die. But reptiles seem to react long after they shouldn't be able to.

The warning above about "dead" snakes biting has been well publicized, but there's always someone who didn't get the message. I've even heard of one guy who got stuck by a rattlesnake tooth that he found lodged in a boot heel. I guess he somehow stuck hmself while handling it and some dried venom entered his system.

Secretary birds, mongooses, and I have an understanding: they handle the snakes. I don't.

 

[REM 3200]

Do you know the rattlesnake species?

Why yes, I do. Dead and soon to be dead. Any others?