Shovel or gun?

bczoom · Apr 6, 2005

( I like the bird or rat shot idea. Where can I get some of that, at any gun store? What calibers does it come in? I have a Taurus .40 that would love some of that action. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

NCDeere,

I don't think you can use the bird shot in a semi-auto. Pretty sure it's for revolvers only. Can someone confirm? I normally carry a Walther PPK in the woods but didn't think I can use bird shot.

SkyPup · Apr 6, 2005

Walther PPK's are very particular as to their ammo and are easy to jam, but I've use .380 #12 rat shot in my Sig-Sauer P232 without any problems.

bczoom · Apr 6, 2005

( Walther PPK's are very particular as to their ammo and are easy to jam, but I've use .380 #12 rat shot in my Sig-Sauer P232 without any problems. )

So you can use the bird shot in a semi-auto (although possibly not the PPK)? I thought I heard the plastic has a tendency to crack open when used in a semi.

LMTC · Apr 6, 2005

I have used 22 birdshot in a Ruger semi-auto pistol. However it will not cycle the slide...you have to do this manually. I have had 22 birdshot in a complete brass housing that is crimped at the end, but have only seen the larger calibers in plastic housing. I would think it might crack as it leaves the top of the ramp to chamber (though plastic 22 did not break in my Ruger). Only one way to find out. The manual cycling thing though would make me opt for the revolver. If nothing else, buy a cheap 38 just for this purpose.

SkyPup · Apr 6, 2005

I think it has allot to do with how steep the feeding ramp is into the chamber from the magazine (which exerts tremendous pressure on the slug during feeding), I know plastic tipped shot will not work in a 1911 .45ACP auto either but it does chamber fine in my Browning Hi-Power 9mm.

bczoom · Apr 6, 2005

Thanks LMTC and SkyPup.

My post/inquiry was for my general knowledge and to let NCDeere know that they may not work in his Taurus.

Brian

BB_TX · Apr 6, 2005

Even if I am carrying a gun, I usually just pick up the closest sturdy stick and whack the copperheads. That's the only poisonous ones I have seen. Others I just let go.

Poppa · Apr 6, 2005

Thanks all!

This is one of those threads that reminds me how lucky I am. In six years I have seen one four foot gopher snake, about a dozen garter snakes and a turtle. Ther garter snakes I like for the bug eradication. The gopher snake scared the snot out of me but I ran home much faster than he could ever move. The turtle hurt me the worst. Mostly cause when I saw him my jaw dropped and bounced off my boot /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

I'll tell you though, if I lived in a place where Cottonmouths existed I would have a SnakeCharmer strapped to each thigh. I would look like some kind of snake killing Steve McQueen from Have Gun Will Travel. No that isn't right, that was Richard Boone as Palladin...Whatever the name of that show was that's what I would look like.

Of course I would still probably run away like a little girl the first time I saw a snake but at least I would be running with iron.

Mike

RedRocker · Apr 6, 2005

I carry a Sig 229 40 cal all the time. Usually have a 12 gauge coach gun near by up at the ranch.

Unclebuck257 · Apr 6, 2005

Poppa,

That's one of the reasons why I like hunting in Colorado in October so much!! Here in Texas, at that time, our snakes are still out and about. In all the years I've been hunting Colorado in October, I've never seen one snake!!

While I'm here on my place, riding around in either pasture or woods, I always have a 12 guage (riot length barrel) with me. Certainly takes care of any rattler or water moccasin I see.