Help with a GUN

[Jen Nayfly]

Most everyone on here knows I fish 99% of the time from my FishCat tube. Here's my question I ' d like help with.........I can't afford to buy a Real pistol to carry in my tube so am wondering if anyone has CO2 experience with a BB pistol. Also since I live alone would this be helpful against an intruder as well as Snakes?

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

For pure defense, a single shot should not be chosen as primary weapon, when a repeater is an option. 175 years ago, it was the only choice. If it's all you you can arrange, then use it. But, far better choices exist today. The Rules of Engagement hold sway, always. The first of these is, "Bring enough gun."
For defensive ammo, 12 inches of penetration is considered essential by the FBI, to name one source. APR's are not necessary. The .45LC in any barrel length provides plenty.
For only snakes, the single shot would suffice.... Until you miss.

[Lord of the Fly , Rods]

 David, your right, I would always like to have follow up shots,  but 1 shot of a 45 LC beats a BB gun,  I also prefer armor piercing bullets because you never know when you come home when you are going to find a burgler hiding behind your refrigerator .      LOFR

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I wont suggest the single shot for defense against violent humans. I prefer the follow up options of the Judge. It, however is not cheap. For snake defense, either offer the shot shell option crucial for a hit on critters. The .45 LC is also no slouch as a defense cartridge.
Personally, I think the Judge can hardly be beat for coolness.

[Lord of the Fly , Rods]

A buddy of mine has a single shot 410- 45 long colt single shot pistol called a comanche, and I hear   they are inexpensive.     LOFR

[Greg McWilliams]

FLIP STICK, Don't think so SCOOTER!!!!!!! Takes up rod space!!!!!! 

The JUDGE , Tube Defense 101!!!!!!! It is a 410/45 long colt weapon of choice in a tube!!!!

410 shot gun shells, hit the area hit the snake!!!!! With 5 chambers, where you put the BULLETs, 410 for the water!!!!!! For house intruders 3 45 long colts, 2 410 shells, empty the gun!!!!! INTRUDER GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   :-)

TUBING never LEAVE home without it!~!!!!!!!!! I have also found when I have it, I don't need it I think the SNAKES JUST KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.taurususa.com/gun-selector-results.cfm?series=41

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

A stick with a hook on one end. When the snake swims too close, you slip the hook under it and flip it as far from you as possible.
Im fairly certain, too, that domestic of any kind snakes wont bite when in the water. Dont hold me to that, however.

[Jen Nayfly]

Ok forgive my ignorance but what is a flip stick?

[Jen Nayfly]

Thank You David.....I know little on the subject and respect all opinions!!!!!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Im a former firearms dealer, and rated class Marksman. Here are my thoughts.

A CO2 pellet gun might deter a snake or wound it enough to deflect it. It's worth a shot (pun intended) and is not expensive. SO give it a go and let us know how it feels.

I would caution you against using BB guns against human intruders, however. This turns out badly. They have ZERO power and end up pissing off your assailant. The ONLY reason to shoot someone is in the gravest extreme - when your life or that of a loved one is threatened. You musn't try bluffing, then. Shoot with enough power to save a life, or find another way.

In a tube, I cannot imagine you could shoot a BB gun as accurately as needed to deal with a snake. A moving snake in the water is not an easy target to hit. On the other hand, it would be safer than a REAL gun if you are unaccustomed to firearms.

Keep in mind that to hit a snake you have to see it, and it must be close enough to make difference. Given those two conditions, I think a flip stick would do as well.

For a real gun for close range snake use, I would opt for a stainless 4"-6" .357 Mag revolver, with .38 shot shells. There are many such revolvers available at reasonable prices.

On the matter of dealing with TWO LEGGED predators, few firearms offer the kind of power the .357 Mag brings. While a little long in the tooth, It is still a one-shot man stopper with full power loads.

For less blast and recoil, it will also handle ALL .38 Special ammo.

For small game hunting and target shooting, low power .38 Special wadcutter and  .38 Long rounds are hard to beat.

If you were to have only one hand gun, that should be it.