[300winmag]

At this point I have a feeling I'd be more of a danger to myself than evildoers with a gun.

Unless there are known large predators out there, you can get by quite nicely with a .22 revolver. Use .22 CBs, or .22 subsonics, and there is very little muzzle blast. Your ears won't even ring one little bit. .22 shotshells for snakes.

Medium-size dangers require a .38 with shotshells, some mid-range wadcutters, and maybe a few hollowpoints. If you have to carry a handgun starting with a "4", things are serious enough that hearing damage will be a trivial concern.

There is also carrying gear that doesn't advertise that you're packin'.

[ExGeeEye]

I usta wander around TX with a S&W #10 with alternating JHP and shotshells. I figured if it was bigger than a snake the JHP could handle it, and the shotshells could take care of the smaller vermicious vermin. Whatever it was, I'd just shoot twice and then worry about the size of the taget.

Never had to.