[ReignOfError]

Unfortunately bird or snake shot in a pistol is influenced by the rifling. It tends to try and head out in a circle instead of staying in a group. If you have a 22 get some shot and try it on cardboard at varying distance. It will amaze you how fast it disburses.

That is a feature, not a bug. Light shot in a handgun or rifle is designed for soft targets at close range; It disperses and loses its punch at a distance. It's supposed to. That's what it's for.

If the cop in this story had used bird/snake/rat shot, the snake would likely still be dead and the kid almost certainly wouldn't. That is the central point.

[mad_as_he$$]

In general I agree but if you are trying to take out a snake at say 25 feet with bird shot it may take more than one shot - especially with a 22. A 9mm has more shot and hence a better chance of hitting the snake. Since most people don't want to get that close to a snake then it is problematic. I agree if the cop had used bird shot the kid would probably still be alive.

Oh and Mickeysoft did give me the correct answer - once!!!!

[supercat]

That is a feature, not a bug. Light shot in a handgun or rifle is designed for soft targets at close range; It disperses and loses its punch at a distance. It's supposed to. That's what it's for.

I've sometimes wondered whether a derringer with snake shot might be usable as a self-defense weapon by a severely-visually-impaired person. Deadly against a person at contact range, but not terribly far beyond.