Yeah, here on the Ozark forest floor, most snakes are perfectly camouflaged. No telling how many we walk by without seeing them. As long as they mind their manners, we get along fine. I do not kill snakes without a cause, if they are aggressive, they get dealt with. If they are in a place where family or pets could be bitten, the snake gets dealt with. Otherwise, I practice the live and let live motto for the most part. The wife and I tried to walk around that rattler and leave it, but for some reason, it got in a fighting mood, and even though we were trying to get away, the trail was narrow and steep, and he pushed the issue. He was rapidly moving, and the head wasn't an option, but a hot 10mm to the body settles most things down quickly.
Referencing your little Chiefs Special, I used to pack a Colt Detective Special when fishing the river. I really liked that little .38, especially since it was a six-shooter. A 2,5" S&W M19 was also a favorite for that duty. Recently, I have been doing some turkey scouting and morel mushroom hunting. This old S&W M15 4" .38 has been along for the trip. Loaded with six 150 gr. hardcast wadcutters at 900 fps it is extremely accurate and capable of snakes and meth head defensive duty.
