Self defense ammo in my 2" .38 Special

[Blackdog]

For what its worth -
I load my first chamber with #4 shot. I'm more likely to run afoul of a snake then a 2-legged critter. The next four chambers now have Gold Dots. Will replace the Gold Dots with wadcutters with my next mail order.
The shot cartridge is effective at 10 feet and had a very large muzzle blast - but almost no recoil. Looks fierce...a psychologically effective warning shot.

FYI, I don't shoot snakes that aren't bothering me.
M

[GFK]

Understand. The idea behind defend is to stop the threat. And, that can take many forms.