I use a side x side that has an OAL of 35". Definitely not cumbersome and has a lot more punch and standoff range than a .38 with snake shot. In my pic the head of the snake was removed cleanly with one shot from about 15' away. No need for a shovel or a second shot. I keep it in a closet with a...
We had a big Diamondback it one of our coves years ago. We found another cove to hang out in that day. That was the only rattlesnake I have seen out there fortunately.
Same thing happened to our dog. He was schedule for TPLO surgery and the vet said let him do what he wants because he can't hurt in any more than it already is. We took him to Havasu and by the end of the trip he was running around with no limp. He is 12 now and never had surgery.