I once had a stray dog run through my yard with it's foot caught in it's collar. I've also seen animals get hung up by a collar and choke themselves to death. It is a personal preference. Both carry risks.
So sad people shoot at cats. The roads are also a dangerous place for kitties. Hopefully...
Outdoor kitties can have shorter but more enriching lives. Here we make sure they are vetted as needed keeping up on wormings and vaccines, especially the rabies shot. Spaying and neutering is also good. Flea and tick preventative are applied as needed.
I might get your kitty microchipped...