Right now, I'm carrying a pistol. I've used it a couple of times to warn off some hay bales, but know there's no way I could bring one down with it. Mostly... it's just a noise maker. But makes me feel better to have something on me. Recently a fox passed through the woods below my coop, and I know he lives in the area. Hubby took out a ground hog with the shot gun. IMO, predators gotta go. It doesn't matter whether they are preying on my cukes or on my chickies!
After seeing those 2 coons invade my duck pen, I dont walk outside unarmed! .22, 380, 9mm, even my CO2 BB pistol is better than nothing. I grab whatever is laying close by.