Mastering Close-Range Pest Control: The Definitive Guide to CCI 3738 Handgun Shotshells

Are you a homeowner dealing with persistent garden pests? A farmer struggling with rodents in the barn or snakes in the coop? Perhaps an outdoor enthusiast seeking a reliable solution for unexpected encounters with venomous snakes on the trail? Or maybe you're looking for a specialized ammunition type that minimizes over-penetration risks in sensitive environments. If these scenarios resonate with you, then understanding the unique capabilities of handgun shotshells, particularly the CCI 3738, is crucial. This specialized ammunition offers a precision-engineered solution for small, unarmored threats at close quarters, providing a safe and effective alternative to traditional handgun rounds in specific applications.

Traditional pistol ammunition, designed for accuracy and penetration, can often be overkill for small pests and carries significant risk of over-penetration, posing a hazard to structures, equipment, or even innocent bystanders. The CCI 3738 Shotshell, however, changes the game entirely. It's purpose-built to deliver a spread of small shot, turning your revolver into a highly effective tool for localized pest eradication, all while significantly reducing concerns about ricochet or excessive penetration.

What Are Handgun Shotshells and Why Are They Different?

Unlike standard pistol cartridges that launch a single bullet, handgun shotshells—often referred to as "snake shot" or "rat shot"—contain a small charge of fine lead pellets, much like a miniature shotgun shell. These pellets are typically encased in a rigid plastic capsule that breaks apart upon exiting the barrel, allowing the shot to spread rapidly.

The primary advantage of this design is its ability to disperse energy over a wider area, creating a "pattern" rather than a single point of impact. This wide pattern increases the probability of hitting fast-moving or small targets like snakes, mice, or birds, especially at very close ranges where precision aiming with a single bullet might be difficult. Furthermore, due to the light weight and low energy of the individual pellets, handgun shotshells are far less likely to over-penetrate walls, floors, or other structures, making them ideal for use in enclosed spaces such as sheds, basements, or barns.

The CCI 3738 specifically is chambered for both .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers, offering versatility for a broad range of popular firearms. This particular shotshell utilizes #9 shot, which consists of a multitude of very small pellets. This fine shot size is perfect for neutralizing small vermin effectively without causing undue damage to surroundings.

In-Depth Look at the CCI 3738 Shotshell

The CCI 3738, part of CCI's renowned Shotshell series, embodies decades of ammunition expertise. Let's break down its specific attributes and what they mean for the user:

• Caliber Versatility: Designed for both .38 Special and .357 Magnum firearms, this means if you own a revolver chambered for either of these popular calibers, the CCI 3738 will function reliably. This broad compatibility makes it an accessible choice for many revolver owners.
• Optimal Shot Size (#9 Shot): The choice of #9 shot is not arbitrary. This is the smallest common shot size, resulting in a dense pattern of tiny pellets. For targets like small rodents, snakes, or nuisance birds, #9 shot delivers sufficient kinetic energy to neutralize the threat without excess. Its fine nature contributes directly to reduced penetration, a key safety feature for indoor or confined applications.
• Bullet Weight (100 Grains): While not a traditional "bullet," the total payload weight of 100 grains (including the shot and capsule) ensures reliable cycling and performance in compatible firearms, contributing to the consistent muzzle velocity and energy.
• Muzzle Velocity (1000 fps): At 1000 feet per second, the CCI 3738 delivers its shot payload with enough speed to be effective at its intended close ranges. This velocity ensures rapid pellet dispersion and decisive impact on small targets.
• Muzzle Energy (222 ft lbs): While 222 foot-pounds of energy might seem low compared to conventional handgun ammunition, for a shotshell designed for pest control, this energy is perfectly optimized. It provides enough force for humane dispatch of small pests without the risks associated with higher energy rounds.
• Reliable CCI Primers: CCI is celebrated for its primer technology, known for consistent ignition and reliability. This is critical for dependable performance when every shot counts, whether for immediate pest threats or unexpected snake encounters.
• Rigid Plastic Shot Capsules: This innovative feature is central to the CCI shotshell design. The shot is contained within a durable plastic capsule that travels down the barrel. Upon exiting the muzzle, the capsule breaks apart due to air resistance and centrifugal force, allowing the #9 shot to spread out into an effective pattern. This design prevents damage to the barrel's rifling, ensuring your firearm remains accurate with standard ammunition.
• Flexible Base Wad: A crucial component, the flexible base wad prevents gas blow-by. This means that as the propellant ignites, the base wad expands to create a tight seal against the chamber and bore, ensuring that all propellant gases are efficiently channeled to push the shot payload forward, maximizing velocity and pattern consistency. This contributes significantly to the overall reliability and performance of each round.
• Aluminum Casing Material: The use of aluminum casing helps keep the overall cost down, making these specialized rounds more accessible for regular pest control needs. While not reloadable like brass, for single-use applications such as these, aluminum is an efficient and effective choice.
• Packaging: Available in boxes of 10 rounds, with 20 boxes per case, providing ample supply for ongoing pest management needs.

Who Can Benefit Most from CCI 3738 Pest Control Ammunition?

The CCI 3738 Shotshell isn't for every shooting scenario, but for its intended purpose, it is an unparalleled choice. Here's who stands to gain the most:

• Farmers and Ranchers: Facing challenges from barn rats, mice, pigeons in the rafters, or snakes in feed sheds? The CCI 3738 offers a safe and highly effective way to eliminate these nuisances without risking damage to valuable equipment, livestock, or structures from over-penetrating bullets. It’s ideal for quickly clearing a workshop or a poultry house of unwanted guests.
• Homeowners with Nuisance Wildlife: Do you have garden snakes, voles under your shed, or small rodents invading your garage? This ammunition provides a discrete and controlled method for dealing with these pests at close range, minimizing the risk to your property or neighborhood. It's often the safest option for dealing with a snake in a crawl space or a rodent in a basement.
• Campers, Hikers, and Outdoor Enthusiasts: Unexpected encounters with venomous snakes are a reality in many natural environments. Carrying a few rounds of CCI 3738 in your compatible revolver can provide a vital, low-risk defensive option to neutralize a direct threat without sending a high-velocity bullet into the wilderness.
• Individuals Seeking Minimal Over-Penetration Options: For very specific, close-quarters self-defense scenarios where over-penetration is an extreme concern (e.g., in a small apartment with thin walls), some individuals might consider these for the absolute lowest risk of collateral damage, though traditional self-defense rounds are generally preferred for human threats. It is crucial to understand that shotshells are not designed as primary self-defense ammunition against human threats due to their limited range and stopping power, but their minimal penetration capabilities make them unique.

Real-World Applications and Problem Solving

Let's explore some common questions and problems that the CCI 3738 effectively addresses:

• "What's the best ammunition for dealing with a snake in my garage?" The CCI 3738 Shotshell is arguably the ideal choice. Its spreading pattern makes hitting a fast-moving snake easier, and the low penetration of #9 shot means you don't have to worry about damaging your car, tools, or garage walls.
• "How can I humanely and safely get rid of rats in my barn without shooting holes everywhere?" This is precisely what the CCI 3738 is for. Its ability to dispatch small rodents at close range without significant risk of over-penetrating corrugated metal, wood, or equipment makes it an invaluable tool for farm and ranch maintenance.
• "Is there a type of handgun ammo that won't go through my house walls if I need to shoot a pest indoors?" While no ammunition is guaranteed to never penetrate, the CCI 3738 significantly reduces this risk compared to solid bullets. The energy of the #9 shot dissipates quickly, making it a much safer option for indoor pest control.
• "I'm worried about ricochets when shooting at hard surfaces in an enclosed space." The fragmented nature of the shot from a shotshell means that individual pellets have very little mass and energy, greatly minimizing the risk of dangerous ricochets off hard surfaces compared to a solid bullet. This makes it a safer option in confined areas where standard ammunition might pose a ricochet hazard.

Optimizing Your Use of CCI 3738 Shotshells

To get the most out of your CCI 3738 ammunition, consider these practical tips:

• Understand Effective Range: Handgun shotshells are extremely short-range tools. Their effective range for pest control is typically under 10 feet, often closer to 3-5 feet for reliable results. Beyond this, the pattern spreads too widely, and individual pellets lose too much energy to be effective.
• Practice Your Aim (at close range): While shotshells offer a spread, understanding your firearm's unique pattern with the CCI 3738 at various close distances is beneficial. You'll want to ensure a dense enough pattern at the distances you anticipate encountering pests.
• Safety First: Always follow standard firearm safety rules. Be aware of your target and what is beyond it, even with low-penetration ammunition. Ensure your backstop is safe.
• Storage: Store your ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and humidity, to preserve its integrity and reliability.

The CCI Legacy: A Mark of Quality and Innovation

CCI has been a trusted name in ammunition for decades, known for its innovation, quality control, and reliability. The CCI 3738 Shotshell is a testament to this legacy, offering a specialized solution built on robust engineering principles. The meticulous design, from the break-apart plastic capsule to the flexible base wad and dependable CCI primers, underscores a commitment to producing ammunition that performs exactly as intended, every time. This dedication to precision and consistent performance is why countless shooters and landowners rely on CCI products for their diverse needs.

When seeking specialized ammunition for pest control or scenarios requiring minimal over-penetration, choosing a reputable brand like CCI ensures you're investing in proven technology and reliable outcomes. The CCI 3738, with its focused design and dependable performance, stands as a prime example of purpose-built ammunition excellence.

Where to Acquire Your CCI 3738 Shotshells

For those ready to equip themselves with this highly effective pest control solution, the CCI 3738 38 Special/357 Magnum 100 GR Shotshell #9 Shot is readily available. You can find this essential ammunition at DEGuns, a trusted online retailer known for its comprehensive selection of firearms, ammunition, and shooting accessories. DEGuns provides a convenient and reliable source for all your shooting needs, ensuring you have access to the quality products you require for responsible and effective pest management.

In conclusion, the CCI 3738 Shotshell offers a distinct advantage for specific applications where traditional ammunition falls short. Its unique design allows for safe, effective, and controlled pest eradication in environments where over-penetration is a critical concern. Whether you're safeguarding your property, managing nuisance wildlife, or simply preparing for unexpected encounters, the CCI 3738 is an indispensable tool for responsible firearm owners.

CCI 3738 Shotshell Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	CCI
Series	Shotshell
Model	Pest Control
Caliber	.38 Special / .357 Magnum
Rounds Per Box	10
Casing Material	Aluminum
Muzzle Energy	222 ft lbs
Muzzle Velocity	1000 fps
Game Type	Small Game
Application	Pest Control, Hunting
Boxes Per Case	20
Bullet Type	Shotshell #9 Shot
Bullet Weight	100 gr
SKU	79866
MPN	3738
UPC	076683037381