Hi MossyOak02,

First I'd agree with driftrider....make sure you know how the gun laws read in your state...about minors and handgun possession.

As to the difference between Beretta and Taurus, I believe the Beretta is probably a little better made. (But it should be for the price difference.) Having said that I will also state that I believe the Taurus is still a very servicable gun....and I own one myself. I have owned several copies of the Beretta 92 series, (going back to the 92S), and I carried the Beretta in the military after the switch from the 1911. I trust either the Beretta or the Taurus for what they were designed for.....and I have to carry a 9mm.

Personally if I were looking for an "outdoor" handgun, and snakes were one of the issues, (and even if they weren't), I personally find a revolver more versatile. A good medium frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum with between 3" to 6" is very hard to beat for an all purpose outdoor companion. It may not be the best "hunting specific" handgun.....and it may not be the "ne ultra plus" for self defense.....and it may not be the most powerful....and it may not be the most concealable/packable......but it is probably the most versatile! You can carry any thing and everything from shotshell/snakeshot, to .38 Special Wadcutters - small game, up through full house Magnum heavy bullet loads. And if I were looking for a "first" companion piece in the outdoors it would be that. (Of course a case can be made for having a nice .22 rimfire available as well.)

The large 9's do some things very well....but as an outdoor companion piece I personally think there are better choices!

Good luck with your decision, your State's laws, and in convincing your Mom you should be carrying a handgun. Stay safe!