I've found it reasonably effective at close range. If she is willing to go mano-a-mano armed with a rake, a load of .22 shot should be an improvement, several loads on the same target (target saturation) is an option worthy of consideration. However, a load of .38 Special shot will be even more effective. She might even consider developing the skill to use a solid; at short range, a head/neck shot is not such a high level of skill as it might sound. Be sure she understands that these loads may not kill "ze serpeeent" graveyard dead, so any handling must be done with the rake until proven beyond any retaliation.
