Most of the rattlesnakes I've seen around here have been so tame you couldn't even get them to rattle. I did have a sidewinder rattle at me once, though, when I walked close to it. I was glad for the warning!
Guess I haven't met those nazi snakes yet, but I agree with Rick that using a gun on them is not the best way to deal with them. I used to live in a high-rattlesnake area, and the common practice there was to carry a walking stick and make lots of noise tapping it on rocks and scraping it on the ground. That way the snakes hear you coming and either get out of the way or let you know they are there so you can avoid them.
I guess it works because I lived there for ten years and never came close to being bitten.