Taurus Judge

I am looking into buying a pistol. It could double as a protective device, but I don't have reason or need for that. I'd use it for varmint, and targets basically. It's a Taurus Judge. It's a pistol that can chamber either a .45 bullet, or a 410 shot shell. Has anyone had any experience with this gun, or do you have any advice to use when looking for one? here's a link.

http://www.taurususa.com/images/imagesMain/4510TKR-3B.jpg

Manufacturer Website

There are a few configurations, and finishes, but I think I like this one the most. Although, I might opt for a longer barrel to get more accuracy out of the .45

 

Are you looking mainly for revolvers? I dont own a gun yet, but i shoot the Springfield XD .45 ACP regularly. Its a great gun. Its kind of big though, so you might want to go with the .40 compact if youre looking to carry.

that revolver is really nice looking though.

 

Yeah,
I'm looking mainly at revolvers, and even more mainly at just this one. LOL I own an AK-47 that I target shoot with, but I'm talking about a gun more for close quarters varmint, like when you're walking in the woods, and something jumps out at you, snake, skunk... whatever. I wouldn't want to take a shotgun, or an AK-47 on a nature hike, you know what I mean?

I just don't know if a pistol sized shot gun, is going to be a good gun, over and over.. I've seen pistols that shoot rifle shells, but they're obscene too. Plus, I can't imagine being able to hit everything as well with a .45 as you could with a .410, you know what I mean? I could get a glock 45 for less than this gun, I think.

 

Having been a gun freak from 18 year old when i joined the military, i have seen most weapons but i have to admit this one is new to me.
It looks like a very handy close quarters weapon and much handier than a shotgun.
I am a little baffled as to how it can hold .45 and 410 shells, are there separate chambers?
It has to be the best weapon for camping and fishing (not to shoot the fish) http://bestsmileys.com/camping/2.gif

 

Its chamber is 2 1/2" long, and from what they say, a .45 and a .410 are the same diameter, so they both fit in, without any modification. You could actually load half .45 rounds, and half .410 shells without a problem.

This is from the website too. It's pretty interesting if you're into guns.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl-ZIo-Wztc

 

I understood that the shells were almost the same diameter but a 45 is much shorter than a .410.
It does not say so in the video but i can only guess that the chambers are rifled and fit snugly against the barrel to preserve the power when using 45s.
All said and done a pretty impressive weapon ideal for personal protection.
http://bestsmileys.com/shooting1/3.gif

 

definitely look kinda odd carrying an AK on a hike... that revolver looks great for critter control.

 

Pax,having owned a .45 revolver amongst many other pistols,I now have a 9mm and a sawed off 410 for home protection and plinking.That is a really nice idea they have there and from what you say your needs are I think it would be a great hand gun for you.
I`d say go for it.

 

Thanks MK. I hope that if it came down to it, the AK-47 would have a high enough intimidation factor that I could use it without "using" it for home protection. Being that I could shoot the FMJ's through 3 houses and a VW micro bus, I'd hate to be the one running from it. LOL

 

There is also a model which allows for 3" .410 shells.

 

Right on, I've been over and over them... I don't think I need the extra. I'd be happy I think, just with this one. Thanks for pointing it out though.

 

When you hike with a shotgun, they call it hunting.

Anyway, look up Massad Ayoob. Former police officer, and has written a number of books on the subject of handguns, defense with same, and has also written a running series of articles for Backwoods Home magazine detailing preferred 'varmint' guns. I'll second his recommendation of a snub-nose .357. Short enough that you can get it out even in awkward positions but with more than enough knockdown power.

 

I found these for $100 under MSRP, locally last night.

Would a gun be taxed? I'm thinking it probably doesn't qualify as a necessity just yet...

 

Yes, definitely taxed, plus a mandatory five-day wait period.

 

Pax, for something like that I would get a Ruger or Smith & Wesson .22. They are cheap, and affordable to shoot.

Of course the one you link to looks pretty nice for some up close shooting. Revolvers never jam. :-D

 

I've fired a Judge, but don't own one (yet). Doesn't kick as bad as you might think, even with a .410.

I think it makes a perfect home defense weapon. It's a bit bigger then what I like to carry (.357 Model 60 S&W) but it can be toted about.

In bygone days I found Taurus products to be of questionable quality - but it's my understanding in the last decade or so this has improved. There are a lot of Taurus fans.

I do want one of these (it's on my wish list, next to the computer stuff I want . . . ).

 

My buddy checked one of those out at a local shop. He said they were pretty nice, and very reasonably priced.

 

Buy a shotgun. It would be fun

 

Spad "I've fired a Judge, but don't own one (yet)."

What are you? Some kind of politician? roflmao

 

LOL

I wish I was in the position to actually remove a few judges from the bench . . .

 

Good one, Fred.

 

for home defense, here's the latest for the DIY'er.
not only blasts the intruder but then you can nail his/her carcass to the wall, thereby holding him/her until the authorities arrive. :-D
gotta love modern technology