Author Topic: Why the Taurus Judge? (Read 404 times)

onemountain · « **on:** January 15, 2012, 03:30:05 PM »

Okay, a buddy of mine was over to show me a revolver he is considering, with this particular specimen being loaned from his brother. It was a Taurus Judge. For those of you not familiar with it, it's a revolver that can chamber both .45 colt and .410 bore shotgun shells. I asked him why he wanted to get it. He didn't have a coherent answer. Which is fine, I guess; he's well-off and it's his money, not mine.

So I'd thought I'd ask you guys: what's the point of the Judge? I don't understand what it's for. I'm especially dumb when it comes to handguns, but I'm guessing the OAL length of the .45 Colt is well short of 2", while the .410 starts at something like 2.5," right? That's a helluva jump for the bullet to reach the barrel/throat (forcing cone?) which I'm guessing isn't conducive to spectacular consistency or power. And a shotgun load out of a 3" barrel? I'm gonna guess all bark, no bite.

I will give it one thing- it is a pretty intimidating gun. The muzzle of a .45 Auto pistol looks nasty enough, but seeing that .45 Colt muzzle punctuated on both sides with other chambers takes "please exit my domicile in an expeditious manner, kind ski-mask wearing sir" to another level.

So what is this thing's niche? Is it just a loud tchotchke? Or am I wrong about its performance?

emathey · « **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2012, 03:56:07 PM »

It's a testament to Taurus's marketing ability.

XDMHMMWV · « **Reply #2 on:** January 15, 2012, 04:27:18 PM »

If you want a small snake or intruder gun it is a good design.
But, its effective range is only up to 30 feet for snakes. http://theboxotruth.com/docs/bot41.htm

And only 15 feet for bad guys. http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot53.htm

emathey · « **Reply #3 on:** January 15, 2012, 04:40:12 PM »

.410 out of a pistol length barrel is not an ideal choice for shooting two legged things, if you're going to shoot .45 LC out of it you might as well pick up a regular gun.

zona5101 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 15, 2012, 05:25:28 PM »

Quote from: emathey on January 15, 2012, 03:56:07 PM

It's a testament to Taurus's marketing ability.

winner!

only people i know that "like" or own one aren't really gun knowledgeable

popsgunner · « **Reply #5 on:** January 15, 2012, 06:02:47 PM »

LOL, here we go, Zona.....LOL, I like them...

, great home defence gun , hiking gun, most confrontations happen at 12 feet or less right ?( they do, that was retoricle).
great gun for first time shooter, easy to use, lots of ammo choices.....and its FUN to shoot.
Just MHO.
Pops

Nealio · « **Reply #6 on:** January 15, 2012, 07:02:05 PM »

Yeah I though about getting one for a desert gun . Shot shells for snakes and some buck or slugs for other "animals". Seems like its good for that.

XDMHMMWV · « **Reply #7 on:** January 15, 2012, 07:56:11 PM »

Quote from: Nealio on January 15, 2012, 07:02:05 PM

Yeah I though about getting one for a desert gun . Shot shells for snakes and some buck or slugs for other "animals". Seems like its good for that.

Read the above posted articles from The Box O Truth.
Buck is useless.
Why slugs? Just put a 45lc in.

Kcboats · « **Reply #8 on:** January 15, 2012, 11:23:14 PM »

+1 for pops...it's fun and cool looking.

zona5101 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2012, 05:26:18 AM »

Quote from: popsgunner on January 15, 2012, 06:02:47 PM

LOL, here we go, Zona.....LOL, I like them... , great home defence gun , hiking gun, most confrontations happen at 12 feet or less right ?( they do, that was retoricle).
great gun for first time shooter, easy to use, lots of ammo choices.....and its FUN to shoot.
Just MHO.
Pops

I stand corrected.
The only people I know that like or own one aren't really gun knowledgeable and Robert.

Jrhoney · « **Reply #10 on:** January 16, 2012, 02:48:15 PM »

If you like the Taurus Judge, then you should love the Smith & Wesson Governor. 6 rounds instead of 5 and you have the option of using 45 ACP on moon clips. Also you get the better trigger pull of Smith & Wesson revolvers and they're made here in the USA.

XDMHMMWV · « **Reply #11 on:** January 16, 2012, 03:55:22 PM »

Quote from: Jrhoney on January 16, 2012, 02:48:15 PM

If you like the Taurus Judge, then you should love the Smith & Wesson Governor. 6 rounds instead of 5 and you have the option of using 45 ACP on moon clips. Also you get the better trigger pull of Smith & Wesson revolvers and they're made here in the USA.

+1
I forgot about the Governor.
.45 ACP cheapness..... I mean goodness.

TrooperBrian · « **Reply #12 on:** January 16, 2012, 04:31:10 PM »

I agree, take a look at the S&W Governors, six shots instead of five. You lose the 3" .410 shell capacity, but gain the ability to use .45ACP. And the legendary quality of Smith&Wesson.

MtGoat · « **Reply #13 on:** January 16, 2012, 04:39:29 PM »

I pack a 10" TC 45/410 during grouse season (I am not that good of an aim with rocks

). The judge would not make that bad of a snake or a grouse gun (if it is very accurate with the 410 shells). It is a heck of a lot better than a 44 mag with shot shells

Pat

avking · « **Reply #14 on:** January 16, 2012, 05:55:59 PM »

I think the judge in stainless is a great gun for a permanent car/truck gun. Never have to worry about it working and any confrontation is probably at arms length.

telomere · « **Reply #15 on:** January 17, 2012, 05:01:55 PM »

Because you can't afford a Governor?

I just don't see the point, although I know a few guys who love them.
To each his own I guess.

onemountain · « **Reply #16 on:** January 17, 2012, 05:34:11 PM »

Telomere? Not a name I'd expect on a firearms forum. At least you're not highly repetitive

(lame, I know lol)

Well, as always, I've been educated. Fun is certainly a good enough reason for me. So's popping snakes. Not that I feel at all compelled to get one for myself, though. Different strokes for different folks, or whatever the saying is. 'Different guns for different sons' maybe? Different charms for different arms?

*sigh* I'm so lame some times.

avking · « **Reply #17 on:** January 17, 2012, 07:16:29 PM »

Quote from: telomere on January 17, 2012, 05:01:55 PM

Because you can't afford a Governor?

I just don't see the point, although I know a few guys who love them.
To each his own I guess.

Why spend more $$$ if the intent is to stick it in the trunk and let it sit in the elements. Plus, I did not see stainless as an option on the S&W. Stainless is important to me, if I plan to let it sit in the trunk or car for years.

telomere · « **Reply #18 on:** January 17, 2012, 08:39:21 PM »

Quote from: avking on January 17, 2012, 07:16:29 PM

Why spend more $$$ if the intent is to stick it in the trunk and let it sit in the elements. Plus, I did not see stainless as an option on the S&W. Stainless is important to me, if I plan to let it sit in the trunk or car for years.

No disrespect intended I completely understand $$ being a huge factor in most people's, including my own, purchasing decisions.
The Governor does give you 1 extra round and the option of shooting 45ACP, but I can't say it that is worth the extra $150 or so.

Jrhoney · « **Reply #19 on:** January 17, 2012, 08:49:40 PM »

Quote

The Governor does give you 1 extra round and the option of shooting 45ACP, but I can't say it that is worth the extra $150 or so.

Don't forget a nice trigger pull, the major reason I prefer S&W