Anybody got one of these and How do u like it, I am considering one for my bedroom gun.
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Anybody got one of these and How do u like it, I am considering one for my bedroom gun.
If you are considering it because it has the option of shooting .410, I suggest you check this out:
Taurus Judge vs. Box O Truth
While not scientific by any means, it does give you some insight in regards to how the pistol will perform.
But, I do have to admit, they do have a cool factor with them and if I had the spare money and a shorter list of firearms that I want, I would probably be getting one myself.
Got 2 (though that's a different story). I bought mine because I spend time down east in the swamps (I see you're an NC boy). Rattle snakes and wild pigs and the occassional trespassing redneck (no offense) w/pitbulls hunting my pigs. ah me. Anyway, it's a perfect gun for that as well as a bedroom gun. The Judge does nothing really really well, but it does many things pretty good. I never shoot 410 slugs from mine, it does shoot 45 afterall. They tend to like #6 best as far as pattern goes and buckshot feeds well. Warm weather I load 2-3 #6 shot and balance the wheel with 45. Cold weather 2 buckshot and then 45. I view my Judge more as a tool than all my other side arms. I climb and setup tree stands and don't even worry about the finish on the gun....it's a tool. As a result, I haven't put a scratch on either of mine.
Word of caution, unless you get one of the new models, the Judge will only accept 2 1/2" 410. Too many folks jam 3" in the cylinder (and it will accept that). Be thoughtful. And the new, longer Judge IMHO isn't worth it. You can't find a holster to fit it, the old model was about too big anyway, blah blah blah.
I can bore you for a while on these things but obviously I bought my second one. And you can bust clays with them.....but you gotta be quick.
Let me know if I can help.
If 2 .410 loads don't persuade him, 3 .45lc will ruin his day... or at least give you time to get to your 12 gauge... :image035:
a decent "bed gun" IMHO
I bought one and got 5 rounds thru it before I discovered there was a problem with the trigger mechanism and cylinder lockup jamming. Dealer sent it back and I waited over a month without a peep from Taurus. My dealer tried calling and left voice messages while I was standing there. I got tired of waiting for it to be repaired and my dealer traded me for a Ruger Blackhawk instead. Now he's waiting for it to come back while I'm off shooting my Ruger.
I hear that people who have them really like them. I didn't get to shoot mine enough to have an opinion. I know all manufacturers have a bad one slip thru quality control here and there but I wasn't happy about the black hole they call the warranty department. The dealer did a great job of taking care of me.
I've 'eyed' them at the gun shop...not something that seems practical for carry, or HD...perhaps just for snake country.
IMO it's a gimmick.
Dismal penetration with all .410 loads. The .45 is OK, but why not just buy a quality .44 or .45 if that's what you want.
hmmmm I had hoped for better reviews. Guess the judge will be bumped down, if not off of my list.
Doesn't look to me like you have too many true 'reviews' from people who have owned one. Just a lot of opinions from people who know of them. You may want to keep looking for people who have owned one and also consider why you were interested in it. Just because it isn't for some people, doesn't mean it isn't for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by usmc3169
As a bedroom gun I would expect that you're interested in fire power and coverage. With buck shot in the Judge, you will have that. Lack of penetration with 410 #6 shot is....to be expected. I wouldn't go after a BG w/that combo unless that's all I had. Buckshot mixed w/45's will stop a threat in it's tracks and then get more definitive. This is not a 25 yard range plinker though you can get reasonable results for the minimal rifling in the barrel. But, as Tinkerin says, it may be for you it may not. I've put Hogue's on both of mine. The Hogue grips that fit the Taurus Tracker are the match for the Judge.
thanks for the opinions, I really just wanted one because it looks fun, I have plenty other options for SD and HD. As for the lack of penetration on the birdshot, I can assure you that u dont want to get shot with it at the Magic "21 foot" distance that everybody seems to be so crazy about.
Final note on the Judge.....you're right. It is fun. Busting clays, etc. I was down in Bertie Cty some months back and spotted something hanging out of a wood duck box we have on a post in camp. The bluebirds like it. On second look I realized it's a black snake. And I like my bluebirds. #6 in the backside and out he came. Over 6' of snake. The Judge was fun that day for sure.
That Bucket of BS... whatever video... 'Guy is shootin' at 40'. That's not self defense range. The pistol was made for close-in... 12-6'... which is where you're gonna do it mostly. All this 'penetration' stuff is crap. The wound channel of a 9mm 'drill' compared to a .45 hammer and 3 x 35 cal balls disking in several directions... with the attendant hydraulic shock of ruptured organs and the shrapnel effect of bone splinters is gonna ruin somethin's day.
'Did my own test with a borrowed gun: Cow skull onna post @ 8', .45 LC: Holed the skull 'n blew out bone bits... knocked the skull off the post.
.410 000 Buck (3 x 35 cal balls) same range. Blew the skull apart.
This will prob'ly be my next pistol. I see no advantage with a slug... as the .45LC is a better choice for that. The buckshot however, within' the effective range makes a mess. With either round... there is no over-penetration. The Judge is a point-defense weapon and snake killer. Hardly a gimmick.:scruntiny:
Sonora, thanks for the back up. Not a gimmick gun but if you don't think it fits your world then....don't get it right? I'm cross draw with a Blackhawk Serpa. Very nice setup and doesn't bang up a long arm slung on right shoulder. I did see somewhere recently that you can buy speed strips for the 45/410. And you're right, slugs make no sense. But to your point, 45's do. BTW, I've got a SS and a Lightweight. Like 'em both but the Lightweight will talk to you after a couple wheels.