svgheartland

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.

__________________
Savage Heartland

rednecksport

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.

__________________
Well You Boys Gonna Pull Them Pistols, Or Whistle Dixie.

svgheartland

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.

__________________
Savage Heartland

Sonora Rebel

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.

__________________
"Never pick a fight with an old man... he'll prob'ly just kill you!"

svgheartland

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.

__________________
Savage Heartland

p8riot

I traded an old Ishapore 2A1 for a 2-1/2" SS (3"BBL) Judge yesterday. After I got home from work I blasted 14 out of 25 clays (hand thrown to about 12-15yds) using Winchester #6 shot, and put 15 rounds of .45 Colt handloads inside of 5 inches at 10yds. This was my first session with the Judge. I got it mostly to take care of snakes while I'm working my fenceline. Looks like it will do the job OK. Might even be a good truck gun.

__________________
"You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone." - Al Capone

The second amendment is the reset button of our Constitution.