Been around much longer than the Taurus Judge. The one I handled years ago seemed to have an aluminum frame, I thought it was a piece of crap.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIL_Thunder_5The MIL, Inc. Thunder 5 is a large, double-action revolver chambered in the .410-bore shotshell cartridge. It is also designed to fire the .45 Long Colt revolver cartridge. The revolver, somewhat unusual for the type of weapon, features a manual safety lever.[1]
As the barrel is rifled, the Thunder 5 is not considered a short-barrelled shotgun under United States federal law, but is under California statutes. However, a variant was produced in .45/70 Government that is legal in the aforementioned state. Production of the .45/70 variant started in 1994.
Sub-caliber sleeve inserts in 9mm Parabellum, .38 Special/.357 Magnum and .38 Super were produced and available until 1998.[2]
[edit] References
^ Long, Duncan (2004). Streetsweepers: The Complete Book of Combat Shotguns. Paladin Press. p. 56. ISBN 158160436X.
^ Fjestad, S.P. (2009). Blue Book of Gun Values 2009. Blue Book Publications. p. 1536. ISBN 1886768870.