Taurus Judge question

[jcbdc]

Hey guys I just bartered for a new stainless judge.  Box is marked 3" but I am unable to use 3" .410 shells in it.  Probably 3" is really for 3" barrel.  I thought they were coming out with a 3" chamber.  Anyway all of the 2 1/2 inch shell I can find are for skeet.  Heard that someone was going to start loading buck shot for the judge. Anyone seen any yet???

Thanks 
Doc

[MikeBjerum]

First thought is that 3" means barrel like you mentioned as a thought.  Check out the manual.  If you didn't get one (happens from time to time even on new due to some stupid dealers) get on-line and go to the Taurus site and check the specs.

Ooops ... Looks like it should take the 3" shells

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=638&category=Revolver

[fightingquaker13]

The original judge took only 2 1/2" shells. They were going to make new model for the 3". I don't know which you have. They do make a 2 1/2" buck shot in .410 (hard to find search online). The difference is that it's 3 pellets rather than five. I really would't use anything other than the .45 lc for defense in it though, for reasons of both penetration as well as the fact that shot out of a rifled barrel scatters to hell and gone at very short range (like 5 yds) and you're responsible for every pellet. If you're going to load buck spend some time at the patterning board (for this I'd back the cardboard with 1/4" ply, just as a barometer of penetration, and make sure you know where that shot is going. I'd also send you to www.theboxotruth.com for their penetration and patterning tests with the gun.
fightinquaker13

[jcbdc]

Thanks guys,  Maybe I will trade if for something else.  Don't really need anything else just more to feed what I do have but it was a good deal for me.  Maybe I will get it out of the box and try something in it.  Should be able to trade well at a gun show.
Thanks again.

Doc

[wizard]

When I got my Judge at the beginning of February I called Taurus about the 3" magnum loads.  The rep told me the only way to tell if it took the magnum loads was if it said mag on the box.  There is no, I repeat no designation of the gun itself that says it.
Federal makes a handgun load for the Judge that has 4 double 00 pellets in it.

[Sponsor]

[twyacht]

Welcome to DRTV Wizard and jcbdc.  The Judge was designed for the "Be All, End All" close quarters defensive pistol.

Either round will do devastating damage at 7-10 yds. or less. That is REALLY close, and what The Judge was designed for.

Nothing wrong with it at all, concealed carry would be tough in light clothing. But a SD, home defense role?

No Problem.... except for the muzzle flash and recoil. It's a handful for sure.


You can always post some pics,.......

[CZShooter]

Nice video, Tom.    Looks like the "Judge" might be a little brisk in the recoil department. 

[Overload]

The new Federal rounds that hold 4 buckshot are for the older (and now smaller and lighter) 2 1/2" Judge/ Public Defender.  A 3" buckshot round normally holds 5 rounds.

[L.E. Keeney]

the 3 inch mag one has a longer cylinder, does it not?

Im wondering if it really does anything spectacular at say..hallway ranges? My father has been bugging me about finding him one but Im not convinced its any better than his 45 auto in terms of stopping power.

[fightingquaker13]

the 3 inch mag one has a longer cylinder, does it not?

Im wondering if it really does anything spectacular at say..hallway ranges? My father has been bugging me about finding him one but Im not convinced its any better than his 45 auto in terms of stopping power.

Look, if your old man has the eyesight and skills to use that .45 correctly its not even a close call. The antiquated rust bucket wins hands down everytime. Plus you have far more, and better, choices of defense rounds in .45acp than .45lc. If he's worried about getting to old to stiff wrist the .45 correctly etc., I'd still wonder about the weight and recoil of the judge. Maybe a folding stock, pistol grip, semi-auto (to reduce recoil) shot gun in a light weight twenty with an 18 1/2 inch barrel and a laser?
fighting quaker13