Author Topic: New Taurus Judge Magnum (Read 2337 times)

quickdraw · « **on:** January 19, 2010, 03:52:13 PM »

One thing about Taurus is they do make interesting guns. The new Judge Magnum shoots 454 and 410. With that amount of free-bore, what kind of accuracy could you expect from a 454?

What are people getting with the 45 lc now?

williamlayton · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2010, 11:06:21 PM »

I don't think it is about the .45LC--that is just an accident, so to speak or an add on--I think it is about a .410 for self defense.
On this account, accuracy was not the goal.
Blessings

Savage · « **Reply #2 on:** January 20, 2010, 01:46:52 AM »

"Thunder Five" anyone? The "Judge" is intended to fill the role of powerful handgun, and hand held shotgun. In the overall, it doesn't do a very good job at either. It's size makes it impractical for carry, and it's limitations make it a poor choice for home defense. Probably fun to shoot, and bet it'd make a dandy snake gun!
Savage

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 20, 2010, 03:47:32 AM »

William is right.. it's not about the 45 colt. It is designed as a short barreled shot gun but in order to be legal it has to have a rifled barrel and chamber a handgun round. The 45 Colt fits that bill. I'm not sure why there is so much attraction to it as it offers NO advantage over a standard revolver. I have not handled one but they look like they would be muzzle heavy. Ask yourself if 3-4 non expanding 33 cal pellets are really going to be as or more effective than one expanding 38 or 40 cal bullet. And they are not any easier to "hit" with in the "shotgun" mode. At across the room ranges typical for self defense the "spread" isn't going to be significant enough to increase the hit ratio of any consequence. On a doped up attacker I'll take a single round expanded to .40 to .50 even in the gut over a couple similar .33 hits.

I laugh when I see their advertisement vidieo showing the dramatic effects of an exploding watermelon. I've had the same results with a 38 sp handgun round but thier marketing appears to be effective. .

Cajun Gal · « **Reply #4 on:** January 20, 2010, 10:34:54 AM »

If I had a watermelon I'd go shoot it with my 38 sp. Sounds like fun.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #5 on:** January 20, 2010, 10:55:59 AM »

Quote from: dakotashooter2 on January 20, 2010, 03:47:32 AM

William is right.. it's not about the 45 colt. It is designed as a short barreled shot gun but in order to be legal it has to have a rifled barrel and chamber a handgun round. The 45 Colt fits that bill. I'm not sure why there is so much attraction to it as it offers NO advantage over a standard revolver. I have not handled one but they look like they would be muzzle heavy. Ask yourself if 3-4 non expanding 33 cal pellets are really going to be as or more effective than one expanding 38 or 40 cal bullet. And they are not any easier to "hit" with in the "shotgun" mode. At across the room ranges typical for self defense the "spread" isn't going to be significant enough to increase the hit ratio of any consequence. On a doped up attacker I'll take a single round expanded to .40 to .50 even in the gut over a couple similar .33 hits.

I laugh when I see their advertisement vidieo showing the dramatic effects of an exploding watermelon. I've had the same results with a 38 sp handgun round but thier marketing appears to be effective. .

I thought it would be an effective field gun.
A couple 410 shells for small game or snake cannon and a couple 45 colt rounds for either big game at under 40 yards or as protection. If I fished I think it would be a good gun for bear and snake and while huge for a handgun it would be a lot smaller and easier to keep track of than a field or riot shotgun while fishing lakes, streams, or ponds.
I agree agree that the buck load would not be a devistating as a single projectile weighing the same that would expand. But the idea of three round projectiles making three different entry wounds or wound canals and creating more chances to hit vitals, hit nervious systems, and more blood vessels would be damaged. There is that thing about have a load of buck shot in your hand. Strike that you have up to 5 loads of buck shot in your hand and the point and shoot and clear the whole woods, bar, trench, or house you see in the movies, mentality resounds when holding one. Yes I know the movies are fantacy but that still runs through my pea sized brain when holding one. I live in communist, mexican occupied California and can not have one but have looked at them in NV and NC.

NickSS · « **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2010, 10:44:00 PM »

I do not own a judge (nor do I think I ever will) but I have owned a contender with a 45/410 barrel and own a 45/410 barrel for my handy rifle. Both shoot bird shot loads OK both shoot 45 colt loads poorly. In fact to get my Handy to shoot 45 slugs at all accurately I had to blow out 303 british cases and load 45 slugs in the end of the barrel to eliminate the long jump between the case mouth and the start of the rifling. I do not suppose the Judge would be any better.

no guns here · « **Reply #7 on:** January 21, 2010, 01:04:06 AM »

I read one test that showed the Judge to be only slightly less accurate than normal .45 Colt handguns. I'm not 100% positive on the numbers but I remember something akin to 2" at 15 yards. I may be wrong on the actual numbers but the accuracy was actually surprising. Keeping in mind it wasn't designed to replace a full-sized shotgun but rather to use at belly-pokin range, I wouldn't feel undergunned with some of the new loads that have been developed specifically for it. I think it would be a great woods gun or just to have a gun handy for snakes, or maybe a bad encounter with a hog or wild dog etc. I think I would probably load it with a #4 load, 00, 00 and fill the other holes with .45. One shot for snakes, two for anything else and two or three for two-legged varmints. Maybe not optimum in all situations but not many other guns give the same versatility in the same sized package.

NGH

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 21, 2010, 01:27:36 AM »

There have been a bunch of small handguns made to shoot the 45 Colt and the 410 shotgun shell, it is nothing new. It is not only about the 410 that Taurus came out with the Judge. It is about the 45 Colt and the 410 shot shell.

As for accuracy of the 45 Colt in the long free bore area, I did not have a problem with accuracy out to 25 yards, that is all the further I shot mine. At 25 yards I can put all 5 shots into someone's chest, not a problem at all.

My question is, where do you see the Taurus Judge that will shoot the 454 Casull? The cylinder wall are way to thin to be shooting a 454 Casull. The Taurus Judge is made to shoot factory light loaded 45 Colts. Like cowboy loads, not hot load from Cor-bon or buffalo bore.

My question to williamlayton and dakotashooter2 is, do you own or have you ever shot the Judge? Also have you done any extensive testing with the Judge? I have and I speak for actual hands on experience.

Noreaster · « **Reply #9 on:** January 21, 2010, 01:56:26 AM »

When the judge came out I thought it was the worst thing I ever saw and anyone who wanted one was out of their mind. It has since grown on me. I wish I had one to play around with, it looks really neat!

John R. · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2010, 02:15:53 AM »

Check out the boxotruth.com for an in depth test of the "Judge". The general concensus was that is was best suited as a snake gun. The buckshot and slug loads were not impressive at all, and the gun is simply to large to carry concealed. If I've got to carry a gun that big, it will be a full sized govt. model or a 44 mag.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #11 on:** January 21, 2010, 02:24:54 AM »

The 45 colt was not an accident it was needed to be legal. I have not had one but did have a contender and bond derringer . The contender worked so so with a 10 inch bbl . the bond was useless as a snake gun unless you were to close to the snake 45 Colt forget it past 10 feet . My 38 spl with snake shot worked better for me . I have talked with several owners of the judge and none reported good result with 45 Colt .
All that said what will 5 000 buck do that say a 357 mag won't do at hijacker range ? If you believe you get a pattern across the front sear of your car you are going to be dissapointed . Guess you could load it up and shoot at bad guys and call it felony skeet !

williamlayton · « **Reply #12 on:** January 21, 2010, 03:16:12 AM »

Redhawk
The most I can say about the Judge is I have had one in my hands.
My comment was made about the design purpose--not wheather it was effective.
It felt awkward in my hands and cosmetically, was ugly.
My daughter brought it too my attention when she considered a handgun for self defense.
If she begs me I will purchase one for her to shoot--with the plans of trading it or selling it when she understands that it is not for her.
I have no use for one--it fits no plans for my use. Snakes around my house are two legged and I don't want to just agitate 'em, which is what I think of the power of the .410 out of this weapon--even at close range.
Blessings

Hank08 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 21, 2010, 06:21:36 AM »

I have a bunch of friends that ride the mts. on horseback. They all pack the Taurus 45/410.
I made cross draw holsters for them to pack them in. They shoot grouse and rabbits with them and all love them. I don't own one but have shot theirs. I ,like some of you, didn't expect much out of the 45C but found that it shot it just about as well as any other 45C.
These were all the 3" barrels. I was impressed and with the 410 they will just about vaporize
a snake that is close enough that you need to shoot it.
H08

sachel.45 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 21, 2010, 08:59:28 AM »

heres the new taurus hes talking about its built on the raging bull frame and its a 6 shot

http://www.taurususa.com/2010newcatalog/?catalog_page=12

if you look through there catalog they actually have a bunch of new .410/45 revolvers theve got a polmer frame version and a ultralight weight version as well also in the rossi catalog they have a rifle (shotgun?) varient that has an 18" barrel one that shoot both .410 and .45 and one that .410 only. maybe since all the new .410 offering by diffrent manufactures (heritage arms is coming out with a .410/.45 SA) .410 ammo cost would go down

Savage · « **Reply #15 on:** January 21, 2010, 10:50:20 AM »

There apparently is a market for the "Judge". That must mean some find it useful in some applications. To me it's a novelty gun, like the NAA Minis. Not really a workable shotgun, at reasonable shotgun ranges, too large and bulky for the .45 Colt, and "Iffy" accuracy due to the rifling concessions and free bore required attempting to make a workable shotgun out of it. As a snake gun, I'm sure it's awesome at close range. The .38/.44/.45 shot capsules kill snakes pretty well out to 15' or so. Less than 10' is better. "Dead is dead" so I'll stick with one of those for that application, and still have a reasonable size handgun with single projectile ammunition. And nope, never shot one, haven't found them to be that interesting.
Savage

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2010, 11:01:46 AM »

sachel.45, thanks for the link... For a up close defense gun, why not...

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #17 on:** January 21, 2010, 11:08:37 AM »

Savage pet rocks were big a few years ago . What was that saying from P.T.Barnum a sucker born every min. and if by chance one wasn't two have been waiting in line to take his place ...............

williamlayton · « **Reply #18 on:** January 21, 2010, 12:36:08 PM »

Savage makes a good statement when he says he has not found it that interesting---and it sums up my thoughts.
NOW, that is not a judgement for anyone else or about anyone else who wants one. If it melts your butter go for it.
My daughter is 5ft 2in and she asked about it----a police officer got one for his wife.
I am not convinced that it would be a good gun for her. The one I handled was not that balanced unloaded. Loaded with that much more weight ahead of the trigger would be a bit unwieldy for her---IMO.
We will see when she starts shooting after the baby is born.
Blessings

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #19 on:** January 21, 2010, 12:57:52 PM »

Mr. William,
Congrats on your upcomming grandfather hood.
With anyone, if they think it is a good gun and are confidant with it and think it will stop a threat, be it no legged, two legged, or four legged then they will use it and keep it with them when needed.
With novelty guns like this it has small markets. I see it more useful than the micro NAA revolvers. The huge cylinder and large 45 hole in the end may be a big deterant.

Mikey · « **Reply #20 on:** January 22, 2010, 12:48:19 AM »

mcwoodduck: I agree! It is more about the .410 than about the 45 Colt or the 454; but that being said, has anyone seen a picture of the new Circuit Judge??? This is a long barrelled Judge with a shoulder stock - a 5 or 6 shot revolving shotgun that would make a great door opener or companion to a Judge..... Just a thought.....

Savage · « **Reply #21 on:** January 22, 2010, 02:02:20 AM »

Gotta hand it ti Taurus! They are always introducing new products. That's a good thing for the market.
Savage

quickdraw · « **Reply #22 on:** January 22, 2010, 02:08:43 AM »

Thanks for all of the thoughts. I think the idea of the Judge Magnum sounds pretty neat, but the reality would probably be disappointing. I do want/need a powerful handgun for close range deer hunting / bear defense. I also want a better snake gun than my 22.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #23 on:** January 22, 2010, 02:10:43 AM »

Got to ask how many have shot a revolving cyl rifle ? There is no place to put your hand past the pistol grip and not get it burned . That might be why they stopped making them in the first place .

Savage · « **Reply #24 on:** January 22, 2010, 02:28:34 AM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on January 22, 2010, 02:10:43 AM

Got to ask how many have shot a revolving cyl rifle ? There is no place to put your hand past the pistol grip and not get it burned . That might be why they stopped making them in the first place .

Good point!
Savage

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #25 on:** January 22, 2010, 02:39:43 AM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on January 22, 2010, 02:10:43 AM

Got to ask how many have shot a revolving cyl rifle ? There is no place to put your hand past the pistol grip and not get it burned . That might be why they stopped making them in the first place .

What!...and I always wanted one of those...just call me three fingers Randy.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #26 on:** January 22, 2010, 02:48:27 AM »

It seems many companies are cashing in on the old west shooting sports . Most of the good guns are now being made by several firms. It appears they are trying to come up with new old stuff to capture their share of the market. Some are adapting old ideas to new weapons . Seems we forgot history in some cases and will repete it once more in some cases .
With regard to buck shot and the judge how fast are the buck going as it exits the bbl. ? I know out of a Bond 410 w/3inch bbl you could see it if the sun was positioned just right .

coyotejoe · « **Reply #27 on:** January 23, 2010, 01:31:57 PM »

I have the Super Comanche .45/.410 singleshot. With a 10" barrel and a choke tube it is an effective small game gun out to 25 yards using the 3" shell, very nearly as far as a .410 long gun. At 30 feet it patterns the Winchester 3" load of five 000 buck in about a 6" spread. I wouldn't choose a singleshot for personal defense but if it's what I had in hand I would not feel totally unarmed. With .45 Colt and with the choke tube removed it will group into about 6" at 25 yards. That's nothing to brag about but actually beats the original military acceptance standard for the .45 ACP of 1911. I could see no use for a singleshot .45 Colt so I removed the tall and clunky sights to make it a better wing shooting gun. It's a lot of fun breaking clays with a handgun. But a 3" barrel with no choke is another matter, from the tests I've seen I'd call it useless beyond a few feet, just like shotloads from any other handgun.
Accuracy is the least concern in a defensive handgun, any handgun is probably more accurate than you'll actually need in close quarters and probably much better than you'll shoot when someone is shooting back.
But with all of that said, I'd prefer a simple .45 Colt, .44 special or .357 revolver over the Judge hands down.

cybin · « **Reply #28 on:** January 25, 2010, 04:50:42 PM »

I haven't shot a Judge yet--my brother-in-law bought one a couple of months ago--just waiting on warm weather to go shooting, but I have given thought to buying one--but with the 6 inch barrel, to use strictly as a snake gun, may have a couple of buck shot rounds in it--but will probably load 7 1/2 shot in the first couple chanbers--( I load 7 1/2 shot mostly for my .410 shotgun--3 inch)

cybin

smokeeater3302 · « **Reply #29 on:** January 25, 2010, 06:02:18 PM »

a .410 load be it bird sht or a slug is better than a pointy stick right ? 2/3rds of all would
be crimes were stopped because the gun was present or a warning shot was fired
I have the judge and seem to like it . Is it the be all end all NO
however if you are wondering about the accuracy of the .45 colt
take a look at loading the .450 mongo that will take all the ?'s about
rifle jump away. I think this gun is great for what it is intended for . If we
are worried about range for self defense which is what down the hallway , or out the truck window .
Any thing longer than that there are going to be questions . Also with that said how many only own one
gun/carry one gun . I think if some one is comfortable with the Judge god bless them