The Judge

Happy Trails · 05-19-08, 10:12 PM

Any owners of Taurus' "The Judge" revolver out there? Sounds like an interesting gun I might be inclined to buy. Thanks!

freeamerica · 05-19-08, 11:10 PM

The question is "what do you want it for...?

It's a fun gun, but like many things in life that try to be everything, it isn't good at any one thing.

With the 45 Long Colt it is reasonably accurate to 20 yards - 5" groups. With 410 slugs it is barely accurate at 15 yards - 8-10" groups. With 410 buckshot you can keep all shots on a body sized target at 10 yards. With 410 field loads you can pepper the hell ouf of something at 10 yards. Also, 45LC rounds eject just fine, but fired 410 hulls are a bitch to get out of the cylinder. Forget a quick reload if the situation required.

Realistically, it is too big to concealed carry, heavier than I'd want to pack in the woods for what it is, and it isn't very accurate. If you want a snake gun, ok. Or if you want something to keep in your vehicle to shoot a carjacker, ok. But you can do better with other guns.

My Taurus 357 with a 2" barrel will shoot 2-3" groups all day long at 25 yards, better if you are closer. And with a speedloader, you can get pretty quick reloads.

That said, again, if you have the cash, it's a fun gun to shoot, and a great conversation piece at the range.

NoHandleBars · 05-20-08, 01:02 AM

They have an ultralite version of the Judge out now that weighs FAR less than it's predecessor...weight really isn't an issue with the new ultralite 3" version, which is designed for protection during car jacking, and of course close encounters. Here's the review of the "newer" version of the Judge. The Judge Loses Weight: Taurus Ultra-Lite .45 Colt/.410 Shotshell Revolver

The Judge Ultra-Lite weighs 12.9 ounces less than the all-steel Judge that the above person is talking about. So yeah, it dropped some serious weight.

I'm still thinking about it, since it is a fantastic fire-arm for almost any general situation. As most know, MOST "gun encounters" happen with 10 feet. The judge would be incredibly effective, and even if your aim is shakey with a shot-shell you're still going to more than likely pepper the person, aka higher chance of hitting them than with your standard 9mm, 45, .40 and so forth. It seems to also be a great out door gun (camping) since the shotshell makes it easy to dispatch of snakes, and other animals\reptiles\whatever.

Here's a short sum:
Of the Judge series of revolvers from Taurus, I think that this three-inch barreled Ultra-Lite is the best yet. It weighs less than most small-framed .22 revolvers, yet packs a lot more punch. For any one specific task, I can't think of another gun that can do the job better than the Judge. It is not a target-grade paper puncher. It is not the perfect big game hunting sidearm. It is not the best upland bird hunting shotgun. However, it fills a niche that needs filling, as a good, lightweight, versatile trail gun, especially in snake country. For a wilderness camper, it offers good versatility for filling the pot with meat. Also, as a car gun, it just might be as good of an anti-carjacker gun as you can get. Firing a load of shot at contact range, it has the power to do the job when pinpoint accuracy is not possible. If you hit your attacker in the face, he will leave you alone, and if you miss, you will not kill a bystander thirty yards away. For close range social work, defense against large animals, and to dispatch poisonous snakes, the Ultra-Lite Judge can fill the bill.

I think it's nifty how your first 2 rounds can be shot shell and the rest .45 or whatever you prefer. Mix and match.

Happy Trails · 05-20-08, 06:42 AM

I appreciate your responses. I'm looking at it from a camping /backpacking standpoint as well as
self-defense. I also currently own a airlite SW38sp and a Glock 23.

Landpimp · 05-20-08, 08:41 AM

this is the Judge

bigndn · 05-20-08, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landpimp

this is the Judge

Which one's yours?

koop · 05-20-08, 04:30 PM

I've got one. FreeAmerica is pretty much on the money with his review, however I'd kind of go the other way on it. Yeah, it is a compromise gun but it's sort of a swiss army knife. It does a lot of things reasonably well. It's a little heavy but not horrible for hiking, and not that bad considering it can deal with snakes and anything in the woods short of a bear. People have taken a lot of game for the last 100 years with a .45LC. It's not a target pistol, but it's surprisingly accurate out to 12-15 yards. I sure couldn't miss anything in the house. It's dead simple so the wife can use it. It's my only gun so I wanted something versatile. I don't concealed carry so that wasn't important.

As for the gun itself it is put together well. It's my second Taurus and I lke them. Cylinder lock up is good, trigger breaks clean in SA, the sights (fiber optic) are good, and I really like the grip on it. Recoil is very managable. The gun shoots "dirty" though and you will want to give it a good cleaning every time you shoot. .45LC is pricey ammo.

05-19-08, 10:12 PM	#1
Happy Trails IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Calif. Posts: 381	The Judge Any owners of Taurus' "The Judge" revolver out there? Sounds like an interesting gun I might be inclined to buy. Thanks! __________________ 1987 FJ-60. Iron lift, 33x9.5 BFG AT's. 195,000 mi strong. 2000 Tacoma TRD locked/lifted & ARB'd for the High Sierras. 2001 4runner bone stock DD

05-19-08, 11:10 PM	#2
freeamerica IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 199	The question is "what do you want it for...? It's a fun gun, but like many things in life that try to be everything, it isn't good at any one thing. With the 45 Long Colt it is reasonably accurate to 20 yards - 5" groups. With 410 slugs it is barely accurate at 15 yards - 8-10" groups. With 410 buckshot you can keep all shots on a body sized target at 10 yards. With 410 field loads you can pepper the hell ouf of something at 10 yards. Also, 45LC rounds eject just fine, but fired 410 hulls are a bitch to get out of the cylinder. Forget a quick reload if the situation required. Realistically, it is too big to concealed carry, heavier than I'd want to pack in the woods for what it is, and it isn't very accurate. If you want a snake gun, ok. Or if you want something to keep in your vehicle to shoot a carjacker, ok. But you can do better with other guns. My Taurus 357 with a 2" barrel will shoot 2-3" groups all day long at 25 yards, better if you are closer. And with a speedloader, you can get pretty quick reloads. That said, again, if you have the cash, it's a fun gun to shoot, and a great conversation piece at the range. __________________ Mike Kauffman Pullman, WA

05-20-08, 01:02 AM	#3
NoHandleBars IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 264	They have an ultralite version of the Judge out now that weighs FAR less than it's predecessor...weight really isn't an issue with the new ultralite 3" version, which is designed for protection during car jacking, and of course close encounters. Here's the review of the "newer" version of the Judge. The Judge Loses Weight: Taurus Ultra-Lite .45 Colt/.410 Shotshell Revolver The Judge Ultra-Lite weighs 12.9 ounces less than the all-steel Judge that the above person is talking about. So yeah, it dropped some serious weight. I'm still thinking about it, since it is a fantastic fire-arm for almost any general situation. As most know, MOST "gun encounters" happen with 10 feet. The judge would be incredibly effective, and even if your aim is shakey with a shot-shell you're still going to more than likely pepper the person, aka higher chance of hitting them than with your standard 9mm, 45, .40 and so forth. It seems to also be a great out door gun (camping) since the shotshell makes it easy to dispatch of snakes, and other animals\reptiles\whatever. Here's a short sum: Of the Judge series of revolvers from Taurus, I think that this three-inch barreled Ultra-Lite is the best yet. It weighs less than most small-framed .22 revolvers, yet packs a lot more punch. For any one specific task, I can't think of another gun that can do the job better than the Judge. It is not a target-grade paper puncher. It is not the perfect big game hunting sidearm. It is not the best upland bird hunting shotgun. However, it fills a niche that needs filling, as a good, lightweight, versatile trail gun, especially in snake country. For a wilderness camper, it offers good versatility for filling the pot with meat. Also, as a car gun, it just might be as good of an anti-carjacker gun as you can get. Firing a load of shot at contact range, it has the power to do the job when pinpoint accuracy is not possible. If you hit your attacker in the face, he will leave you alone, and if you miss, you will not kill a bystander thirty yards away. For close range social work, defense against large animals, and to dispatch poisonous snakes, the Ultra-Lite Judge can fill the bill. I think it's nifty how your first 2 rounds can be shot shell and the rest .45 or whatever you prefer. Mix and match. Last edited by NoHandleBars; 05-20-08 at 01:13 AM.

05-20-08, 06:42 AM	#4
Happy Trails IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Calif. Posts: 381	I appreciate your responses. I'm looking at it from a camping /backpacking standpoint as well as self-defense. I also currently own a airlite SW38sp and a Glock 23. __________________ 1987 FJ-60. Iron lift, 33x9.5 BFG AT's. 195,000 mi strong. 2000 Tacoma TRD locked/lifted & ARB'd for the High Sierras. 2001 4runner bone stock DD

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05-20-08, 08:41 AM	#5
Landpimp IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gig Harbor WA TLCA# 5506 Posts: 11,335	this is the Judge

05-20-08, 04:30 PM	#7
koop IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 108	I've got one. FreeAmerica is pretty much on the money with his review, however I'd kind of go the other way on it. Yeah, it is a compromise gun but it's sort of a swiss army knife. It does a lot of things reasonably well. It's a little heavy but not horrible for hiking, and not that bad considering it can deal with snakes and anything in the woods short of a bear. People have taken a lot of game for the last 100 years with a .45LC. It's not a target pistol, but it's surprisingly accurate out to 12-15 yards. I sure couldn't miss anything in the house. It's dead simple so the wife can use it. It's my only gun so I wanted something versatile. I don't concealed carry so that wasn't important. As for the gun itself it is put together well. It's my second Taurus and I lke them. Cylinder lock up is good, trigger breaks clean in SA, the sights (fiber optic) are good, and I really like the grip on it. Recoil is very managable. The gun shoots "dirty" though and you will want to give it a good cleaning every time you shoot. .45LC is pricey ammo.