The Judge

[Hookeye]

Depends on who that someone is- some folks are rather determined in their efforts.

 

[ctbreitwieser]

I bought a judge with the 3" cylinder. I like it and have fun with it, but its main purpose now is my weed-eating gun. I hate snakes, and I always see them when Im weed-eating fence rows. So I keep the judge on me then.

 

[gyeakle]

I bought one about year ago and love it. It shoots very well with both 45 and 410 . Very nice gun

 

[Spikedog]

I've got one and I shot it quite a bit in the beginning. It's fun! My son, 13, loves it as a zombie killer That's his SHTF gun.

 

[Mike.B]

For my thoughts I'll refer you to my thread about the public defender model.

handgun failure

 

[StrongSide]

I have heard about all kinds of failures on the Taurus..


Who knows though. I have shot a governor and it was a lot of fun. IMO encourage your buddy to buy it(as long as he lets you shoot it), but I would pass!

 

[NIFT]

A funny take on "judges" in all their glorious iterations:
Taurus Judge: The latest ill-conceived self defense weapon that's selling like crazy - Page 3 - M4Carbine.net Forums
Sorry if the math is a bit esoteric for most folks.


Now according to the equation Below(and I'm not saying this is correct it just seems to me to be the way it is.)

KNOWN FACTORS

NRA= Goodness/ authority/ 2nd Amendment Pied Piper

Majority of Gun Buyers (AKA- MGB's)= Internet gun forum junkies/ not inclined to get training/ go for the CDI factor (Chicks Dig It).

Mass Marketing (AKA- MM)= Shiny paged magazines & The internet.

Coherent/ Informed Gun Owners (AKA- CI).

SO:
NRA + MGB's + MM / CI = ?

Well if we take the equation and work it by adding the three main parts and deviding it buy those of us who are intellectually sober possibly even savvy firearms enthusiasts we get:

NRA + MGB's + MM / CI= Waiting lists at gun shops for a firearm with limited usefulness and a fever to buy these things similar to that of a middle school teenage girl trying to buy tickets to a Lady Gaga concert.

NOW all that said...... I will confess that I did actually buy one of these years ago when they were first released with the intention of using it as a general carry around the property type thing/ maybe for hunting as a side arm etc.

I did it because my local gun shop guy says "Hey man you gotta get one of these. They're pretty bad ass." So I had the $400 bucks and rather than buy ammo which is why I was in there, I figure ahh F'ck it. Why not?

Shortly (an hour or 2) there after I'm wondering WTF? this thing is a ***** to shoot. It's not very accurate, 45LC is a suck round and .410 isn't any better.

OH! And I still needed to pick up the .223 ammo that I originally went to get. So now I have a crap gun and no ammo for an up coming training event.

Hey I never said i was a genius ok.

Anyways.... That's kinda my take on the "Judge."

Feel free to disagree.

PS...... Yes I sold it..... and for more than I paid.......That's how bad some people fell for this thing.


Now, since the "judges" are way too bad ass and will vaporize anyone even nicked with the thermonuclear .410 or .45 colt ammunition, you can tone it down a bit by shooting what appear to be Cheetos:

The Firearm Blog » Not-as-lethal ammunition for Taurus Judge

Quick! More duct tape! My cranium pressure is about to exceed the skull's structural integrity!

 

[RBrianHarless]

I do like them but would not want to carry one for self defense. At home and a few stationed around the house would be perfect.

 

[kenettson1]

Mine is stationed in the bedroom safe. I like the gun. Fit the bill for what I needed.

 

[BillyT]

I have a judge. the recoil isnt a huge factor shoot one and you'll see what I mean. It is my nightstand & primary. It's a close range firearm. I enjoy the diverse range of ammo from the pdx self defense & slugs buck & bird all of which I practiced with and none of which I'd ever want to be on the receiving end of. I've also practiced with the 45lc I like it pretty expensive.
Definitely under rated.

 

[cschnaufer]

I've got a Judge with a 3in Barrel. It is as loud as The Who in concert and about as much fun. I can understand those who call "Gimmick" on it as it's a pretty cartoony looking thing. But for my purposes it works great. I don't think the recoil is a problem. My only nitpick is that my wife can't fire it as it's too big for her hands. So long as I'm home it's a decent primary.

 

[HJezler]

a friend had one and didn't really like it. sold it pretty quickly...

 

[nvb]

unless you have a snake problem their is a better gun for whatever your planning to use it for. friend had one, their kind of fun for a little while and if you just want one because you think its cool then go for it. I don't think they are very practical

 

[mm5de88]

It would be a good night stand gun I was thinking about getting one for the same reason.

 

[evanrw61]

I purchased a Public Defender from a friend 3 weeks ago. He sold it because he needed cash, not because he didn't like it. Since there are no snakes in my bedroom I utilize Hornady 185 grain Critical defense rounds. I bought it because I like the 45 Long Colt and I wanted it small enough to carry without a shoulder holster. Grips are ugly, but they do soften the blow. recoil ith the 410 is a little more snappy. Pleased with its performace for a nightstand gun. Hope this helps.

 

[dnurk]

I go turkey hunting every year in southeast Georgia with a friend of mine and he purchased a Judge for a little snake and possum sidearm. I agree with the majority of the posts here....it's a nice concept but he was very dissatisfied with it. I carried it for a few days this past April and shot it a decent amount and would not recommend it to any of my friends. The shot pattern at anything past 4 yards is worthless. Also has a really sharp recoil. Manageable but not enjoyable.

It's a pass for me.

 

[DocHoliday]

Pass on the Judge on quality alone. I've known people to sell them within a year and you read on boards about issues. You should spend your hard earned money on something better in that price range.

 

[indysims]

I think this article is worth a read for anyone considering a Judge...

The Taurus Judge Is Just Not Very Good « Vuurwapen Blog