I have probably mentioned this before, but I’ve been fascinated with the Taurus Judge ever since Taurus released it. Not because it’s also a .410 shotgun, but specifically and only because of its ability to house my favorite pistol cartridge, the .45 Colt. It also helps that the Judge is built on a medium sized frame, so that it’s less of a tank than the Ruger Redhawk, and much more affordable than the S&W Model 25. Unfortunately, the Taurus has a couple of inherent drawbacks, the first of which is that it only houses 5 rounds. Secondly, the super long cylinder, designed to accommodate .410 shotgun rounds means that a .45 Colt round has a long way to go before it contacts the rifling. Plus, the monster cylinder makes the gun ridiculously large for carry and difficult to select a holster for.
However, Taurus sells them like hotcakes, which is good because it means that people are making .45 Colt ammo. I guess if I want a DA .45 Colt, I’ll just have to deal with the monster size of the Redhawk or shell out the bucks for an S&W.
Taurus does make a .45Colt only revolver, the 450SS. They used to make a titanium snubby that I thought would be very cool to have.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=649&category=Revolver
I’ve actually been suggesting the Judge to my parents since I shot one a few months ago. Living out in the country, and spending a good deal of time in the woods, it’s the perfect gun for them. Two round of .410 loaded with a light shot to kill snakes and deter anything larger. If the .410 doesn’t make anything larger (2 or 4 legged) change its mind, a few rounds of .45 LC to make it briefly regret it.
“Made” would be a more accurate statement, since they discontinued the 450 a while ago.
OK, I guess you’ll have to work it out of your system.
Got no desire for one, myself, after seeing the full page pic the first time Am. Rifleman reviewed it.
Well hell, it’s not like I’d actually buy one. I’m not retarded.
Sorry about that, they don’t mention it on their website like the other .45 Colt revolvers they’ve discontinued.
I believe they have 3 versions currently:
2 1/2″ cyclinder on medium frame
2 1/2″ cyclinder on small frame
3″ cyclinder on medium frame
In addition there are different barrel lengths.