what's your opinion on the taurus judge .410/45lc as a home defense weapon

[chad]

A friend of mine was looking for a good home defense weapon, but really didn't like the recoil of my 18" 870 12 gauge, and was looking around at 20 gauge 870's when someone told him about the Judge, which shots 410 and 45LC. Anyone have any experience with this? I searched and saw theres a thread talking about the gun, but not really it's use in HD. I know the 410 only has a couple of pellets even in 000. Is this a practical HD weapon to replace a good old 12 or 20 gauge? I also saw some stuff about a new Raging one which also shuts the 454. Thanks!

 

[Mjolnir]

There are a myriad of handguns that are much better suited for self-defense than the Judge. I wouldn't waste much time with it but there are many who put their money where their mouths are. Replacing a shotgun? Hell no. He could do as you were referring: 20 ga. Rem 870 with a Hogue Youth Stock and extended magazine tube and you've got yourself one helluva shotgun.

This is the setup I advocate for most women though few investigate it much less own it. Oh, well...

 

[CUJOHUNTER]

Not a bad home defense weapon but not my first choice. Familiarize yourself with a good handgun or shotgun...not a hybrid.

 

[whbonney26]

As I have said before here.....there are many guns that are better but with Winchesters new ammo made for the judge with the 3 slug disk with shot behind it....I think it will get the job done. I would not want to be on the business end of it for sure.

 

[themcfarland]

I think personally it is overrated as a gun, the round itself is weak unless shooting slugs and then it just becomes a pistol. and there are many that do better..

It is a movie gimmick taken out of context..

the recoil would not be felt under a home defense situation and he needs to remember that.. I am very sensitive to recoil myself and even the 20 out of the 870 beats me up but under stress i think I can manage.. much more..

 

[chad]

Thanks, I'm going to push the 20 gauge. What do you guys think about just the Judge vs. your typical .357 revolver for practicality and efficiency in HD? Thanks again for the feedback!

 

[chad]

Plus the shotgun has the scare advantage, I'm sure most intruders would run at the sound of a good old 12 gauge being racked!

 

[drumz2129]

Plus the shotgun has the scare advantage, I'm sure most intruders would run at the sound of a good old 12 gauge being racked!

I'm getting the popcorn for this one.

 

[drumz2129]

All joking aside, this is an entirely separate topic. All "racking" will do is tell the perp you have a gun which greatly increases his chances to shoot on sight. It's best to keep HD weapons in the safe and ready condition.

 

[SpeedRacer]

It's a gimmick gun, nothing more.

 

[JadeRaven]

I think it's gimmicky but it's a pretty sweet gimmick.

I want a 12ga pistol with some slugs to make a nice hand cannon.

 

[themcfarland]

if you have to rack a shotgun, your doing it wrong.. it needs to be ready ..

 

[leVieux]

Mjolnir: (quote) "There are a myriad of handguns that are much better suited for self-defense than the Judge."

At usual home-defense distances, the .410 pattern is no larger than a steady pistol grouping, with much less impact energy and fewer rounds available.

Almost any modern semi-auto or revolver would make a better choice.

My choice is a GLOCK 21 with internal LaserMax; a James Loque "tactical 870", with strong, strobe like flashing tactical light is always nearby.

The Judge is a gimmick, whose time will never come; except for a mounted rider in snake country on a very steady horse or mule.

leVieux

 

[dwr461]

 

[Nomad.2nd]

Go read the box of truth about the 410 shells.

And it's WAY bigger than it should be for a 45LC!


Bout the only way I'd have one is if someone gave me one.

And that would only be about long enough to sell it!

 

[Yrdawg]

Do a search on XD , they flamed the Judge over there a couple weeks ago

I did see a U tube where they showed the effect of rifling on 00 Buck using a cardboard while shootin from the drivers seat out the passenger window, Judge was impressive in that

 

[mikeinneworlean]

I keep my judge in the truck.
I like a round of #6 ready to rotate under the hammer, and 4 rounds of buckshot behind it.
It's only value to me is a close up 'defend against an armed carjacker' weapon.

 

[whbonney26]

I love my Judge for what it is. I think it would be good for someone who does not get the practice they need. You dont have to aim quite as much and with the stress you would be under in a car or home defense situation it could work just fine.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl-ZIo-Wztc[/ame]

I would hate to be shot with that. Maybe some of you guys could take those two shots to the face and body......dont think I could.

And the Winchester PDX1 .410 Shells could get you some more distance.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kIuI3heYMQ[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvNP78hBwcs&feature=related[/ame]

 

[BenCarp27]

It probably wouldn't be my preferred choice for home defense. But I think the most important factor is your friend. At the end of the day, the best choice for him is going to be the platform that he is most comfortable and capable with. While I'd much rather have a 12 ga., it won't do me any good if I can't handle it probably. All the rounds and platforms being discussed are capable of being lethal, your friend just has to find the one he operates with the most proficiency.
But, like I said, the judge wouldn't be my first choice.

 

[jetmech1983]

There are a myriad of handguns that are much better suited for self-defense than the Judge. I wouldn't waste much time with it but there are many who put their money where their mouths are. Replacing a shotgun? Hell no. He could do as you were referring: 20 ga. Rem 870 with a Hogue Youth Stock and extended magazine tube and you've got yourself one helluva shotgun.

This is the setup I advocate for most women though few investigate it much less own it. Oh, well...

+1 on the 870 20ga. Excellent shotgun. My wife loves hers.