Does it live up to the Legend?

Published on January 18, 2025
Duration: 14:07

This review of the Taurus Judge revolver by Spartan Defense debunks myths surrounding its effectiveness for self-defense. The presenter tests various loads, including birdshot, buckshot, rifled slugs, and .45 Long Colt, evaluating their performance at self-defense distances. Key findings highlight significant shot dispersion with birdshot, inconsistent accuracy and high POI with .45 Long Colt, and slower reload times compared to modern semi-automatic pistols. While acknowledging its versatility in ammunition and potential as a fun range toy, the review concludes it's not ideal for everyday carry due to capacity, accuracy issues, and recoil.

Quick Summary

The Taurus Judge is a versatile revolver chambered in .410 shotshell and .45 Long Colt. While it offers a wide variety of ammunition options and can be a fun range toy, its five-round capacity, inconsistent accuracy with certain loads, slower reload times, and larger size make it less ideal for modern self-defense or everyday carry compared to semi-automatic handguns.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction: Debunking the Taurus Judge Myth
  2. 00:13What is the Taurus Judge?
  3. 00:31Test Fire Setup: 3-inch Judge, Various Loads
  4. 01:04Testing Birdshot for Self-Defense
  5. 02:38Testing Buckshot for Self-Defense
  6. 04:56Testing Rifled Slug Accuracy
  7. 06:38Testing 45 Long Colt Ammunition
  8. 08:08Comparison: Judge vs. 9mm (HK VP9)
  9. 09:02Comparison: Judge .45 LC vs. 9mm (Walter PDP)
  10. 10:11Reload Speed Comparison: Judge vs. 9mm
  11. 11:54The Goods and the Bads: Taurus Judge Analysis
  12. 13:51Conclusion: Range Toy vs. Everyday Carry

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Taurus Judge suitable for self-defense?

The review suggests the Taurus Judge is not ideal for self-defense. Issues include inconsistent accuracy with .45 Long Colt, excessive shot dispersion with birdshot, limited five-round capacity, and slower reload times compared to modern semi-automatic handguns.

What are the main drawbacks of the Taurus Judge?

Key drawbacks include its five-round capacity, inconsistent accuracy with certain loads like .45 Long Colt (shooting high), potential for bystander injury due to shot spread, and slower reload speeds. It's also larger and thicker than many comparable capacity semi-automatics.

What ammunition types can the Taurus Judge fire?

The Taurus Judge is versatile and can chamber both .410 shotshells (including birdshot, buckshot, and slugs) and .45 Long Colt ammunition, offering a wide variety of options for different purposes.

How does the Taurus Judge compare to a 9mm handgun for self-defense?

Compared to 9mm semi-automatics, the Judge has a much slower reload speed and demonstrated significant elevation issues with .45 Long Colt. While it offers ammunition versatility, modern 9mm handguns generally provide better accuracy, capacity, and faster reloads for practical self-defense.

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