The Judge gun is one of the most talked-about revolvers in the firearm world. Known for its ability to fire both .45 Colt bullets and .410 shotgun shells, it has become a popular choice for self-defense and close-range shooting. This gun has earned the nickname “The Judge” because it was favored by judges for courtroom protection in Miami.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about The Judge gun. We’ll look at its specs, types, ammo, price, and comparisons with similar guns. If you’re thinking about buying The Judge gun for sale, this post is your complete guide.
What Is The Judge Gun?
The Judge gun is a revolver made by Taurus, a Brazilian gun company. It was first introduced in 2006. What makes it special is its ability to shoot both .45 Colt bullets and .410 bore shotgun shells. This dual ability makes it unique.
Many people use The Judge for home defense, truck guns, and even trail protection. It has a powerful punch at close range.
Features of The Judge Gun
Here are the key features:
Double/single-action revolver
Barrel length: Usually 2.5″ to 6.5″
Capacity: 5 rounds
Caliber: .45 Colt and .410 bore
Weight: About 29 to 36 ounces
Material: Stainless steel or blued steel
Grip: Rubber for comfort
The combination of a pistol and shotgun makes it very versatile.
The Judge Gun Caliber Explained
The Judge gun shoots:
.45 Colt: A traditional revolver round. Great for accuracy and power.
.410 bore: A small shotgun shell. Excellent for short-range stopping power.
You can use both types in the same cylinder. No need to switch barrels.
The Judge Gun Ammo Types
This revolver handles multiple ammo types:
.45 Colt JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point) for home defense
.410 bore 2.5″ or 3″ shells with:
Buckshot
Birdshot
Slugs
For home protection, most choose .410 buckshot. It spreads out, making it hard to miss at close range.
50 Cal The Judge Gun – Myth or Reality?
Some rumors suggest there is a .50 caliber Judge gun. This is not true.
Taurus does not make a .50 cal version. The standard Judge is limited to .45 Colt and .410 shells. Any .50 cal Judge revolver seen online is likely custom-made or fake.
So if you are looking for a 50 cal The Judge gun, be aware that it’s not a real production model.
Also Read: 8.6 Blackout Ammo: Power, Precision & Performance Explained
The Judge Gun vs The Governor
Let’s compare two famous revolvers:
| Feature | The Judge | The Governor (by Smith & Wesson) |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Colt / .410 | .45 Colt / .410 / .45 ACP |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly heavier |
| Price | More affordable | More expensive |
| Barrel options | 2.5″ to 6.5″ | 2.75″ to 4.5″ |
The Governor adds .45 ACP capability but costs more. The Judge-gun remains the more budget-friendly option.
Public Defender The Judge Gun
The Taurus Public Defender is a smaller version of The Judge-gun.
Barrel: 2 inches
Weight: Lighter (27 oz)
Great for concealed carry
Rubber grip absorbs recoil
Still fires both .45 Colt and .410 shells
It’s a top choice for personal defense and backup carry.
The Judge Gun Long Barrel Models
For more accuracy, long barrel versions are available:
4″ or 6.5″ barrel
Better for hunting small game
Increased sight radius
Less recoil
If you plan to shoot from longer distances, get a Judge gun long barrel model.
The Judge Gun Holster Options
Because of its size, not all holsters fit The Judge. Here are some options:
OWB (Outside Waistband) leather holsters
Chest rigs for hiking or trail carry
Shoulder holsters
Tactical thigh holsters
Make sure the holster fits both the barrel length and grip size of your model.
The Judge Gun Shotgun Shells – Why .410 Matters
Many people ask: is .410 effective?
Yes! At close range, .410 buckshot can stop an attacker. It usually holds:
3 pellets of 000 buckshot
Up to 5 pellets of #4 buckshot
That’s like shooting three small bullets at once.
Also, birdshot works for snakes and pests.
The Judge Gun Price in 2025
The Judge-gun is priced well for what it offers. Here’s the 2025 pricing guide:
Standard Judge: $450 – $550
Public Defender: $400 – $500
Poly Defender: $350 – $450
Long Barrel models: $500 – $600
Prices may vary depending on finish, grip type, and store.
Where to Find The Judge Gun for Sale
You can buy The Judge at:
Local gun shops
Online stores like Bud’s Guns, GrabAGun, or Sportsman’s Warehouse
Gun shows
Taurus official website (dealer locator)
Search “The Judge-gun for sale” to find local dealers.
Pros and Cons of The Judge Gun
Pros:
Dual ammo capability
Great for home defense
Affordable
Reliable revolver design
Wide ammo selection
Cons:
Bulky for concealed carry
Not ideal for long-range shooting
Limited to 5 shots
Who Should Buy The Judge Gun?
You should consider buying it if:
You need a powerful home defense gun
You live in rural areas (great for snakes/animals)
You want a revolver with unique ammo choices
You like revolvers but want shotgun power
Not ideal for first-time concealed carry owners due to size.
Maintenance Tips for The Judge Gun
Keeping your Judge clean will make it last longer.
Tips:
Clean after each use
Use a .45 caliber bore brush
Check cylinder regularly
Don’t mix .45 Colt and .410 shells in one cylinder load
Oil lightly after cleaning
Use quality ammo for better performance.
Final Thoughts on The Judge Gun
The Judge gun is one of the most unique revolvers you can own. It combines power, flexibility, and simplicity. Whether you want it for home defense or trail safety, The Judge will serve you well.
From .410 shotgun shells to .45 Colt rounds, it delivers great performance at close range. It’s also more affordable than other revolvers with similar features.
If you’re looking to buy a reliable, powerful handgun in 2025, The-Judge gun is a strong option.
5 Most Asked FAQs About The Judge Gun
1. Can The Judge gun shoot .410 slugs?
Yes. But slugs are less accurate from short barrels. Use them only at short range.
2. Is The Judge gun legal in all states?
No. Some states restrict .410 shotguns or certain ammo. Always check local laws.
3. How far can The Judge gun shoot?
Effective range for .410 is about 15 feet. For .45 Colt, you can shoot 25 to 50 yards.
4. Is The Judge good for beginners?
It’s powerful and simple to use. But recoil can be strong. Not ideal for those who fear noise or kickback.
5. What’s better: The Judge or The Governor?
Both are good. The Governor has 6 rounds and .45 ACP option. The Judge is cheaper and lighter.
