Great writing. Do everyone a favor and test the Winchester PDX-1 3" in the new Taurus .410 Judge with the 6 1/2" barrel. There are 4 discs and 16 basically useless BB's. At 25-30-35' I average 4 discs - 90% (9 of 10) in a 10x10" target. At 40' just 80%(8 of 10.) 100% (10 of 10) in the same 10" target. With the 5 shot 6 1/2" Judge and 2 1/2" shotshells: 100% at 15-20-25' for the 3 discs in the 10x10" target. Being 82 years and began 7/2010 to shoot,trigger is too stiff for previously injured right hand/fingers so I cock the hammer. I do not intend firing but once for defense per bad guy. I practice cocking fast. Previously 2 attempted breakins. After 500+ shots in 2 1/2 years, plus 3 neighbors now shooting big guns every weekend here in the country, all theft of livestock, & eqt. has ceased. We each have safe shooting ranges on site. At least 1/4 mile distance for shot sound report. The Judges are NOT difficult to master with constant practice. Taurus has my vote for self defense. PS I was a USAF fighter pilot so I knew zip re handguns,but recommend the Judge's most highly for serious personal protection with no problems. Again, thanx for the great writing. A real service & should be more widely made available as my friends are amazed at all this. I sincerely hope this is useful. Most Sincerely, Don Gist

Feedbag is right about .410 slugs fired out of a .45. Its the bore diameter that is the problem. While a rifled slug fired from the proper barrel has more velocity, one fired from the judge is mostly hot air. Lead /410 slugs measure anywhere from .390 to .412 while the pistol bore is .451. See the problem? The expanding gases blow around the projectile muting velocity and performance. Using .410 shot shells and 45 colt slugs is best with these pistols.

Slugs are a poor choice...If 1 projectile will solve your problem, the 45 has a longer range for remaining accurate.

Was able to fire the 6" barrel Judge at 21' with #7 or #8 shot and it covered the standard target. Wonder what a 3" barrel would do ?

Bobho: I think this will answer your question of what defense disks are. http://www.basspro.com/Winchester-reg-Supreme-Elite-reg-PDX1-410-Buckshot/product/10207287/-1693706 They seem a little odd to me but I guess they work.

I bought a Judge (Public Defender) for one reason, personal protection. I got a 2" barrel so it WOULD scatter. I don't want a tite group... I won't be shooting in any contest with it... When an intruder comes at 3 in morning when I am sound asleep I want to be able to hit him... That's why the Judge is selling so well, people want a weapon they can rely on to be quick and efficent... As far as shotshells, as close as I will be if used, it's not going to make a lot of difference what size shot or how hot it's loaded...

Riz And Skoonz, Are asking what I want to Know. When will you do those test?

Less is More. Wider spread is more likely Kill or Stop with the .410 handgun at close range. I am talking decision distance. Proximity to NMT 30 foot. The best reason to choose a .410 handgun is loss of fine motor skills at short range, one shot or die,combat. A perfect gunner under stress in close combat would not care to shoot a .410. Any old .22 placed perfectly will deliver one shot kill or stop..... again... that is placed perfectly. I want wide group with the .410 handgun. The wider the better at short distance. Give me a higher powder charge with about 4-8 more pellets (higher velocity, smaller projectile, less accuracy more scatter) for .410 handgun short range handgun load. I will Kill or Stop with poor motor skills using the .410 I don't care about the higher powder charge, more projectiles and the higher shock to my wrist. I am not concerned about shooting it at the range for accuracy. I will shoot it a few times to familiarize myself, then put it in my drawer. I will only need to use it once.

What are "defense disks" referred to in the chart shown? I am not familiar with the term.

Did you shoot the BFR with the choke in or out? I've found with the choke in the shot patterns are consistant and tight.

I agree completely! You never see these tested with slugs, which would seem to me to be better than a .45 colt round for closer ranges. Also, I know several people who carry these to dispatch snakes while hunting and they use fine shot. It would be great to see both tested.

It wouold have been interesting to see results with 410 slugs and #7 or #8 shot. Part of the utility of shotshells is shooting something that will not endanger a neighbor if you happen to miss.