NRA Gun of the Week: Taurus Judge Pistol

by
posted on June 25, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
The DA/SA Taurus Judge revolver—celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016— was described best by Wiley Clapp in a 2009 American Rifleman evaluationA conventional revolver in all other respects, the Judge comes with fixed sights and double-action single-action lockwork. It is deliberately contrived to shoot shotgun shells, but its short (usually) 3" barrel is rifled to keep the gun from falling under the provisions of the National Firearms Act as a short-barreled shotgun. With .45 Colt ammunition, the Judge is a good short-range conventional revolver. With .410 shotshells, it becomes a host of different things. It can be a varmint gun for use on dangerous pests, a sporting gun with clay pigeons or other thrown targets, a small-game gun in survival situations and—probably most significantly—a defensive revolver with decisive terminal ballistics. ... It’s a load to carry and a handful to shoot, but the Judge is a powerful solution to the defense gun needs of many shooters..  

The Judge has stood the test of time so much so that it has earned its place as an NRA Gun of the Week. Learn more in this video hosted by American Rifleman's Kelly Young.  

For more information on Taurus and its line of pistols like this one here, visit taurususa.com.  

Manufacturer: Taurus International Mfg, Inc.  
Model: Judge
Action: DA/SA revolver
Caliber: .45 Colt/.410 bore (2.5” chamber)
Barrel: 3”, six-groove
Trigger: hammer-fired; double action, 10 lbs., 4.5 ozs.; single action, 5 lbs., 15 ozs.
Frame: stainless
Finish: matte
Sights: fiber-optic post front, rear frame notch
Capacity: five
Weight: 29 ozs.
MSRP: $600

For more on the Taurus Judge, please enjoy the following articles:

The Judge Rules 
Taurus Judge Video Review

Latest

2026 Golden Bullseye Awards
2026 Golden Bullseye Awards

Best of the Best: American Rifleman's 2026 Golden Bullseye Award Winners

From firearms to accessories to optics to ammo and suppressors, we’ve determined these to be the stand-out products from the last year, providing firearm enthusiasts with innovation, value, utility and performance.

Review: Diamondback 9 mm SDR

Folks might be a bit surprised that Diamondback would choose 9 mm as the second caliber for its SDR revolver, but a closer look reveals why 9 mm is a solid caliber option for the platform.

Port Authority Doubles Down on Constitution-Free Zone with High-Profile Arrest

There exists a zone within the New York City metropolitan area where law-abiding gun owners are not just imperiled but specifically targeted for exercising their rights. It is an outrage that has continued for far too long.

Wilson Combat Acquires Guncrafter Industries

Wilson Combat has acquired the Guncrafter Industries brand and assets, uniting two of America’s foremost custom firearm manufacturers.

Bill Bachenberg Unanimously Reelected NRA President; Doug Hamlin Unanimously Reelected as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO In Houston

Today, the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), unanimously reelected Bill Bachenberg of Pennsylvania as President of the NRA, and Doug Hamlin as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO.

Heirloom Accuracy: The Springfield Armory Garrison Target

Springfield Armory expanded its "heirloom-quality" line of Garrison 1911s with an all-new target model chambered in either 9 mm or .45 ACP.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.