Rifleman Review: Taurus Judge Executive Grade

by
posted on December 4, 2024
** 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. **

Taurus added its Judge revolver to its Executive Grade series of guns several years ago, giving the popular design an upgrade in terms of fit and finish. In the "American Rifleman Television" Rifleman Review segment above, NRA Media Editorial Director Mark Keefe takes a closer look at the design.

"The Judge has been around since about 2006. Now the interesting part about this gun is it's chambered in .45 Colt, but it also will accept .410 bore shotshells," NRA Media Editorial Director Mark Keefe said. "The Judge actually spawned, really, a revolution when it came to .410 defensive loads designed specifically for this gun."

Right side of the Taurus Judge Executive Grade revolver.

Equipped with a five-round, elongated cylinder to accommodate shotshells, the Taurus Judge Executive Grade uses a short barrel measuring 3" long, and the ejector rod is shrouded in an underlug just below the barrel. A brass-bead front sight provides a bright aiming point that's easily viewable in the gun's simple rear notch.

"The thing about the Executive Series that Taurus does is they assemble them separately from the main production, and they do a lot of hand polishing on this gun," Keefe said. "Of course, it's all stainless steel construction, but you can see that somebody who knows what they're doing has put some polish on this gun. It's not like a Python from the 1950s, but I gotta tell you, for Taurus, this is pretty nice."

A man removing the cylinder from the Taurus Judge Executive Grade's frame.

In addition to the external polishing, the internal components have also been polished to provide for a smoother trigger pull in both double and single action. A pair of checkered walnut stocks adds to the gun's aesthetic while also providing a hand-filling grip. Each Taurus Executive Grade revolver ships inside a foam-lined, hard-sided transport case.

"It's a gun that I've really come to appreciate over the years," Keefe said. "I've shot snakes with it. I've shot skeet with it. Not very well, I might add. But this is really a versatile gun. And the fact that they chose to put this into the Executive Series tells me that the Judge is going to be with us for a very long time."

A man firing the Taurus Judge Executive Grade revolver on an outdoor range.

Taurus Judge Executive Grade Specifications
Manufacturer: Taurus
Action Type: double-action, centerfire revolver
Chambering: .45 Colt/.410 bore, 2.5"
Barrel: 3" stainless steel, satin finish
Frame: stainless steel, satin finish
Sights: fixed rear, brass bead post front
Stocks: presentation-grade wood
Trigger: double-action, 10-lb., 11.5-oz. pull; single-action, 6-lb., 12-oz. pull
Overall Length: 9.5"
Height: 5.1"
Width: 1.5"
Weight: 36 ozs.
Accessories: owner's manual, letter of authenticity, locking hard case, sticker and lock
MSRP: $947

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Henry Mini Bolt G2 02
Henry Mini Bolt G2 02

Henry Updates Mini Bolt Youth Rifle

Henry Repeating Arms introduced its Mini Bolt Youth rifle nearly 25 years ago as an ideal training rifle for young firearm enthusiasts. In 2025, the platform received a number of design updates.

Preview: Avian-X AXP Lessers Fusion Pack

The AXP Lessers Fusion Pack from Avian-X offers a bundle of six durable life-like decoys in a variety of postures to attract even the wariest of Canadian geese.

Gun Of The Week: Armscor TM22-S-18

We're on the range in this video to get a closer look at an affordable plinker imported by Armscor. Whether you’re training on a budget or just want a rimfire for plinking, the TM22 is a proven platform worth investigating.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 22, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Winter Warrior: The Finnish Lahti-Saloranta M/26 LMG

A little-known light machine gun from the inter-war era, the Finnish Lahti-Saloranta M/26 garnered a poor reputation during its service in World War II, but a closer look and some context reveals how innovative it was for its time.

Federal Ammunition Honored By National 4-H Shooting Sports

Federal Ammunition was recently honored with the 2025 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award, which recognizes individuals or companies that have made significant contributions to the 4-H Shooting Sports program at a national level.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.