Taurus Judge
Taurus Holdings, Inc. · Pistol · In Production · 2006
Also known as: Taurus 4510, Judge, Taurus Tracker Judge
Overview
The Taurus Judge is a five-shot double-action revolver introduced in 2006 with the unusual capability of chambering both .45 Colt cartridges and .410 bore shotshells from the same elongated cylinder. Designed for self-defense, vehicle carry, and snake-shooting, it became one of Taurus' best-selling firearms and spawned an entire subcategory of dual-caliber 'shotgun-revolvers,' including the Smith & Wesson Governor competitor. The shallow rifling stabilizes the .45 Colt bullet while still permitting acceptable shot-pattern dispersion from .410 birdshot or buckshot loads.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 822 g (29.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 241 mm (9.49") |
| Barrel Length | 76 mm (2.99") |
| Height | 130 mm (5.12") |
| Width | 38 mm (1.50") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 265 m/s (869 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 569 J (420 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .45 Colt · primary — also known as .45 Long Colt, .45 LC, 11.43x33mmR
- .410 Bore — also known as .410 Gauge, .410 Shotshell, 410GA
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Five Shot Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar Safety, Taurus Security System Lock
- Features: Elongated Cylinder For 410 Shotshells, Shallow Rifling, Ribber Grips, Fiber Optic Front Sight, Fixed Rear Sight, Dual Caliber Capability
Variants
- Taurus Judge Public Defender — Compact 2 Inch
- Taurus Judge Public Defender Poly — Polymer Frame
- Taurus Judge Magnum — 3 Inch 410 Chamber
- Taurus Raging Judge — 454 Casull Capable
- Taurus Judge Executive Grade — Premium Finish
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Self-Defense Market · adopted 2006
- Brazilian Civilian Market · adopted 2006
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,500,000 · Production years: 2006-present
Conservative estimate based on Taurus best-seller status; the Judge series has sold extremely well in the U.S. civilian market for nearly two decades. Exact figures not disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Designer: Forjas Taurus engineering team
Notes
Named for judges in Miami who reportedly carried the gun in their courtrooms. The Magnum variant accepts 3-inch .410 shells, while the Raging Judge upscales to also chamber .454 Casull.
Background
The Judge takes its name from Miami-area trial judges who reportedly began carrying the early prototype on the bench, hidden under their robes, after a string of courtroom shootings in the early 2000s. Taurus' marketing leaned hard into the legend, and the gun became such a cultural icon that Smith & Wesson rushed out their own .45/.410 'Governor' to compete.