Once more, I went and did it again.

[G.A. Heath]

I picked up this "old worn out beater" today, I think I over paid as I gave less than $500 for it and a box of .410 ammo (No .45LC available in town).

[WildBill]

I think I over paid as I gave less ...

You'll have to be "the judge" of that.

[boomerang]

I picked up this "old worn out beater" today, I think I over paid as I gave less than $500 for it and a box of .410 ammo (No .45LC available in town).

bassproad.jpg

but if you're happy with the deal that's what's important.

[G.A. Heath]

Overall it is a good deal for a brand new in the box gun (the old worn out beater bit is pure sarcasm). I could get a better deal, but not in the time frame I got this one.

[longhorn_92]

Range Report?

[G.A. Heath]

Unfortunately the LE range is muddy so a RR will have to wait 'till sat. At the earliest. In Gaines county, at least for now, the public can use the LE range when its not in use by LEOs but with the litter bugs hitting the range its in serious threat of being shut down. My last trip out there netted three 35gal trash bags of paper, plastic, and metal bits.

[Who'sJohnGalt]

Ultra-lite version? Definitely need a range report. I've only seen the "unbiased" reports in magazines followed by six pages of Taurus advertising. I'd like to get a real person's opinion. Oh, and hurry up - I think one's coming in next week that I might get.

[G.A. Heath]

Ultra-lite version? Definitely need a range report. I've only seen the "unbiased" reports in magazines followed by six pages of Taurus advertising. I'd like to get a real person's opinion. Oh, and hurry up - I think one's coming in next week that I might get.

Not the ultra-lite version, infact it ways more (34.9oz) than the specs call for (29oz). I will create a complete "review" that is as unbiased as I can make it. BTW, shot-shell past 7 yards is probably not going to be effectiive, in fact my shot shell testing was done at 3, 5, and 10 yards with photos of the targets available at http://gaheath.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=12. Each impact from #6 shot is circled, and the wind tried to steal my 5yd target(originally it was a 3 yard target). I have yet to test it with .45LC ammo, but plan to do so tomorrow.

[QB]

Is that the one that shoots 2 1/2 inch shells or is it the one that shoots 3 inch shells? Nice looking Judge, I really like the two tone look. I currently have a polished one (2 1/2" shells) and it's really fun to shoot the .410 shells.

[G.A. Heath]

Ok here is my range report and observations on the Judge, In the near future I will write up a complete "review" but this will essentially cover the same data.

About my particular judge: Its the 2.5" chamber version and weighs 20% more empty than it is supposed to. The grip feels comfortable but the distance between the back strap and the trigger makes it difficult to get a good instinctive grip on it. The two tone finish is attractive and makes for a quick conversation starter at the range. Overall the gun is pleasant to look at and to shoot.

Shot shell used: Federal hi-brass 1/2 oz lead #6 shot.

• At three yards (9 feet) this load will cover the majority of a human chest along with some of the torso. Head shots could be effective.
  
  At five yards (15 feet) a wider pattern emerges and would still be effective at driving off an attacker, head shots would not be recommended.
  
  At ten yards (30 feet) a much wider spread makes this load relatively useless but would cause some injury (probably minor) to an attacker.
  

Slugs used: NONE, Why use a slug when a .45LC has better performance.

.45 Long Colt used: Federal 225 Grain Semi-Wadcutter Hollow points.

• The judge hits about 10 inches above POA at 8 yards (24 feet) as the sights seem to be set for shot shells.
  It groups the shots surprisingly well
  Penetration would be better in a dedicated .45LC handgun but the Judge should deliver enough to stop an attacker when using .45LC rounds.

I bought the gun as a fun gun, and it does a good job at that. For self defense I see this gun being most useful as a car gun, and to a lesser extent a gun for someone who works/lives in small spaces where a long gun is too cumbersome and the potential collateral damage of a bullet is too great. That being said there is a gun to do everything the judge does, but nothing I am aware of does everything it does as well as it does. Recoil from the Judge was surprisingly tame. Finally the saying "a jack of all trades, but master of none" comes to mind regarding this handgun.

Notes:
1. Regarding the shot shell targets: A range rat showed up and shot my stationary 5 yard target with a 12GA so I had to take photos of the wind blown 5 yard target.
2. The shot cup, also referred to as a wad by some, literally bounced off of the paper board targets.
3. The Ellet Brothers catalog states this gun is exclusive to them and that it weighs 29 ounce. I weighed it on some certified scales and found mine to weigh 34.9 ounces.
4. I would recommend chambering the first round as .410 shot shell and all consecutive chambers should be loaded with .45 Long colts for defensive use.

[Frost]

The only thing i can think of is a super villain pirate who can only be rendered vulnerable by killing his parrot companion.