The Judge now The Circuit Judge

If you just want it as a curio, or for fun that is great, but please don't get one thinking that it will be a "do it all" weapon. it is much more of a "do nothing" weapon.

It is a poor 410 shotgun, with terrible patterns, and it is a very inaccurate 45 colt rifle, unable to take any of the modern 45 colt loadings.

WALKERs210 said:

Never have been able to really tell it the Judge should be in the pistol or shotgun category now its ever harder

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Well, for one thing other pistols have rifling, but they're not rifles, they're still pistols. Other pistols can also spray around shot if it's loaded in the proper caliber (e.g. CCI pistol-caliber shotshells), but they're not shotguns, they're still pistols. Therefore, at least according to precedence the Judge is a pistol (or handgun for those who define "pistol" as something other than a revolver).

The Circuit Judge is something different and can be called anything you want, since there are shotguns that have rifling but are still called shotguns. It's definitely not a pistol or handgun, though.

I'll take my handload 45 Colt shotshells. 1/2 oz no. 9's at 1200 fps in 4" barrel

I saw a review of the circuit judge at Gunblast.com and he was surprised that his copy would shoot 1" groups all day with .45 colt at 25 yards.

There is also supposed to be a smoothbore version of the 410 which should be interesting.

If you really want a pistol that can function as a shotgun, consider the BFR 45/410 with the 7 1/2 barrel with the screw-in choke. A huge beast but the 410 patterns are impressive.

NOLAEMT said:

If you just want it as a curio, or for fun that is great, but please don't get one thinking that it will be a "do it all" weapon. it is much more of a "do nothing" weapon.

It is a poor 410 shotgun, with terrible patterns, and it is a very inaccurate 45 colt rifle, unable to take any of the modern 45 colt loadings.

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I own one (a poly PD) and its not THAT bad at all. Check out this video to see a variety of ammo being tested for real.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRlry5KH6I0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tablet using Tapatalk Pro.

A curio? Only if you want it to be.I thought the same with my Judge,until
Federal came to the party.The "specially made for the Judge" Federal
.410 handgun 000 Buck made Judge owners rejoice.Now I tell the
ones that don't own a Judge not to give a bad review unless you've
tried it with this round.I would think that the Circuit Judge would
even be better with this round since it has the longer barrel.

The new S&W Governor holds six rounds, and takes .45/.410, and .45 ACP in moon-clips.

Now that would be sweet for fast reloads!!

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_768152_-1_757992_757992_image

rc

I'm not trying to say that it wouldn't work for a self defense weapon. I'm sure someone hit with buckshot, or a 45 colt slug will be effectively dissuaded. I am simply saying that I believe there are much better options available.

rcmodel said:

The new S&W Governor holds six rounds, and takes .45/.410, and .45 ACP in moon-clips.

Now that would be sweet for fast reloads!!

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_768152_-1_757992_757992_image

rc

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Oh I truly wish you hadn't shown me that link. I was just thinking the other night how I wished Smith & Wesson made a gun like the Taurus Judge. Believe it or not, I was NOT aware of 'The Governor'.

Now ..... I want one.

I am simply saying that I believe there are much better options available.

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There are always better options. Especially when it has to do with opinions. It's fashionable for the Internet Experts to bash the Judge. However, there are apparently a lot of people who just don't listen to their vaunted advice, judging from the sales.

The Governor, using Moon-Clips, would be a fast re-load, but only in .45 ACP. It also uses only 2 1/2" .410 shells. Why the .45 ACP is included strikes me more as marketing than ability. However, some people obviously like the triple-play.

Remember, a hand-gun can always be considered inferior to a long-gun. They are more likely the "better options".

JR47-Yes and most bash guns they never had or never shot
or never even held in their key pad typing fingers.
I've shot approx. 800 rounds through my Judge.With
no problems.I had a guy come in and tell me how big a mistake
I made on buying it.He told me it was a P.O. junk.
I asked if he had ever owned or shot one.He said he'd
never own one or shoot one,because they are junk.
Amazing.Simply amazing,but they are all in here and
other forums giving reviews on something that they know
absolutely nothing about.As you call them "internet experts".
I call them internet "know it alls".If you don't think they know
it all,just ask them.

I'm going to hold off until they make on in 12 ga. They can call it the Supreme Court Justice.

I thought the 12 ga version would be the Grand Poo-Bah!

rc

I got a chance to shoot my uncle's Judge Snubbie, and I wasn't expecting a lot. Surprisingly, it was fun to shoot! Only shot various 410 shells through it, but I thought it was nice. Loud thing though.

"regular" Judge owner here. No problems at all for me! Cool gun if you can get a good deal on one.

rcmodel -- oy! That Governor has now vaulted places ahead on my Fantasy Arsenal team, by being able to take .45ACP. Please read my sarcasm tags when I say "Thanks. Thanks a lot."

Now I'll have to google for the price.

timothy