A recent thread about the Judge created a lot of debate on AR15.com, as it often does.

A friend of the Box O’ Truth had asked me if the Judge would be good to use when hiking “in case of a bear attack”. I advised him that there were much better choices for bear. And that is the danger of over-hyping a firearm system. Those that are not trained in terminal ballistics might make a poor decision about a weapon system because of misleading information.

The first Judge I tested was a 2 ½ inch model and some folks criticized me and said it would have performed better if I had a 3 inch model. They also said that since I had cut down a 3 inch buckshot load to 2 ½ inches, it spoiled the test. They also said that some of the new ammo designed for the Judge would work “a lot better”.

My friend ArmedSuspect contacted me and said, “I am an FFL and have a gun shop. I am willing to acquire a 3 inch Judge to test some of the new “Personal Defense” ammunition that is being marketed, if you are willing to do some tests.”

How could I refuse?

ArmedSuspect is a very knowledgeable regarding firearms and owns a gun shop called Ashby Arms in Harrisonburg, VA. His website is http://www.ashbyarms.com/.

He sent a 3 inch Judge to my FFL and included various samples of “better” ammunition.

Here’s what he sent.

First the 3” Judge.

As someone said, “It looks like a fat girl all dressed up for the prom.”

I have it next to a Glock 19, 9mm pistol.

Notice the size comparison. The Judge is a big pistol.

Now make no mistake... I like Taurus firearms.

I have owned several (never a Judge) and they all worked well and were well-built.

This Judge is not “pretty” to me, but it is well-built and looks like a quality product. I am not “against” the Judge.

I just want to find out if it will meet self-defense standards with .410 shotgun ammunition.

The ribbed grips on the Judge were very comfortable and really tamed the recoil on this pistol. It also had a nice high-visibility front sight that worked well.

Here’s the ammo that ArmedSuspect sent.

First is some Winchester 3 inch 000 Buckshot (5 pellets).

Next, some Winchester Supreme Elite, PDX1, 2 ½ inch Ammunition for Personal Defense, 12 plated BBs, and 3 plated Cylinder Projectiles.

Then some Federal Premium, .410 Handgun, 3 inch Buckshot, 9 pellets of #4 Buck, with a listed velocity of 1100 fps.

Then some Remington HD Ultimate Home Defense, 2 ½ inch 00 Buckshot, 4 pellets, 1,300 fps.