Reviews [First Look] Taurus Judge Home Defender: Not A Shotgun David Lane September 15, 2023 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINEDSometimes, I can’t tell if Taurus is trolling us or not. They claim they aren’t and that this is what the people want, so here we go. The Taurus Judge Home Defender. A .45 Colt/.410 Bore “revolver” with a 13” barrel.Legally, this is a revolver pistol. Just with a long barrel. The plastic thing under the barrel that looks like a forend for you to hold it like a shotgun? That’s for mounting a weapon light. Honest.While I like the overall design and the idea of the “revolver,” the major downside for me is the caliber. .45 Colt and .410 Bore aren’t horrible home defense choices, but they aren’t at the top of my list either. If you do decide that this is what your home arsenal is missing, the Judge Home Defender has 1913 railing on top for an optic and some railing on the bottom for a weapon light.6 shot cylinder, 57 ounces unloaded, alloy steel frame, transfer bar safety, and a DA/SA action.MSRP is $730.FEATURES:Top Aluminum Picatinny Rail: A breakthrough feature that simplifies the attachment of optics and accessories, empowering shooters to customize their Judge Home Defender for precision and versatility. 45 Colt / 410 Bore 3 Inch Cylinder: Offering unparalleled versatility, this unique combination allows users to seamlessly switch between the potent 45 Colt and the versatile 410 Bore, ensuring optimal performance in any scenario.13-Inch Barrel: Engineered to elevate 45 Colt terminal ballistics, the 13-inch barrel guarantees pinpoint accuracy, setting a new standard for precision in its class.Forend Accessory Rail: Designed with shooters in mind, the Judge Home Defender incorporates a forend accessory rail, ideal for mounting lights, lasers, and other essential accessories, providing unparalleled preparedness.Steel Blast Shield: Safety is paramount. The steel blast shield protects the shooter's support arm, enhancing safety and peace of mind during operation.Taurus Rubber Grip: Strategically integrated into the design, the Taurus rubber grip maximizes recoil absorption, delivering a comfortable and controlled shooting experience for all users. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
