Taurus Judge - Models

Models

There have been two model number designations for this firearm, the 4410 (no longer produced) and the 4510 (current). Both model numbers are essentially the same revolver, and any 4410 or 4510 will yield basically the same performance. It got its name "The Judge" in 2006 when Bob Morrison, Executive Vice President, learned that judges in high-crime areas of Miami, Florida were purchasing the revolver for personal defense in their courtrooms, and after Morrison investigated further, the model designation was changed from 4410 to 4510 to more accurately reflect the revolver's versatility (.45 Colt + 410 shot → "4510"). Taurus International reports that the Judge is their top-selling firearm.

Though Taurus deliberately designed The Judge to fire shotshells, the Judge does not qualify as a "short-barreled shotgun" under the National Firearms Act of 1934 as its rifled barrel makes it a regular handgun. However, the Judge is considered a short-barreled shotgun under California state law, which has a broader definition of "short-barreled shotgun," and the Judge is thus illegal to possess in that state. The rifling is more shallow than normal, giving single-projectile loads less stabilization than they would receive in other handguns, but reducing the rapid dispersion of the shot from shotshells. Taurus developed the shallow rifling after numerous experiments to find rifling that worked well with both types of ammunition.

The Judge, a derivative of the Taurus Tracker, comes in three barrel lengths (3",4" and 6.5" - Tracker), two cylinder lengths (2.5" and 3"), and two finishes (blue and stainless steel). The 3" barrel model also comes in two weight classes, the standard steel construction (29 oz currently, 36 oz previously) and alloy-based "Ultra-Lite" (22 oz currently, 24 oz previously). Felt recoil can be significant with the Ultra-Lite series, due to its light weight, especially with .45 Colt rounds. As of December 2008, spur-less hammers remain available with all short-barrel lengths of The Judge.

Crimson Trace laser grips are available for standard models of this firearm.

At the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference (SHOT Show) of January 2009, Taurus introduced several new members of The Judge family. These have been labeled the "Public Defender" series and are based on the Taurus Model 85 frame. As with the original Judge, these also shoot five rounds of either .45 Colt or .410 shot. Taurus is positioning the Public Defender series as a concealed carry piece. Taurus also introduced the tactical Judge SSR Ported. The Taurus 4510TKR-3SSR and -BR offer a 3″ ported barrel with a Picatinny rail. The addition of a new Picatinny rail allows you to mount a light, laser or other accessory. In addition, this model also features a ported barrel to reduce felt recoil. The SSR comes in Matte Stainless Steel and Blued Steel finishes.

In 2010 Taurus introduced the Raging Judge Magnum which is chambered for .454 Casull as well .45 Colt and 3" .410 shot shells.

In 2011 at SHOT in Las Vegas, Taurus introduced the Raging Judge XXVIII chambered for 28 gauge shot shells. After much confusion of whether or not the Raging Judge 28 would be considered an ATF regulated firearm, Taurus International President and CEO Bob Morrison stated that the Taurus Raging Judge XXVIII would be available in the U.S. sometime in late 2012.