Is it a viable PD carry?
ANSWER: I just love the questions you folks are sending and i hope the answers are as good as the questions are. I'm sure y'all know, I believe there is no such thing as a stupid question or a bad one when it comes to firearms safety and knowledge, so here goes.
The Taurus Judge in all variation of the model have pulled a "Glock" on the firearms and self defense world. They have successfully carved out a single niche marketplace spot and frankly I don't think the other major manufacturers even though of it. Congrats to Taurus. They beat everybody to the punch, and what a punch it packs.
I don't believe it is a good or (I'll go out on a limb here by saying) viable choice for Police Department carry. Certainly not as the primary issue weapon by a department. At times Police are hindered by the fact that it is only "socially acceptable" that they be armed with handguns, and you all know I feel you use a handgun to fight your way to a rifle. I've read all that BS about the perception of Police officers all decked out in high speed black with ASSAULT!!!!!! rifles....oh heavens no. It's just that.....BS. It comes from politicians and people who don't spend much quality time with cops. Y'all ought to try it. It's enlightening and guess what?>>>>>>they're people too, and dedicated ones at that.
Originally the Geneva Convention outlawed shotguns or "trench brooms"...et al for use in combat once again politicians decided not the kids in the trenches go figure. Public perception is fickle so I'm not sure about the "acceptable" factor in issuing a handheld shotgun which the Judge is NOT! Personally I think the officers have a right to carry the highest power firearm in the form of rifles (No not .50 Cal.'s) that would be standard combat/infantry defensive weapons. (most obviously AR 15 etc.). Their handguns should be "sidearm's" literally. My opinion. The situation is what it is and handguns are the norm for Police. They at times have to use them in a situation where precise marksmanship needs to be applied and the Judge with either buckshot or .45 Colt would be a distinct disadvantage compared to the Model of Glock pistol commonly seen. Secondly no duty gear is available for it. Thirdly it is a very large weapon in all forms and no speedloader is made for carrying extra rounds specifically of shotgun ammo (sks I know about).
Winchester and Federal market loads specifically aimed at the Judge market. I've seen em both. I have fired the regular .410 standard ooo buck loads in a Bond Arms derringer. It puts eight rounds on target for two trigger pulls and is plenty stout let me tell you. Five in the judge and well do the math. Point here is it's an arms length weapon where most deadly force situations arise from. If the turd is at fifteen to fifty feet with a "faughty" jam-o-matic and he's determined.....you gonna stand there and wait and then try a combat reload when he dodges most of the spread? Just something to think about.
I think the rounds in question are both superb and at the distance discussed the coroner would probably have to "strains da remains" for fingerprints.
If you really consider it for PD carry, run yourself through any basic police firearms drill with reloads (barricade 5rounds run to cover while reloading and 5 more all with A zone hits and no flyers) and you let me know. I can't imagine carrying one in an ankle rig, but there are other backup modes yet it is a very big weapon no matter how you look at it.
I read that a far Northeast municipality has approached Taurus about using them, I don't know where that will lead. Interesting though.
The Taurus Judge Public Defender is a fantastic close in personal defense weapon and the round specifically for it are excellent.
For primary duty on a PD NAH! Carry a 1911 (or a Glock,Sig, Beretta) Thanks so much oh BTW the Judge is outselling every firearm for home defense right now according to the Shot Show advertising and awards.
Thanks again for a great question....let me hear your take......
Your Instructor, Eddie
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