Quick story: A few year’s ago there was some politician chatter about trying to ban or greatly limit handgun ammo. I thought, “Well, just in case that happens, I want something that shoots a variety.” So I picked up the Smith & Wesson Governor, which is their version of the Taurus Judge. (I believe S&W is a better brand with better overall quality.) And I figured if the politicians ban popular handgun ammo, they’ll never get rid of the .410 rabbit killer.
For those unfamiliar, both guns shoot 45 Colt, .45 ACP with moon clips, and .410 shotgun shells. The controversy among gun guys is the latter, which you’re free to discuss below.
I use Defender PDX1 loads for home (second from left in the pic). Of course, what’s cool about it is that you start with 2 shots of .410 and then load the next four chambers with .45 Colt or ACP (half-moon clips).
Anyway, I dig it. So there.
Only regret is that S&W came out with a stainless model later, which I would have preferred.
As I best remember my S&W model 29 .44 Magnum, my Taurus Judge, which is quite heavy, has about the same kickback as my .44 Magnum had with .44 Special loads. It is more comfortable with both hands.
Kick is surprisingly reasonable. Much less than what I was expecting. The frame is scandium alloy so they were marketing this as “lightweight” when it first came out, but it’s still close to 30 ounces. And while it’s a snubby, I’m not sure I could make this work for concealed carry. I mean, I could, but it’s a chunk.
Makes very good sense to me.
But that said do you believe a 28 gauge shotgun shell pistol is also too big to make its shooting practical. .410" vs .550" might not be too big of a step up in recoil. Maybe a little more weight in the .550 pistol might help some.
I do have some concern that the .410 penetration might be a shortcoming, though as an “in the house” defense I don’t see me shooting at a target much more than 5 yards, or so, away.
