Taurus introduced the “Public Defender” revolver, another in the line of the Judge revolvers, at the 2009 SHOT Show.
Chambering the same .45 Colt and .410 shotshells as the other handguns in the Judge line, the Public Defender is built on a smaller frame (the 85 series frame), and is clearly designed for concealed carry. The Public Defender still chambers five rounds, yet is smaller and lighter, weighing only 28.2 ounces for the stainless or blued versions, and 26 ounces for the blued steel/titanium cylinder model.
The Public Defender has a three-inch barrel topped with a red fiber optic sight. The rear sight is a fixed notch. The hammer has been reduced, meaning it is less likely to catch on clothing during a draw, but it can still be cocked for a single action, precision shot. The Public Defender wears a set of the Taurus Ribber grips.
The Public Defender felt a touch front-heavy, but that is probably a good thing for helping to manage recoil. While this gun is nowhere near the size of a J-frame snubbie, it is noticeably smaller than the previous Judge models. If you want to carry a .410/.45 Colt, this is the best package to do it concealed.
I spoke with a sales rep on day one of SHOT who said the pricing on the Public Defender would be around $500 for the blued and stainless models. The titanium model will be about $600. A Taurus rep on day two of SHOT also quoted me the same general numbers.
Update
Since its introduction at the 2009 SHOT Show, the Taurus Public Defender has become one of the more popular handguns in this series of Brazilian revolvers. Â The Public Defender is a more compact version of the Judge and is therefore much easier to carry concealed. Â This gun matched up with some .410 loads specifically designed for these revolvers could be a devastating close-defense firearm.
72 replies on “Taurus Judge Public Defender”
Bought Public Defender at gun show last weekend.Went looking just to buy this model@ 9 oclock there was so many people there ot on of only two at the whole show.I thought I was gonna have to use it cause people were trying to take it out my hand while I waited on background check and box .Awesome gun for the versitility.Hammer takes a minute to get used no problems with mine yet and it was shot about 200 times with all different ammo for my buddies are also interested in.
I bought the Judge in the 3″ magnum version. The shell when fired get stuck into the cylinder and have to be popped out with a screwdriver. Also when fired every now and then the shell backs out and lock up the cylinder so the gun wont fire. I gave them a hard time and they agreed to pay for shipping since the gun wasnt even two weeks old. They said they are 5 weeks backe dup on repairs. My firearms dealer/gunsmith said its a common problem witht the 3″. hes had four others that have had to be sent back.
I bought the Judge in the 3″ magnum version. The shell when fired get stuck into the cylinder and have to be popped out with a screwdriver. Also when fired every now and then the shell backs out and lock up the cylinder so the gun wont fire. I gave them a hard time and they agreed to pay for shipping since the gun wasnt even two weeks old. They said they are 5 weeks backed up on repairs. My firearms dealer/gunsmith said its a common problem with the 3″. hes had four others that have had to be sent back.
I have two. One chambered for 3″ shells w/ a 3″ barrel and a Public Defender. I’ve had no problems with the 3″ but sent the PD back for repair. Occasionally the gun would jam when firing DA. I’ll be getting it back tomorrow.
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As for ammo, the Federal Handgun Ammunition is superb. With my PD the groups are about the size of a baseball at 7yds! The reason for this (IMHO)is the 000 buck is encased in a sleeve (not sure the correct name) which appears to prevent the buck shot from actually contacting the grooves of the bore so they don’t spin. The sleeve falls away as the pellets leave the muzzle.
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Shooting REGULAR 000 buck from the PD produced a pattern larger than a volleyball at 7yds. And about the size of a softball when fired out of the 3″ barrel
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Me? I like the Judge. It’s a superb close range weapon when loaded with the proper ammunition.
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As to 12″ of penetration? That case is made on the assumption you may have to fire at someone from the side maybe having to shoot through an arm bone or from the front and have the bullet penetrate all the way to the spine.
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Here are some Ballistics from Wiley Clapp. They are 3″ shells fired from a 3″ barrel. Winchester Buck 000 three pellets – 777 fps and 295 ft-lbs. 45 Colt Remington 225Gr LSWC – 778 fps and 302 ft-lbs.
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Go here to download the pdf version of Wiley’s test.
http://americanrifleman.com/Webcontent/pdf/2009-6/200961143754-thejudgerules.pdf
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Now I’m not sure but three pellets hitting with 295 ft-lbs is 295×3=885 ft-lbs. That’s ALOT of force creating (in this case) three separate wound trails. And what if you only get 6″ of penetration? Put your finger on your chest and think 6″…