Is a used Taurus Poly Public Defender worth it?

[TruthTellers]

I've had on my list for a while a Taurus Public Defender, but an all steel one. I would buy one new, but with the warranty change Taurus made last year, I refuse to buy any revolver from Taurus that doesn't have a lifetime warranty with it.

The issue I'm having is used, all steel Public Defenders are hard to come by at a reasonable price, yet the poly PD's are a dime a dozen. I want the steel models because the extra weight would help tame the .410 recoil, but will consider the polymer models if they're good.

Use will be for just about everything: plinking, CCW, woods gun, home defense.

[Targa]

I have zero experience with a poly Judge and admit I am not a fan of poly anything. I’m not saying poly is bad, I have had Glocks, Kahr’s and have a M&P9c, all of which have been outstanding I just like metal...
If it were me, and I couldn’t find a steel version that qualified for the transferable lifetime warranty, I would get a new steel one and run it through its paces during its year warranty. If you don’t have problems with it during that time you most likely have a good one and won’t need to worry about sending it back for warranty work.
I will say that the Judges and Governors provide about as much fun as I have ever had at the range.
Oh, get ready for the numerous responses of how worthless they are for anything and how many better options are out their that you should be looking at.....

[osbornk]

I agree with Targa. If you're going to have a problem, it will probably be early. I have four Taurus firearms that are very reliable. I had one (TCP) that had a problem and that happened within half a box of ammo from when it was new. Taurus took care of the problem (7 weeks), it was fixed properly and it has had no issues in the 1,000+ rounds I have shot since I got it back a few years ago. My 2 revolvers have never had an issue.

[TruthTellers]

Points taken, I'll consider buying new, but let's say an issue occurs after the warranty expires, has Taurus specified how much they charge for service?

[tallball]

FWIW, I have a steel Judge that hasn't ever given me any problems. It's just a range toy for me. It's fun to shoot. If I had to use it for SD/HD, I wouldn't feel unarmed. It shoots 45 colt about as well as any other snubby at short range. Mine is the 3" magnum version. IIRC, it would be 30 rounds of 32-caliber 00 buckshot flying through the air if I had to empty it towards a threat. I've seen what happens to cans, rotten squash, water jugs, etc. when they are on the receiving end. None of them fared well.

[Cosmodragoon]

On the plus side, the 410/.45 revolvers can do a lot of things. On the minus, they generally don't do most of them as well as other choices. For instance, it absolutely could be used for "plinking, CCW, woods gun, home defense" but for any one of those things in isolation, there are often much better options. CCW stands out as the stretch because these are very large and very limited for what they actually offer.

I'd tend to justify one of these as a "fun gun" and "just in case" for those other diverse needs. That said, get the steel. It could help keep .410 in line with "fun" and may be sturdier. The only place I really see any advantage to the polymer version is in CC or hiking but as I said, that's probably the least attractive role for this firearm. Seriously, here is another envelope-pushing choice for that role, just to make the point:

Glock 20 (10mm) | Taurus 4510PD-3B

Length: 8" | 9"
Width: 1.3" | 1.5"
Weight: 27.5oz | 28oz
Capacity: 15 | 5

[TruthTellers]

Numbers don't lie, Cosmo, the Glock 20 is a superior woods and hiking gun compared to any revolver. There was a time when I was wondering if .454, .460, or .480 revolvers would be better, but I realize that they're among the most impractical guns to carry unless you are in Grizzly territory. Even if you were, a 10mm Glock is not the worst choice you could carry.

I really don't see myself conceal carrying it, but a situation I could see is it being a designated vehicle gun, not necessarily for carjackers, but just a gun I keep in a vehicle and in use in an emergency.

Home defense I think is where it can shine. I don't question what 000 buck is capable of at typical home defense distances of 0 to 7 yards.

Plinking, I reload .45 Colt, so I don't spend much when I shoot it. Also have thought about getting some 9mm adapters and see how they shoot. Again, not looking for super accuracy, the gun isn't meant for distances further than 25 yards and even that is pushing what it was built for.

[Cosmodragoon]

There was a time when I was wondering if .454, .460, or .480 revolvers would be better, but I realize that they're among the most impractical guns to carry unless you are in Grizzly territory. Even if you were, a 10mm Glock is not the worst choice you could carry.

I also view those extremely powerful revolver choices as largely in the "fun gun" category. (The .460 in particular offers a lot of amusement when it's time to bust water jugs, overripe fruit, etc.) There are certainly cases where an ~8" XVR can stand in for a reasonably powerful rifle but be much easier to tote around the woods. The problem is that I feel like there's a pretty narrow band of geography, wildlife, or activity where the defensive need isn't adequately met by something like a G20.

Home defense I think is where it can shine. I don't question what 000 buck is capable of at typical home defense distances of 0 to 7 yards.

This probably the friendliest of those categories for the judge. Still, it's hard to beat a regular shotgun or something like a pistol-caliber carbine. I understand the maneuverability arguments in favor of a handgun but even there, I'm not sure the Judge is offering all that much advantage versus a regular full-sized pistol.

Plinking, I reload .45 Colt, so I don't spend much when I shoot it. Also have thought about getting some 9mm adapters and see how they shoot. Again, not looking for super accuracy, the gun isn't meant for distances further than 25 yards and even that is pushing what it was built for.

It's another case where I'd much rather bring the Redhawk in .45 Colt.

I almost bought one of the rifle versions of the Judge in .357 magnum, just for the novelty and aesthetic charm. (It's quite attractive IMHO.) After carefully examining it though, the tolerances didn't seem all that tight. It looked like I could just about fit a whole case down the barrel! An important advantage to the PCC is increased velocity and that seems to work against it. I'm curious to know how the 9mm adapter works.

Overall, I think The Judge is a novelty item at odds with itself. It seems to exist in order to skirt a ridiculous and ridiculously bad law. It will fire .45 Colt but with a little less power and accuracy. It will shoot .410 but is rifled. If it makes you happy though, go for it and God bless. If they release the a rifle version with tight tolerances, I'll join you.

[Dave T]

It's probably my old law enforcement days coming back to haunt me but I wouldn't own a gun called the "Public Defender". Good grief! (smile)

Dave

[TruthTellers]

Originally Posted by Cosmodragoon

I also view those extremely powerful revolver choices as largely in the "fun gun" category. (The .460 in particular offers a lot of amusement when it's time to bust water jugs, overripe fruit, etc.) There are certainly cases where an ~8" XVR can stand in for a reasonably powerful rifle but be much easier to tote around the woods. The problem is that I feel like there's a pretty narrow band of geography, wildlife, or activity where the defensive need isn't adequately met by something like a G20.



This probably the friendliest of those categories for the judge. Still, it's hard to beat a regular shotgun or something like a pistol-caliber carbine. I understand the maneuverability arguments in favor of a handgun but even there, I'm not sure the Judge is offering all that much advantage versus a regular full-sized pistol.



It's another case where I'd much rather bring the Redhawk in .45 Colt.

I almost bought one of the rifle versions of the Judge in .357 magnum, just for the novelty and aesthetic charm. (It's quite attractive IMHO.) After carefully examining it though, the tolerances didn't seem all that tight. It looked like I could just about fit a whole case down the barrel! An important advantage to the PCC is increased velocity and that seems to work against it. I'm curious to know how the 9mm adapter works.

Overall, I think The Judge is a novelty item at odds with itself. It seems to exist in order to skirt a ridiculous and ridiculously bad law. It will fire .45 Colt but with a little less power and accuracy. It will shoot .410 but is rifled. If it makes you happy though, go for it and God bless. If they release the a rifle version with tight tolerances, I'll join you.

Yeah, one of the reasons I want a big bore revolver that's .454 or bigger is to have something that's extremely powerful for the sake of having something powerful and to feel the recoil of something so powerful.

But then I realize there's nothing where I live that a Ruger Only .45 Colt load in my Redhawk won't take care of and that because of the recoil, I wouldn't shoot .454 or .460 much and it becomes a money not well spent. The one thing that would make me buy a .454 or .460 revolver is if more rifles were chambered for them, but there are few and usually cost as much or more than a .454 or .460 revolver.

Here's what the 9mm adapters do:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzwk8L6aTgs

[Cosmodragoon]

The one thing that would make me buy a .454 or .460 revolver is if more rifles were chambered for them, but there are few and usually cost as much or more than a .454 or .460 revolver.

That's true. This was also an issue with .327 until Henry finally stepped up. I looked at a lever action in .460 recently and the price tag hit me harder than the blast wave! In this case or maybe with the .500, I'm not sure it's all that important though.

Like I was saying before, the ~8" XVR sort of bridges the gap between pistol and rifle. It's bigger than most any other pistol but can still be carried like a big pistol. It puts out power levels in what could be considered rifle territory without the need of having one slung over your shoulder all day. It would be cool to have a rifle for it, but there are already plenty of established magnum rifle rounds to choose from. The .460 really shines in its native platform and I'm okay leaving it there.

Here's what the 9mm adapters do...

That's interesting. It's like shooting a shorter-barreled, smaller-caliber firearm down a wider pipe. Given the already wide early barrel, I suppose power loss is already assumed as inherent in the platform so it's no big deal. This just opens up another fun jack-of-all-trades thing for The Judge.

[Cheapshooter]

Depending what "it" is. I have an early PD Poly that I have had no problems with. @10yards it is quite accurate with 45 Colt ammo. It also holds a tight pattern with Federal personal defense 410 OO buck. @10 or 15feet with 7 1/2 or 8 shot it has a pattern density no slithery critter could escape. I really don't find the recoil with any load I have used to be difficult to handle. Because I don't conceal carry it I added Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips which feel a whole lot better than the original "Ribber" grips. Mine serves triple duty. 1. Primarily a "truck gun" secured in a console vault, and placed between the seat and console when driving. A car jacker's worst nightmare! 2. Snake protection while berry picking, and mushroom hunting. 3. It's a total blast, pun completely intended, to shoot!
For carrying I use an Crosman airsoft holster that I got a Walmart for under ten bucks.

[TruthTellers]

Originally Posted by Cosmodragoon

That's true. This was also an issue with .327 until Henry finally stepped up. I looked at a lever action in .460 recently and the price tag hit me harder than the blast wave! In this case or maybe with the .500, I'm not sure it's all that important though.

Like I was saying before, the ~8" XVR sort of bridges the gap between pistol and rifle. It's bigger than most any other pistol but can still be carried like a big pistol. It puts out power levels in what could be considered rifle territory without the need of having one slung over your shoulder all day. It would be cool to have a rifle for it, but there are already plenty of established magnum rifle rounds to choose from. The .460 really shines in its native platform and I'm okay leaving it there.

That's the other thing I think about too, is what the .454/.460 gives me in a rifle over a .300 Win Mag. The only answer I can come up with is a tubular magazine and able to carry more ammo on my person and in the gun. Also, I'm no so sure .454/.460 in a lever action is better than hot .45 Colt, for my uses at least.

That's interesting. It's like shooting a shorter-barreled, smaller-caliber firearm down a wider pipe. Given the already wide early barrel, I suppose power loss is already assumed as inherent in the platform so it's no big deal. This just opens up another fun jack-of-all-trades thing for The Judge.

The way I see it, the 9mm adapters are like 9mm snub velocity, but with less felt recoil thanks to a larger, heavier gun, and a longer sight radius. Practical? Idk, but 5 shots of 9mm with workable accuracy is better than no shots of .45/.410.

[scottycoyote]

ive been wanting a 38 snub-style back in my carry stable and ive been looking over the poly defender myself.

I did have a bad experience with the steel Judge....back when they first came out i thought it would make a dandy woods/survival/hiking and camping gun and bought one. The 45lc would shoot keyholes at 15 yards and the 410 rounds would swell after i shot and lock up the cylinder. I heard later you should only shoot 410 target loads and maybe that was the problem.

[Cheapshooter]

Not sure where your keyhole problem came from, my PD poly is pretty accurate at 10 yards with Winchester PDX1 225gr rounds.

Judge PD Poly, 5rounds Winchester PDX1 225 grain 45 Colt @10 yds



3 rnds Federal Handgun 000 Buck @ 10 yds. (Large holes from wads)

[Cosmodragoon]

I know I had seen pictures of the issue I mentioned regarding the unusually wide start of the barrel. Here is a thread from the Taurus forum (with pictures) that discusses it with respect to the rimfire model:

https://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/t...g-quality.html

If anyone has the .410/.45 version and wants to check it, I'd be curious.

[Cheapshooter]

As shown in my previous post (#15) the long unrifled section of the cylinder in order to take the 410 shell doesn't seem to have an effect on accuracy. Another claim clearly debunked by actual performance of my gun is the claim that the rifling is exceedingly shallow to enhance shot shell pattern. Whatever the depth of the rifling, it seems to work well with bullet, or buckshot.

[ThomasT]

Points taken, I'll consider buying new, but let's say an issue occurs after the warranty expires, has Taurus specified how much they charge for service?

I thought Taurus had a lifetime warranty even if you are not the original owner?

I have never wanted one of the 45/410 guns. Never understood the appeal of them. And when you read so many people that say a 410 shotgun is worthless for SD why would a handgun in .410 all of sudden be the berries?

But if you like them and want one more power to you. I do reload for .410 and have a .395 RB mold and load a 3 ball load for my shotguns that I would use for deer out to 30 yards. I wish I knew someone who owned one of these guns so I could try 5 of them to see how well they worked.

They weigh 95grs and should be going around 1100+ FPS so they are a little more powerful than a 380 round. And they stay in a surprisingly tight group out to 20 yards. Like all 3 will stay on a 2x4 stood flat and really blow out the back side of the board.

[4V50 Gary]

I don't trust Taurus.

[lee n. field]

Originally Posted by ratshooter

I thought Taurus had a lifetime warranty even if you are not the original owner?

The new policy is...

Taurus USA is totally committed to the very highest standards of quality, dependability, and most of all customer satisfaction. The Taurus Unlimited Lifetime Repair Policy™ is a commitment to repair selected Taurus firearm models FREE OF CHARGE for the lifetime of the firearm. Should you need to take advantage of our repair policy, please follow the directions on the shipping instruction link and our work order form, which can must be printed out and shipped in with the firearm.

The Taurus Unlimited Lifetime Repair Policy extends to all Taurus USA firearm models in production prior to January 1, 2017

--https://www.taurususa.com/repair-policy.cfm

So, new models get a one year warranty.

I have never wanted one of the 45/410 guns. Never understood the appeal of them.

Me neither. Noisemakers. I would much rather have the .45 Colt (or equivalent), without the compromised required by the .410 capability.

[Cheapshooter]

I would much rather have the .45 Colt (or equivalent), without the compromised required by the .410 capability.

The only compromise for my PD Poly is a bit extra length. But certainly no compromise in accuracy using 45 Colt.

[zxcvbob]

The warranty change is no big deal because Taurus's lifetime warranty is worthless. Taurus makes some good guns (I assume they do, I've never seen one) and they make crap. If you get a crappy one, take it to a good gunsmith and maybe they can fix it; Taurus can't or won't.

As far as a used Taurus, the thing I would be worried about is why is the original purchaser selling it?

[TruthTellers]

Originally Posted by zxcvbob

The warranty change is no big deal because Taurus's lifetime warranty is worthless. Taurus makes some good guns (I assume they do, I've never seen one) and they make crap. If you get a crappy one, take it to a good gunsmith and maybe they can fix it; Taurus can't or won't.

As far as a used Taurus, the thing I would be worried about is why is the original purchaser selling it?

When it comes to the Judge, it's usually people don't like the recoil with .410, the price of the ammo, or the way it patterns past a certain distance.

[Cheapshooter]

When it comes to the Judge, it's usually people don't like the recoil with .410, the price of the ammo, or the way it patterns past a certain distance.

When it comes to the Judge, if it had been introduced by a company approved by the American Society of Gun Snobbery like S&W or Ruger it would have been heralded as one of the greatest innovations in firearms design in the 21st century!

I don't find the recoil with 410 from my lightest of the Judges, Public Defender Poly, to be that objectionable. Yes, 410 shells can be a bit pricey compared to 12, or 20 guage. But on-line, and sales can help.
I'm not at all concerned with the pattern of the Federal OOO buck out to a range probably well past any self defence would require. @10 yards it's about 3" . Maybe 5 or 6 @ 15. I seriously doubt a carjacker is going to shout at me to get out of my truck from thirty to forty five feet away. The main use other than just fun blasting I have for my Poly.
The non-legged slithering snakes encountered while picking berries, or searching for mushrooms don't concern me past 10-15 feet. A distance that a load of #8 shot holds a snake stopping density should one present itself as a threat.
Keep in mind that these patterns are from the 2 1/2 barrel of a Public Defender Poly

[TruthTellers]

Originally Posted by Cheapshooter

When it comes to the Judge, if it had been introduced by a company approved by the American Society of Gun Snobbery like S&W or Ruger it would have been heralded as one of the greatest innovations in firearms design in the 21st century!

I don't find the recoil with 410 from my lightest of the Judges, Public Defender Poly, to be that objectionable. Yes, 410 shells can be a bit pricey compared to 12, or 20 guage. But on-line, and sales can help.
I'm not at all concerned with the pattern of the Federal OOO buck out to a range probably well past any self defence would require. @10 yards it's about 3" . Maybe 5 or 6 @ 15. I seriously doubt a carjacker is going to shout at me to get out of my truck from thirty to forty five feet away. The main use other than just fun blasting I have for my Poly.
The non-legged slithering snakes encountered while picking berries, or searching for mushrooms don't concern me past 10-15 feet. A distance that a load of #8 shot holds a snake stopping density should one present itself as a threat.
Keep in mind that these patterns are from the 2 1/2 barrel of a Public Defender Poly

It depends on the model Judge bought. The Public Defender has a very small grip and weighs less than the standard Judge does, so recoil is more, too much for some. Recoil is subjective to the shooter and I can say in a Cobray derringer, it is STIFF. In a steel frame Judge, I think it will be fine.

Ammo price is especially apparent with the .410/.45 Colt's because that ammo is not cheap. The cheapest .45 Colt is something like $30/50 rds, but nobody buys the Judge to shoot .45, they buy it to shoot .410 and the price for 000 buck is more per round than .45 Colt.

I reload .45 Colt and have thought about doing .410 if I bought a Judge. Would be interesting for sure.

Accuracy is subjective, but I agree that for a gun that's meant for distances under 50 feet, the Judge is fine in regards to accuracy.