Taurus Decoder Ring: A Cute Start

Every gun manufacturer has their own naming-convention gobbledygook. They have names based on years, calibers, sizes, capacity, extremeness. Yes, I wrote that: EXTREMENESS. 

Smith & Wesson is infamous for it; at least the gobbledygook part. I don't know if it was Handgun Radio that came up with the innovative concept of a Smith & Wesson Model Number Decoder Ring, but that's where I heard about it.

Well, Taurus is modestly confusing the hell out of me. I get tripped up constantly by the GX series. And I am feebly coming to grips with the numbering of its revolvers. But I still don't know what to call my 22 Poly, uh, PT-22 PLY ... yah!

Where to start? I could start chronologically, but that could be boring. I think I'll start with the easy route, because then I probably won't screw it up. Also, the first gun is sort of cartoonish, so it's like we are starting at an elementary (school) level. REMEMBER: Guns are not toys!

The Judge Series (2006-present)

The Taurus Judge was originally named the 4410. The "Judge" name came about, because judges were carrying the 4410 in Miami.

Credit: TaurusUSA.com

Judge (Models 2-441031T, 2-441039T, 2-441061T, 2-441069T)

barrel lengths: 3" or 6.5"
weight: 29 oz or 32 oz
material: steel alloy or stainless steel
finish: black oxide or stainless steel
The original Judge.  

Credit: TaurusUSA.com

Judge Public Defender (Models 2-441031TC, 2-441039TC, 2-441029TCPLY, 2-441021PFS)

barrel length: 2.5"
capacity: 5 rounds
weight: 28 oz or 27 oz
material: steel alloy or stainless steel or polymer
finish: black oxide or stainless steel or black plastic

It sounds funny that this version of the Judge is called the Judge Public Defender, but it is seen over and over again that line extensions can get a little goofy. Maybe they could have changed the name of the series to: the Courthouse.

The difference in weight between metal and polymer Public Defenders seems ridiculous.

Credit: TaurusUSA.com

Judge Magnum (Models 2-441031MAG, 2-441039MAG, 2-441061MAG, 2-441069MAG)
barrel length: 3" or 6.5"
capacity: 5 rounds
weight: 37 oz or 48 oz
material: steel alloy or stainless steel
finish: black oxide or stainless steel
The magnums have 3" chambers.

Raging Judge (Models 2-51039, 2-51069)
barrel length: 3" or 6.5"
capacity: 6 rounds
weight: 61 oz or 73 oz
material: stainless steel
finish: stainless steel
The Raging Judges add a .454 Casull capable chamber, but the chamber is not .410 magnum capable. 

NEXT: Taurus Decoder Ring: GXeses