I agree and disagree with many of the posts on here. In my humble opinion I think the Judge is a cool handgun, but it is just that...a handgun. The 410 in ballistic gelatin tests demonstrates very little penetration, therefore very little "stopping power". Also, 80% of individuals shot with handguns (any caliber) live. That doesn't equal a lot of stopping power either.
One can not do much better than a 12 gauge shotgun for home defense. Am I allowed to dispel some myths I have already seen on here?
1. The shotgun is not a conical cone of death and DOES require precise aiming. Especially at short distances and with buckshot. Aim in a home invasion scenario where you will NOT be able to predict your reaction time and nerve level is paramount. Nothing will ever come close to prepare you for that, so this is impossible to predict...your family's life is on the line.
2. 00 Buckshot will work, but #1 Buck is actually a better choice...albeit much more difficult to find. The pellets are only SLIGHTLY smaller and there are more of them (2 1/2 inch shell = 16 pellets). This equates to a higher capacity for damage and it still penetrates at an acceptable level (over 12 inches in FBI ballistic gelatin).
3.Do not overestimate the laser being pointed at someone. While I do agree that a laser is a great addition if you do not plan to practice much (as long as it is zeroed properly), it will not send someone screaming in to the night with whizz running down their leg. Neither will the shotgun "pump sound" for that mater. This is all Hollywood make believe and the pump sound means you either just took more time in a critical situation, OR you just wasted a precious shell.
Think of the individual who will actually break in. They are a determined and possibly desperate sort. I.e. they are risking their life for your valuables or to harm your family. They will not be slowed by a laser beam if time even allows them to stop, see it, etc. Most break ins are done while someone is under some sort of influence anyway (at times while you would normally be home, otherwise most break-ins happen during the day while you should be at work). Neither of the above will register much with them. When adrenaline is flying, rationale runs right out the window. Don't trust your family's life to Hollywood.
4. Pistol grips. Again, a high "cool" factor. However, we discussed earlier about aim and it's importance (at 16 feet away, birdshot will spread to only the size of a dinner plate). A pistol grip is designed for hip shooting and will punch you in the face if you try and aim down the barrel.
A stock on a short barreled 12 gauge will not hinder your maneuverability. Why do the police all have shottys with stocks???
5. I agree that a nice Mossberg or Remington is a good choice. 18.5 barrel is short enough to maneuver in the house (with a stock). One can pick them up for around $450 new if you look around. This also gives you 6 good shots at the bad guys (5+1). If you would like 9 shots, go with the 20 inch barrel.It will not cut down on your ability to wield it in the house.
I hope this helps. Pray you never have to actually use it for it's intended purpose.
