So I am looking at getting a judge. Mostly as a snake& recreational shooting. But I also consider shooting close range hogs with either 410 slugs or colt 45. My question is there are 3 different barrel lengths, 3", 4", 6". Does anyone have any experience or advice with which barrel to go with? Or any opinions on the gun all around? Thanks.

It will likely be easier to learn to shoot accurately the longer barreled version over the shorter barreled versions.

The 45 Colt packs enough wallop to be good medicine for hogs. Practice enough so that you are accurate. Bullet placement and adequate penetration to reach the vitals are the keys to stopping hogs.

You lose quite a bit of velocity on the shorter barrel when it comes to slugs etc. I have the 2 1/2 in barrel, and based on a thread about the judge a month or so ago, penetration is severely hindered with the shorter barrels. Shouldn’t be too far back to take a look at. There’s some vids. I’ve personally put several slugs into a hog and he took off in another direction. He could’ve done some damage to me if he was still running in my direction. Dispatched several copperhead with mine though

I’d get a 357 instead.

But if I was getting the judge, I’d probably go 4”

6"

If size doesn’t matter I would get the 6”. A 250-280g hard cast loaded to acceptable pressures will flatten a pig. I do load mine heavier and hotter but that’s for Rugers and Marlins shooting a bit further. If you do not hand load Buffalo Bore and a couple of others load this to safe pressures for the Judge.

I agree - I got a .357 and load a couple rat shot loads

I'd opt for the S&W Governor over the Judge. I've got a Judge and it does fine, but the Governor is slightly more pricey and is much better quality.

I had ('had' being key word) a Judge many years back. While firing it one day at the range, THE CYLINDER FELL OUT. No, I didn't open it, I just fired it. THE CYLINDER JUST FELL OUT.

Needless to say, there's no love lost between me and Taurus.

Get a Colt Anaconda and never look back.

Get a 357, 44 S, 44 M, 45 Colt.

Lovey my Judge

I've got one and my son has one. We both love 'em and have never had any problems with them. The longer barrel improves accuracy and throws a more dense pattern of shot, but for your stated application, I'd say get the barrel length that you're most comfortable with.

I've shot one hog with my Poly Defender (2" barrel). It was buckshot to the head from about 5ft, took 3 to subdue her. Wouldn't do it on purpose again.

with 45LC?

I am in the buy a 357/44 camp. And not a Taurus, find a ruger or Smith.

Thanks Everyone. All of your advice is great, and now you got me shopping around. I do have my eye on a 6 inch barrel at a shop here. Also looking at the other calibers mentioned, but want the shot shell option. Thanks all.