Rossi Circuit Judge

tkeveney · Feb 28, 2011

I saw a relatively new firearm that I am considering buying - wondering if any of you can help me out with advice/observations.

The Rossi Circuit Judge is a small compact carbine with a five shot revolver chamber. The gun is chambered for .410 shotgun shells as well as .45 Colt. It is obviously derived from the Judge series of handguns.

How does this work? I always thought a .410 was actually .41" in diameter and a .45 Colt is .45" in diameter. How can they both be fired from the same gun? Is the bore really .45"?

I have heard that a .45 colt can be loaded to near .44 magnum performance. Is this advisable in a gun with such long revolver chambers? Is it advisable in a Rossi?

Although I'd never try it, it seems to me that it must be possible to put .454 Casull ammo in the gun, since it has 3" long chambers for the .410 Sounds like a potential liability lawsuit to me.

I'd welcome any of your comments on the gun, loading .45 Colt, and the manufacturer Rossi.

If you haven't seen one of these yet, I'd recommend checking one out at a gun shop. They are VERY light. It shoulders exceptionally well, and looks to me like a pretty cool concept. The gun is available in several models. There is one chambered for 22 LR and comes with a spare cylinder for 22 mag, one is 28 gauge, one is .44 mag only, and one is .410 and .45 colt capable.

I am considering either the .410/.45 colt or the .44 mag (could always just use .44 mag shot shells.)

I realize I've raised several questions & this thread could wander in a few directions - Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

Elkman · Feb 28, 2011

The 410 is another one of those cartridge designations that don't follow the accepted pattern of designation. Shotguns are typically deisgnated by gauge which is determined by counting lead balls. The 410 is on diameter of the case at the base, which in this instance is the same as the Colt 45's. The colt shoots a 45 caliber bullet but the case diameter is the same as the 410 at the base. Someone will come along much smarter than me and probably explain this better. :grin:

JD338 · Feb 28, 2011

I was looking at one over the weekend at a NWTF banquet, nice gun but its not for me.

You can shoot a 45 Long Colt through it but not the 454 Casull, too much pressure and the gun won't take it.
If you are interested in a 410, get yourself an 870. The Judge is a self defense gun but it is big and bulky. A smaller revolver chambered in 38 P+ would deliver the goods. If you want a home defense shotgun, a 870 12 ga will get er done. In fact, racking the action of an 870 is a familiar sound that every bad guy fears.

JD338

tkeveney · Mar 1, 2011

I hadn't really thought of it for self defense - I already have plenty of guns for that - It just looked like a handy little rifle in .45 caliber

chet · Mar 1, 2011

You mentioned using shot shells in the 44 mag version......
I'll tell you, they don't work very well in revolvers.
My kids love shooting the 22mag shotshells out of my pump action taurus, but when we shoot them out of my single six revolver - they are very unimpressive.
they don't seal well in the barrel (no wad), and the revolver gives the gas an easy escape route.
IMO, if you buy the 44mag, dont expect the shot shells to work well.