Revolver

If you thought the Taurus Judge line couldn’t get any better, you have to see this. The new Raging Judge Magnum shoots the .454 Casull round in addition to delivering the same popular combo revolver of the original Judge models, and packs a giant 6-round cylinder. Besides added capacity, the Raging Judge features the famous red “Raging Bull” backstrap for added cushioning.

Taurus’s 380 Revolver is one of the most compact, lightweight revolvers on the market.

When it comes to self-defense, some people prefer pistols, while some prefer revolvers. .380 ACP is not a revolver caliber you see every day, but it offers many advantages, including low recoil, high reliability, and accuracy fit for self-defense purposes. Can the 380 really hold so much power in such a small size? Let’s find out!

Accuracy

While the 380 isn’t the most accurate revolver out there, it’s perfectly adequate for self-defense and yields surprisingly tight groups despite its incredibly short barrel length. From a defensive range of 10 yards, my average 5-shot group was just under 3.5”. It’s decently accurate up to 15 yards, and I was even able to keep most shots within a target from 25 yards! It’s not an ideal level of accuracy for target shooting, but for self-defense? Also more than acceptable.

Reliability

The 380 is a generally reliable revolver. I had no problems using the half moon clips, or “Stellar clips”, as Taurus calls them, even with cheap ammo. I’d recommend always firing with the included clips, as I did have some issues with rounds sticking without them. Overall, however, it’s a very reliable revolver.

Handling

The frame is made from aluminum-alloy, while the barrel and cylinder are made from steel. It’s built to last and manufactured with high-quality craftsmanship. It’s available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including both gloss and matte blue, matte gold, and traditional light and dark gray. Since aluminum-alloy is a softer material, it is prone to a bit of scuffing. While this only affects the aesthetics of the gun, it’s still something to keep in mind.

The grip on the 380 is excellent. It’s made of soft rubber, and very easy to hold. Since the 380 itself is so small, the grip is also on the smaller side. However, it’s still very comfortable and grippable. Even though this revolver is double-action-only, it’s still very controllable and points naturally.