Well, I for one like the judge. Mine is the 3" magnum verson. I took it out a week ago, and ran several different things thru it:
Win 3" mag 000 buck
Win 3" mag rifle slugs
Win 3" mag #6
Golden Bear #4 buck
Magtech .45LC cowboy loads
The gun shot everything I put thru it, flawlessly, with one exception. The Golden Bears[metal casings] stuck in the cyl., and had 2 FTF in dbl action mode. The patterns were good, but had to punch out of the cyl. The rifle slugs were ho-hum, and the #6 shot spread pretty badly. However, the .45LC, and the 000 buck were accurate, and no issues with performing in the gun. I'm not a great handgun shot[left handed/right eye dominant], and was pleased with what I have seen so far.
I think the judge is an "in your face" HD handgun, or for truck carry. It's not a hunting gun, as such. I'm going to try some 3" #9 shot thru it to see if it patterns better than the #6 did. Below are some target pics. I'm going to try some penetration tests with the 000 buck, on waterjugs, when I get the chance. Overall, I like it for it's intended use.
The Judge
Golden Bear #4 buck. Decent pattern/unreliable ammo.
.45LC, shot free hand at about 10 yds. The gun shoots better than I do
Win. 000 buck shot dbl action at about 10 yds.
Again, your milage may vary, but I like the judge. As I shoot it more, I will become more proficient with it. In the meantime, it stays on my nightstand loaded with 3" 000 buck.
maddog