Here is some ballistic data on several .410 loads. Keep in mind that this data was undoubtedly obtained using a shotgun length barrel, so muzzle velocity will probably be lower from the revolver. My opinion, far from my first choice against any bear (altho a slug or two in the right place might do it), plenty doable for home defense...

Does anybody have any idea about the accuracy of the Taurus with .45 LC or slugs? I owned a TC Contender chambered for .410/.45LC once, and it was terribly inaccurate with .45LC. The l-o-n-g chamber doesn't do anything good for the bullet. I never found a practical use for the gun, and I suspect the Taurus suffers from the same problems.

I suspect that the Taurus will be worse then your TC. Same long jump for the bullet to make, shorter barrel, sights closer together and not as sharp a sight picture, probably a creeper trigger, all bad things for accuracy. If I were really worried about snakes and wanted to carry it loaded with shot, or needed a house gun, I might think about it, but other than that, I'll pass...

Ah, but you asked about a firearm - the topic most likely to draw hot opinions (followed closely by knives). We've heard from one forum member who actually owns one. I chimed in because:

1. I've examined/handled this revolver and will probably buy one, tho not the current 45 Colt version. Plenty of articles out there on this version.

2. I own several 45 Colt revolvers and have fired them a LOT, including hunting.

3. I started hunting a million years ago with a 410 and can offer my real-world experiences with this FROM A SMOOTHBORE, CHOKED shoulder arm.

4. I lived in Alaska for many years. Most of my time was out in the bush. Time with natives, prospectors, plenty of bush pilots, homesteaders, etc. Been about everywhere there by darn near every means of transportation known to man. Know lots of folks there yet; just spoke with one of 'em last week. Same or slightly higher percentage of dummies in AK as anywhere else.

5. I have killed two grizzly bears (one of which "needed killing"; not fun).

6. ... never mind ... well, I'll toss this in: over the years, I have met two folks who were shot at point blank range with a 410 long arm (one was under-the-jaw into the head - he's pretty ugly). I don't need to tell any war stories beyond that, I hope.

etc...

The only justification needed for a particular sidearm is "...because I want that one..." If this is one you want, by all means, purchase one! Taurus makes some darned nice revolvers.

If you are not certain and want some facts, seasoned by real world experience, might be some folks here who could assist. <shrug>

Last post on this thread for me.

Regards,

Tom

If you want the facts on the accuracy of the .45 shell of this weapon. Google up "Review of Taurus 410/.45 Revolver". Two of the three independent reviews that I read said it was(unexpectly} extremely accurate.

The August 2007 issue of the American Rifleman has a review of the Taurus. It describes the accuracy with .45 Colt ammunition as: "Accuracy was enough to stay on a silhouette target at 25 yards.....There were several on-target hits with evidence of keyholing." In other words, very inaccurate!