Would appreciate comments from members that ACTUALLY OWN this weapon.

I don't own one; it looks like it is new.
Here is a link to Taurus' new product page.

http://www.taurususa.com/whatsnew/index.cfm


I have always wanted a 2 shot .410/.45LC derringer by Bond Arms but they are not available in California. This looks like a versitile gun.

http://www.bondarms.com/ifirearms.htm

Got one, in the 6" version. Whaddya want to know?

DLR

Thanks DRL for your response. What kinds of .410 ammo have you fired and what has been you approximate max effective range with
each? Are you happy with the weapon?

unfortunately, NO hand guns capable of chambering shotgun ammo are legal in Ca., (18 inch minimum barrel length, 32 inch minimum total length)

Mostly, everything I shoot is whatever is cheapest. The 000 buck was interesting. 3, .33 cal projectiles in every shot was almost appealing. However, I did the math and the .45 Colt produces much more energy than the .410.

They can be good for "Snake medicine" but with the small shot diameters, the #9 up to even the #12 are very small, and very close ranges are needed and at the range I would feel comfortable dusting a snake, I would use a .45 or a slug anyway.

Taurus makes good guns. And, at a good price.

All in all, I'd buy one (I did). But, don't expect miracles. It's not an outstanding shotgun, and it's not an outstanding .45 Colt, but, you can have both in a small package when you need it. Don't even think about hunting birds unless they are very close.

DLR

Don't the shot sizes get smaller as the number goes up? Typical bird/small game shot is #6-8 & is much larger than the #12 used in .22 shells

#12 shot in a .22 is usable for starlings, etc. at 10-15 feet. Granddad used it all the time to keep them out of the cherry tree.

it does

Wiki has it all: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caliber
More precisely: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_handgun_cartridges
And this is about caliber vs gauge (Bore diameter): .729 = #12 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gauge_%28bore_diameter%29

Yes. #12 shot is very small. It almost looks like sand to me. in a .410 even, I wouldn't use it beyond the same range. In a .22, you have a long bbl that will help control the shot pattern. With a 4" rifled bbl, the shot pattern opens up FAST. It'd hard to get more that 10 or 15 pellets on a pop can at 15 feet with that short of bbl.

The small shot is most often chosen for the .410 pistols because, like I mentioned above, for snake shootin'. But, you have to be close. Too close for me. I stand off a bit further and use something heavier, like the #6 or #8. Better yet, use a .45 Colt.