steveNChunter
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Considering getting one of these with the 2.5" cylinder and 2" barrel for a CCW. Just looking for some general opinions/personal experience with the gun. Also how much are they going for in your area?
Public Defender Polymer
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carguychris
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Do you care to discuss whether using .410 shotshells for defensive purposes in a revolver is a good idea?
The answer to this question will largely determine which way this thread goes.
The answer to this question will largely determine which way this thread goes.
steveNChunter
New member
When I concealed carry it would be 5-deep of .45 long colt. The only time I would load .410's in it would be fishing trips and while working out in the yard. For snakes and other small critters.
I agree .410 shells are inadequate for SD
Thanks for asking, that dead horse has been beaten enough and I don't want that to be the topic of this thread
I agree .410 shells are inadequate for SD
Thanks for asking, that dead horse has been beaten enough and I don't want that to be the topic of this thread
Cosmodragoon
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If you plan to primarily pack .45 Colt in it, then why get one of these?
Revolvers chambered in .45 Colt are already on the big side for concealed carry. The .410 revolvers build on that size by stretching out the frame. If you are all set with accommodating that length, why not just get a .45 revolver with a longer barrel? In that case, your bullets would get better travel and actually see rifling the whole way.
Once you are committed to carrying a large-frame revolver, you actually open up a whole world of choices. Those choices are fewer if light weight is a necessity but choices exist and those choices are dedicated to their purpose.
I can understand wanting versatility for the odd outdoor excursion but if this is going to be a primary personal carry, don't mess around. Your primary carry gun is the most important gun you own. Pick something truly dedicated to the purpose. If that's shooting .45 (or .44, .357, .327, etc...) then aim to do it right. Get something dedicated to the chosen caliber and get something great at it. If you still want a .410 for outdoor applications, then by all means get one. I just don't know why anyone would choose this as a primary .45 in such an important role.
On the other hand, if you said you wanted a .410 to pack with .410 for concealed carry then I'd say "go for it". I certainly wouldn't feel under-gunned with 00 or 000 buckshot. The application of shot may be a little different but in most realistic self-defense situations, it should be similar and may even be better. Whatever the case, that is what the gun was primarily designed to do and the area in which it can really shine.
Revolvers chambered in .45 Colt are already on the big side for concealed carry. The .410 revolvers build on that size by stretching out the frame. If you are all set with accommodating that length, why not just get a .45 revolver with a longer barrel? In that case, your bullets would get better travel and actually see rifling the whole way.
Once you are committed to carrying a large-frame revolver, you actually open up a whole world of choices. Those choices are fewer if light weight is a necessity but choices exist and those choices are dedicated to their purpose.
I can understand wanting versatility for the odd outdoor excursion but if this is going to be a primary personal carry, don't mess around. Your primary carry gun is the most important gun you own. Pick something truly dedicated to the purpose. If that's shooting .45 (or .44, .357, .327, etc...) then aim to do it right. Get something dedicated to the chosen caliber and get something great at it. If you still want a .410 for outdoor applications, then by all means get one. I just don't know why anyone would choose this as a primary .45 in such an important role.
On the other hand, if you said you wanted a .410 to pack with .410 for concealed carry then I'd say "go for it". I certainly wouldn't feel under-gunned with 00 or 000 buckshot. The application of shot may be a little different but in most realistic self-defense situations, it should be similar and may even be better. Whatever the case, that is what the gun was primarily designed to do and the area in which it can really shine.
.410 as a defense caliber...
Id slow your roll before you put down a stack of cash or swipe your plastic.
I did some research about the new Judge & Smith and Wesson Gov revolver.
A few online articles & web videos showed that the .410 shot can spread wider than you may want in a lethal force event.
You could shoot .45LC but the polymer frame Taurus doesn't seem to be a good pick for a concealed carry snub.
I will say it does have a cool Blade Runner type design but I'd rather have a Bulldog .44spl or a J frame .38spl.
Id slow your roll before you put down a stack of cash or swipe your plastic.
I did some research about the new Judge & Smith and Wesson Gov revolver.
A few online articles & web videos showed that the .410 shot can spread wider than you may want in a lethal force event.
You could shoot .45LC but the polymer frame Taurus doesn't seem to be a good pick for a concealed carry snub.
I will say it does have a cool Blade Runner type design but I'd rather have a Bulldog .44spl or a J frame .38spl.
Psychedelic Bang
New member
I'm not sure if I like Polymer revolvers.. I'd be more apt to get an alloy. Also, I agree the 38 special in snub nose is much better for concealed carry...
but a lot of folk are digging the shot shell thing.. I'm just not that into it.
but a lot of folk are digging the shot shell thing.. I'm just not that into it.
great scot
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I've got one and..
...it's a lot of fun to shoot. It's my wife's nightstand gun. It's loaded with 2 PDX shot loads, backed up by 3 MagSafe hollow points. She can fire it accurately and quickly. She's always been a fan of revolvers and I think this package would do a solid job of protecting her and my kids in my absence. It is a little big for a ccw, but it's certainly light enough, and it can be concealed with the right holster. Finally, it's gone bang every time we've pulled the trigger.
...it's a lot of fun to shoot. It's my wife's nightstand gun. It's loaded with 2 PDX shot loads, backed up by 3 MagSafe hollow points. She can fire it accurately and quickly. She's always been a fan of revolvers and I think this package would do a solid job of protecting her and my kids in my absence. It is a little big for a ccw, but it's certainly light enough, and it can be concealed with the right holster. Finally, it's gone bang every time we've pulled the trigger.
A cop friend has a Public Defender, not polymer, and would actually carry it as back up on his ankle. Yep, I just said that. He would also carry it off duty in an OWB Fobus holster, and did the .410 PDX rounds followed by the PDX(?) hollowpoints that came in the same box.
From shooting it at self defense type distances, ie; nothing over 10 yds, the .410. PDX rounds stayed pretty close together, and to be honest, the gun was quite accurate, even out further with a .45 Colt load, and rather fun to shoot. I don't know about carrying it everyday, but I know that they conceal better then I thought they would.
All that said, as Cosmo mentioned above, if you are primary going to just pack .45s in it, I think I would look at a different platform. For the outdoorsy thing, it's a pretty good choice.
From shooting it at self defense type distances, ie; nothing over 10 yds, the .410. PDX rounds stayed pretty close together, and to be honest, the gun was quite accurate, even out further with a .45 Colt load, and rather fun to shoot. I don't know about carrying it everyday, but I know that they conceal better then I thought they would.
All that said, as Cosmo mentioned above, if you are primary going to just pack .45s in it, I think I would look at a different platform. For the outdoorsy thing, it's a pretty good choice.
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Poly PD
I have and sometimes ccw a Poly Public Defender. They are no harder to carry than a Glock 19, and mine shoots 45 Colt very well.
Here is a three shot group of Winchester 45 colt PDX shot double action offhand at 7 yards.
And here is one shot of Federal OOO buck shot drawing from IWB holster in 1.74 seconds at 7 yards.
I have and sometimes ccw a Poly Public Defender. They are no harder to carry than a Glock 19, and mine shoots 45 Colt very well.
Here is a three shot group of Winchester 45 colt PDX shot double action offhand at 7 yards.
And here is one shot of Federal OOO buck shot drawing from IWB holster in 1.74 seconds at 7 yards.
I have been looking at those since they came out. I almost bought one recently but I got a great deal on a Bond Arms derringer in 38/357. I then bought the 410/45lc barrel. I also purchased 2 Bulldogs a 3" Classic and a dao model. I no longer have the urge to buy the Public Defender. I did have the Taurus Poly Protector in 38 special. It was a nice little revolver. My nephew now carries it daily.
steveNChunter
New member
I think I've given up the idea of the Public Defender Polymer for my CCW. It just isn't practical and if I keep .45 loaded in it most of the time that sorta defeats the purpose of the extra long cylinder. Thanks to everyone on here for the advice and comments. Now I'm torn between a Ruger LCR .357 or a compact 1911, but that's a subject for another thread.
Cosmodragoon
New member
Good call, steveNChunter. Given your earlier interest in .45/.410 frame size, that leaves room for larger-framed alternatives. The LCR is nice but I'm not a big fan of full magnum loads in so small and light a platform.
The 1911 is about as different as it gets, outside of keeping it .45. I always viewed the 1911 as a straight combat or range gun. Some people here think this consideration is silly but I never liked the choice between an empty chamber and cocked-and-locked. When I discovered the FNX-45, I divested myself of 1911s.
The 1911 is about as different as it gets, outside of keeping it .45. I always viewed the 1911 as a straight combat or range gun. Some people here think this consideration is silly but I never liked the choice between an empty chamber and cocked-and-locked. When I discovered the FNX-45, I divested myself of 1911s.
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