WB
Not one I'd actually pick.
Sunday, May 16, 2021, 11:42

It belonged to my mother who truly enjoyed the .410 shotgun as a ranch gun. She had dispatched scores of Copperheads and Moccasins, and some other critters that simply needed blasting. The blending of the ranch shotgun and a revolver I could see the idea's appeal. The only two I have tested that gave anywhere near any degree of performance was the TC Contender and this long barreled Taurus. It even shot the .45 Colts acceptably. Weight is a whisker under 2-1/2 lbs unloaded.

Sitting in my recliner with caliper in hand I took occasion to attempt some measuring. The chambers are stepped which is interesting. Most of this type are just tapered. The base of the chambers mic 0.485" (my .410 shotshells mic 0.472" at the brass) and the throats show around 0.466". It must have something to do with the .410 shotshell opening it's crimp petals and expelling the 215 gr. or so of lead pellets. A .45 Colt would do well to bump up even a .454" slug to .466". The revolver's bore is a .451" as best I can tell. The forcing cone seems to be rather abrupt, so likely no magic there.

It is at least an interesting platform for some tinkering. The length of the cylinder is some 2.6" so plenty of room to work with a full length all brass but tapered case, sort of like an elongated .44-40. BTW where the .410 shotshell originated from! Perhaps some .460 S&W brass reworked, or .444 Marlin?! The idea has matured to include the use of .45 ACP in moon clips and even some allow the .454 and .460 S&W rounds! The boldness of engineering is commendable!

Some fun ahead.