Why do you all like the Judge?
Piss poor weapon for bear defense, snake gun perhaps but truth tell I'd just soon step on a rattle and kill it then shoot it with a .410 out of a pistol.
How about the Rossi Circuit Judge? Now thats a fun lil gun to shoot. Will you give that one any credit?
It would help the .410 pattern a little better for snakes I suppose. Still a 5 shot, and you can't use a reloader.
for a "long gun" even short as this is I'd just assume pack a 12g in bear country. 45LC +p would be alright I suppose if you reloaded yourself and bumped them up a good bit over factory loads.
I wouldn't criticize anyone for carrying a rossi circuit judge with hot 45LC - I'd keep it loaded with the 45LC +p and keep the snake shot in a pocket
I still think the ruger 44mag carbine is better for defence.