Who Makes the Judge Gun?
For decades, the Judge and its variants have been dominating the revolver market with its unique combination of massive ammunition and impressive stopping power. But have you ever stopped to think about who creates this iconic firearm?
The answer lies in a strategic partnership between two giants of the firearms industry – Dan Wesson Firearms and Cobray Firearms. LWRC International – a company known for producing AR-15 rifles – came into the picture, investing in Dan Wesson in 2011 to boost the company’s operations.
Dan Wesson History
Dan Wesson was founded in 1969 by David Dan Wesson, a renowned pistol marksman and firearms designer. The company started small, producing high-quality handguns intended for competition and precision applications. Dan Wesson’s innovative designs, innovative materials, and attention to craftsmanship earned the company a strong following among enthusiasts and competitors.
Cobray History
Cobray Firearms, on the other hand, was established by Jeff Suthers and Robert L. LeChien in 1960. Initially, they primarily focused on producing revolvers and other firearms designed to cater to the cowboy culture and Western shooting styles.
The Judge – History and Design
In 2003, Cobray Firearms and Dan Wesson joined forces to develop what would become the famous Ruger Judge. Initially based on the Dan Wesson Patriot frame, the Judge sported a 12- or 3-inch Octagonal barrel and chambers allowing for the firing of:
•.410 00 buckshot
• 45 Long Colt
Due to its unique reloading mechanism, the Judge provided users with the capability of easily reloading the massive shotshell. This versatility contributed to its immense popularity especially among hunting enthusiasts who sought a reliable option against large game.
The Partnership
By consolidating their resources and capabilities, Cobray Firearms (later renamed FR Linemark, Inc., the parent company) could tap into Dan Wesson’s expertise in craftsmanship while Dan Wesson, relying on Cobray’s wealth of experience in creating mass-market firearms, helped enhance their production capabilities. Consequently, the partnership not only bolstered the Dan Wesson brand but also revolutionized the revolver landscape:
Key Benefits of This Partnership:
- Quality: Dan Wesson provided top-notch craftsmanship
- Mass production: FR Linemark, Inc.’ (Cobray) boosted production capabilities
- Combining strengths: Cobray’s experience in volume manufacturing merged with Dan Wesson’s innovative designs and unique reloading mechanism
In Conclusion
The Dan Wesson Judge, designed together by Cobray and Dan Wesson, offers a powerful and efficient reloadable revolver ideal for various applications, like hunting and self-defense purposes. This success narrative is a testament to partnership, innovation, and combining the strengths of respected actors within the firearms industry.
Table: Judge Fire Power Options
