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G.A. Heath wrote:The barrels typically screw into the frame on most modern revolvers. Sometimes the threads are cut so that things don't quite line up, and when that happens there are two options. Torque it a little further until it does (acceptable if it's not too much) or change to a different barrel. If you take a revolver that lacks adjustable sights to a gun smith because it is shooting to the left or right he will put the gun in a vice block, clamp it down, and then turn the barrel to where it lines up correctly.

When the barrel gets over torqued, its like over torquing a bolt or screw. When there is enough stress (via use or continued application of torque) the head head of the bolt or screw will come off. Look at your photos and you will notice that the barrel is doing a pretty nice impersonation of a bolt head that turned a little too much.

Thank you for the information! I learn something new every day

Thanks for everyone's responses. I told my coworker to contact Taurus so they can make it right (whether it be by fixing it or sending her a voucher for a new one). She doesn't want another one (for obvious reasons) so I recommended that she tells Taurus that she has lost all faith in their product and would rather have a check cut. The good news is her father will be buying her a new pistol tomorrow so she will have a means to protect herself.

TxCommish wrote: For all we know, the Judge in question could have been dropped from a second story window onto concrete, or run over with a car, or used as a hammer, or?? before the OP "loaded her up."

hehehe. you caught me! Just kidding.

G.A. Heath wrote: I have. I've seen pictures of Rugers, Smith & Wessons, even a Dan Wesson with their barrels in that condition. I have seen several pictures of Taurus revolvers in that condition too. This is commonly caused by over torquing the barrel into the frame. I find it interesting that it failed with shot shells though.

Hmm.. can you please elaborate more on how over torquing could possibly cause this to happen?
-Do you mean that when they installed the barrel, they applied too much pressure on the moment arm, therefore creating too much stress on the barrel itself and caused shearing? Which ultimately failed after shooting it several times?
-Or when you say 'into the frame' for some reason if the barrel is too close (not enough headspace) it would cause problems?
-Or something else?

Thanks!

I just got back from the range with one of my co-workers. We were there for about an hour and she was using my P226 for 55 minutes of that hour. She wanted me to shoot her Taurus Judge for kicks so I loaded her up with qty 5, .410 2 1/2 000BUCK and walked up to the firing line. I pulled the hammer back, took aim, squeezed off the first round and KABLOOM! It didn't seem like it sounded right and the three buck shots were about 3 feet lower than my POA. I stood there dumbfounded and tried to figure out what went wrong... I looked at the revolver and the barrel was missing?! . I called the range cold and walked up to find the barrel and there it was, lying 7 yards away from me in the dirt. I have no idea what happened. Below are pictures of the aftermath. We were both happy that it didn't blow up in my hand and that this occurred at the range when it could have easily been at her home when her life depended on it. Please tell me what you think happened. Thanks!