MIL Thunder 5
The MIL, Inc. Thunder 5 is a large, double-action revolver chambered in the .410-bore shotshell cartridge. It is also designed to fire the .45 Colt revolver cartridge. It is similar to a Taurus Judge, but is not a copy of the gun, as the Thunder 5 predates the Judge by a decade.
| MIL Thunder 5 | |
|---|---|
 A Thunder 5 (right) next to a COP 357 Derringer | |
| Type | Revolver |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | MIL, Inc. (Munitions International Laboratory, Inc.) |
| Produced | 1992—1998 |
| Variants | California-approved model |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 48 Ounces |
| Length | 9" |
| Barrel length | 2" |
| Cartridge |
|
| Action | Double-action |
| Feed system | Five round cylinder |
| Sights | Fixed sights |
Description
The Thunder 5 is a considerably large revolver, especially for a snub nose, at nine inches in length. As the barrel is rifled, the Thunder 5 is not considered a short-barrelled shotgun under United States federal law, but is under California statutes. However, a variant was produced in .45/70 Government that is legal in California. Production of the .45/70 variant started in 1994.
It was fitted with Pachmayr decelerator grips and was available in either matte or bright stainless steel finish with fixed sights. Somewhat unusual for a revolver, the Thunder 5 features a manual safety lever[1].
Sub-caliber sleeve inserts in 9mm Parabellum, .38 Special/.357 Magnum and .38 Super were produced and available until 1998. In more recent years, the Thunder 5 has become a hotter collector's item, and has even appeared in a few movies.[2]
References
- Long, Duncan (2004). Streetsweepers: The Complete Book of Combat Shotguns. Paladin Press. p. 56. ISBN 1-58160-436-X.
- Fjestad, S.P. (2009). Blue Book of Gun Values 2009. Blue Book Publications. p. 1536. ISBN 1-886768-87-0.