Hi,

First time poster here on the S&W forum with a question.

I bought a Governor CT off of GunBroker, and the vendor shipped me the non-CT version by mistake. Now he's shipped me the grips from the CT version, but the orginial grips aren't mounted with the two screws, but instead seem like they are pinned on, but there is no access hole to punch out the pin. I've tried prying it, but I don't want to force it.

What's the trick to removing the standard grip without damaging it ?

Thanks in advance,

Got it !!! Everyone can stand down ...

It took some finagling, but with a couple of small flat tip screwdrivers and two thin shims, I was able to pry the original grips off the pins and slide the grip over and off.

One word ... SNUG, but the new CT grips are the bomb.

There is a small plastic "bantum" tool for you to use next time. It should have been in the S&W box with the revolver.

What are the three white dots on the left side of the frame?

Those are the stainless steel hammer, trigger and cylinder stop studs mounted in the frame.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

This is my first post - hello everyone!
I recently purchased the Governor for a few reasons - mainly, for home defense and as a car jack defense weapon. I am in the medical profession, and haul a lot of items criminals would love to get a hold of. I have the CT grip which my wife loves. She confidently handled full moon clips of 45 acp, and was impressive with the 410 as well as 45LC and she has no prior extensive gun experience. First time on range and with a gun this large and had no issues. She is tiny, and did not like the autos for a first gun, but feels confident with simplicity of this revolver, and knowing that if the laser is on target at HD range, she will wreak devastation with the 000 410 load, or the PDX1. As for me, I LOVE THIS GUN - the accuracy with the 45 acp is impressive, and I love the versatility of the other calibers already addressed in prior posts. It is a blast to shoot the mixed rounds too - bang, BLAM, KABOOM...

awesome! Gov is a really great pistol, lots of choices for what to shoot with it, very reliable too. A smith revolver will last several lifetimes.

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This Signature is too Short!

Were you able to order these grips from Smith and Wesson? I could not find them on their website. I suppose I need to give them a call. The Hogue Bantam is way too small for my hands.

I'd like to hear some updates from ya'll. I handled one today and it really appeals to me. It just feels right

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Dyin ain't much of a livin

I'll admit I've been thinking about one.

Although the jury still seems to be out on whether the Governor/Judge type revolvers are a viable SD gun, it would seem from what I've seen that it may offer the best of both worlds between a shotgun and handgun for HD. You have the shotshells to prevent over-penetration (a legitimate concern), plus the maneuverability of a handgun with all that entails.

The variety of ammo it can use is fascinating as well. If the first 3 PDX-1 defenders or .000 buckshot doesn't stop the home invasion threat, then the next 3 .45acp/.45LC probably will. But it may not get to that point. The intimidation factor of this revolver alone could prevent an incident from occurring in the first place.

My dealer ordered a set from the factory, and for people that don't like the Hogue Bantams these are the way to go. I put them on my Governor and they do feel good. Personally though between the two I prefer the Hogues as they feel perfect size wise to me. They are available from the factory and are not expensive.

I've always been interested in the Judge, but never been that interested in Taurus. Since the Governor's release, I've really wanted one, especially since it has the ability to fire .45 ACP. Now that some of the ammunition makers are making specific loads for both revolvers, it's even more of a draw for me. I'm curious, for former owners of the Taurus and current Governor owners, is the Governor a big leap and bound in quality? What seems better by comparison? Any disadvantages?

The one other thing I would like to see with the Governor is something like the Rossi "Circuit Judge". Any thoughts on that concept?

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Si vis pacem, para bellum

Owning both I'd say the Governor is a huge leap in quality over the Judge. The Governor IMO is a very practical SD revolver and mine is kept bedside. If you ever get a chance to shoot one you'll buy one, they are that impressive.

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I drop big gray squires dead with #9 shot from my Taurus Public Defender from 10 yards away. I am talking instant dead without even a flinch. Snakes will move for a hour with their head cut off. A #9 shot will blow the head clean off so even if the snake is still moving, he can't harm you. I have also dispatched a few large farm animals with Federal 00buck. Anyone thinks a Governor/Judge isn't a efficient killer hasn't used one. Think outside the box with this gun. Four 36 caliber balls traveling at 1000 ft./s hitting its target exactly the same time. That's like getting shot by four separate 38spl at the same time. The energy is amazing and instantly killed a 100lbs pig as if it were hit by a 44mag. There is a irrational hatred towards the shot gun pistols I don't understand?? I think they hate the creator of the gun Taurus and it clouds their judgement.
I've been to Gunsite two times, shot IPSC competitively for 15 years, and a avid handgun hunter. The 410 shotgun pistols with the right ammo is a extremely effective defensive handgun and also makes a great trail gun. I've seen what it can do.

I like the smaller size of the Public Defender.

Great post. I was going to "Like" it until I read your last sentence.

On second thought, I’ll “Like” it anyways because of your first-hand knowledge of the Govs usefulness and practicality.

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We thought you was a toad!

Now if we can just get a version of the "Circuit Judge", I'll be happy. My vote for the name would be the "Territorial Governor" (TG?).

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Si vis pacem, para bellum

My experience, with both The Judge & The Governor, has been nothing like TheMystro's.

I've discussed it here:

The Governor with 410 loads

For critters, when using The Governor, I now rely on MagSafe .45 Colt or MagSafe.45 ACP,
which are highly effective and also reduce the potential for ricochet's, an important factor
in the enviroment I'm in. House, barns, vehicles, heavy equipment & their trailers.

The only thing I rely on the .410's for now is to slow "them" down since many of
my shots involve one, or both of "us," on the run, which means I usually
load one, or two, Federal .410 000 Buck & four or five of the .45's.

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Ogy

just bought on shoot it yesterday, 45 acp and 45 colt nice to shoot all day, the 410 was nice but i would not shoot it all day,it hurts the hand for a while, its a great gun nince home defence gun.

Hey,..I'm not made of money. I bought my Taurus before the Gov. even existed. Had I done over again, of course I would've gone with the Smith & Wesson but all things considered given the platform the Public Defender isnt a bad shotgun pistol. They just need to go bang and I will give Taurus the credit of perfecting the concept and bringing it to market. It is THE only Taurus in my collection.

I agree with 000 buckshot and that small grip it kicked like my 629. Great gun but I need to find a better solution to the batam grip.

Glad to hear the people that own the Governor like it. I want one myself. I don't understand the hatred for these revolvers the Judge included. I posted on the Ruger forum saying I would like to see Ruger make their version of one and you would have thought I said I hope Ruger goes out business. Some of them got nasty about it. I wonder how many of the naysayers have ever shot one. I understand every gun isn't for everybody but why the outright hatred and name calling. I think they would be a blast and I intend to find out. I personally wouldn't feel under gunned with one. If you don't like them fine but why do you have to say somebody is a fool for owning or wanting one. I was told by somebody on the Ruger forum they are useless unless somebody is close enough to get powder burns. I'm glad to hear from people that actually own them and love them. I thought the hate for polymer was bad but I think the haters are hating on the Judge and Governor more than polymer pistols. I own 2 of those as well one Glock and one M&P. I'll pick up a governor at some point. I think they are cool and I'm glad to hear some of you guys do too.

I've had my Gov'nah for about a year, now. I really like it. The golf course is officially closed, so we have Skeet Shooting, during the winter months. A few of us enjoy using our Gov'nahs and Judges at stations #1 and #7. It's a real thrill to hit a clay with a pistol. Try it; you may like it.

I have also had my Gov for about a year now. Still like it a lot. It's amazingly accurate and also seems to be a great pointer and shooter for many newbies.

When I take friends out shooting for their first time, I start them out with a 617. If they like that, we next go to a 686+ 4 inch. After that, either a 66 or 686+ 2.5". Then depending on their likes and interest we might go down smaller in size to either a 60 or 640 (never the 642 their first time out), or instead back up in size to the Gov. shooting cowboy loads in .45LC or .45acp. If they are liking it a lot, they may try a few PDX for kicks.

More often than not, my friends have been more accurate with the Gov using .45LC or .45acp than with the other revolvers shooting .38sp. My brother made the Gov his first gun after his first day shooting the different revolvers.

Tried CT grips on mine for a while, but never liked the size and feel for me, but loved the concept. Since have put the Hogues on, and found them to be just right.

I have been tempted to sell my Gov since I don't use it too often, other than shooting with friends. But I enjoy sharing it too much with them to let it go.

Figured I could always sell it cheap to Old Archer. I think he needs more than 11 Gov's.

What I'd rather have would be the pistol in plain old .45 ACP only with a nice short cylinder - then I might be interested.

Few people shoot .45 LC as a self-defense load and .410? Why shoot that rather than a .45 ACP?

If someone gave me one I'd shoot it and keep it I guess, but if I used it for defensive purposes it would ALWAYS be loaded with .45 ACP!

Nonsense ... tell that to this guy

Shooter who aided officer gives his account of Peach House RV Park incident - Brownwood Bulletin - Brownwood's News and Sports Leader: Local Area: brownwood bulletin, brownwood news, brownwood shooting, early shooting, peach house rv park

The "magnum" version of the Judge is chambered for either 2 1/2" or 3" shotshells. The 3" shotshells from Winchester and Federal are impressive SD loads. Will S&W follow suit and make a 3" version of the Governor?

The only help I can offer is that it is American made as apposed to the Brazilian Judge. That in itself is huge in this day of out sourcing every product you go to buy.

I have bought/sold/traded more handguns than I can remember over the past 40 years. The Governor is the most fun I have ever had with a revolver.

I think most people buy judges and the Governor as " toys" more than for any kind of purpose like defense. Just like the S&W .500 , most are sold to people who just want them to play around with. Ill admit, I want a governor just because I'm a S&W fan and I think they're neat. I wouldn't carry it and probably wouldn't use it for HD.....but a .410 revolver is just cool IMO. In case it hasn't been said, I didn't read all the posts....but both S&W and Taurus had to rifle the bores to comply with ATF laws. Also Taurus copied the idea from an obscure design, I forget who made it.

The Governor is an big fun gun and one I wouldn't hesitate considering for defensive purposes. I've already packed mine while hiking through the woods and at home it sits in my night stand. This revolver has so many applications if I could only own 1 revolver this would be at the top of my list.

Not that there is any need for it but... You could, in theory, made a 410 revolver cartridge. Brass cases are available. So to are reloading dies. So you ought to be able to load the 410 as a normal revolver cartridge. Anyone tried that?

After reading this thread I want one!

Someone asked for an update, I'm not really sure what else there is to say about it. It's a great revolver, loved it when I got it and I still love it. I would and do use mine for home defense and it's a blast to shoot at the range, the fact that it can take 3 different rounds is extremely important, especially if you are a prepper. As for power levels, .45 Colt has long been a very powerful round and if you reload, you can make some real hot rounds.

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This Signature is too Short!

A 'prepper's' firearm? Hmmm, .45 ACP, .45 GAP, .45 Schofield ('short' Colt), .45 Colt, & 2.5" .410... not bad if you have moonclips - the .45 ACP is the only widely used by the public round there - and they are useless without the 'clips. IMHO, the 632 Pro is a better 'prepper's' choice - .32 ACP, .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R Magnum, and .327 Federal Magnum. Pocketable - lighter - no 'clips needed.

Back to me and my Governor, which I reported on here first 6/11. I still love it, although I still haven't bought another box of .410s since those first two weeks of ownership - and I still have some .410s left for the odd usage. I rationalized my purchase due to it' s being over $300 less than the previously cheapest S&W .45 ACP revolver, the 325NG. That is no longer a choice now - the entire Night Guard line was dropped by the 2012 catalog's printing. Mine sees .45 ACP and some .45 Colt use now - and is regularly stoked with 'just' .45 ACP ball ammo for bedside use in HD.

Stainz

PS I took the .500 Magnum monogrips off that I photographed my Governor sporting and replaced them with it's OEM boots. Perfectly adequate for .45 CF use.

I would not mind a 632 at all but I still would not give up the Gov in my prepper cashe. I have 3 barrels (and two mags) for my M&P that allow me .40, .9mm and .357 sig. That plus the Gov and a .357 revolver gives me the majority of the popular pistol ammo options (saddly no .44mag tho). I'm a sucker for multiple caliber guns so I may have to look at some 632s, maybe a nice used one.

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This Signature is too Short!

Just scored one of these bad boys on an auction site. Managed to convince my wife (he he) it will be her's to use in the house for personal protection as she likes the idea of the buckshot.
Seems to be a pretty good choice for a small game getter while hunting.

I've been looking at getting a Governor pretty hard. I just wonder about the velocity of the 4-OOO buckshot loads. Has anyone risked their chrony by firing one of these loads thru it?

LT

First post, although I've been a member here for awhile, so thought I'd drop my $.02 in about my Gov experience. Own four other S&W's, starting with the family model 1917.
I read about this "new" model back in the Spring of '11, and one day stopped by my LGS, and because he is a S&W dealer, asked about the Gov., only to find that he had just gotten one in ( 8/20/11 ), asked if I'd like to see it, as we were both the first to take it out the box. Next question was " can I buy it? " and out the door I went with it for my wife !
She just isn't into guns enough to enable her to work my 1911 (the EDC), or PX4 Storm .40, among many, so I thought this would be a good one for her when I'm out of town, and she's all alone. She loves it, and moon clips are old hat for me, since I got my Granddad's model 1917 back in '75. I thought she'd like it, and she does, as well as I do, and now we have a common gun to take to the range, and she can join me instead of not enjoying herself because of the MOA of the 1911, and doesn't have to "worry" about messing up Granddad's heirloom. I no longer worry about her, as much, when I have to travel out of town, as she knows how to use this nice gun, and isn't worried about stopping a BG after a couple of .410 PDX rds., as the next four will be 45 ACP. Nice to now have a "fun" range gun when she joins me at the range. All my local gun friends are no longer mad at me for buying the first Gov that our LGS got in before they even got to look at one, as many of them have since gotten their own after trying mine out !!
I don't know why folks bad mouth something they've never shot, but then again, I don't care for rap music either; still old R&R for this ol' guy. Mine (her's) is a keeper, and glad I got(her) one!

Picked up my Governor last Sunday and really like it. It's my first revolver, and may get another revolver soon looking at the 351pd for a back up