Take my perfect handgun. Make it lightweight, fixed sights so they don't get bumped out of alignment or I don't have to worry about a sight screw/blade comming off, now make it light weight and rust resistant and have it shoot a reliable, proven self-defense round for animials that attack. But, I'm not done - I like things better than normal. Now, make it able to shoot several different calibers - nope, I didn't buy a Kroth, I bought a Smith & Wesson Governor! It shoots .45ACP, .45 G.A.P., .45 Colt AND .410 shotgun shells. I hear all kinds of people who slam the Governor, focusing on the .410 round (because what else could they complain about?) when it is only one of the MANY rounds the Governor shoots. Thats like saying a Honda that gets 35 mpg, is sporty and very efficient and carries lots of cargo, "yeah, BUT, it doesn't have four doors" - really? Try looking at the overall great picture, not just focusing on a small black dot on a HUGE white piece of paper! I shot over 100 rounds through mine Saturday. The best grouping .410 is the Federal four rounds of 000 buck (in each shell) at 25 yards, with the four 000 buck going into a four to five inch circle every time! Next, I got three inch five shoot groups (sorry, the Judge conditioned me to shoot five even though I know I got six) shooting CCI/Speer Blazer .45 Colt hollow points. 230 grain .45ACP went into about 4 1/2 inches and the .45 G.A.P. into just a hair over three inchess, bench rested over sandbags at 25 yards. And thats with my "visually challenged" eyes. Bottom line, a great gun, patterns well with all the ammunition I shot, and it's a HOOT to shoot! I've ordered more full moon clips and next is a holster. If you haven't tried one, and you get the chance, I suggest you do so, as (for me in my humble opinion) it's WAY better than the Judge I traded off due to (my gun's) quality control issues. Sorry, no pictures as my digital camera ran into a cataclysmic event (called a teenager)! By the by, it does not shoot .45 auto rim, however I think it can/will shoot .455 Webley rounds, but at collector prices for each round, who would?

I couldn't agree with you more, this has to be S&Ws most versatile handgun. I was amazed how well the Federal Handgun 000 buck 410 rounds performed. The Governor is not only a great survival/defensive revolver but a good all around fun gun. Everytime I shoot mine I enjoy it a little more.

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I'm sure S&W is pleased as punch that you guys like them. Just please don't tell me I have to like it!

Dave

__________________
RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

I just re-read the OP and other comment. Not even a hint that they care whether you like it.

Mag318: I thought I saw you on u-tube shooting the Governor. Good Job!

Mes227: Correct (thank you), I would not seek to impose my views on others. I just wanted to share some info on a great gun, and maybe allow others who have never fired one to get a different perspective.

Glad you're enjoying it! Ain't America grand? There's something in the way of guns out there for every body.

Thanks guys and I'm glad you enjoyed my YouTube videos.

I was never tempted by the Judge, but the Gov is tempting to me. However, I would imagine that the recoil out of that light weapon is pretty sporty. I fired an all steel judge and found that the recoil was stout.

Jeb, actually the recoil is amazingly comfortable. I expected it to be very stout also, but was pleasantly surprised. My last range session I shot 200 rounds of assorted ammo and only stopped when I ran out. Try one and I think you'll be impressed. You'd think such a light gun would beat you up, but it doesn't.

I know nothing about that gun, is it composite?

I have shot my friends Judge a lot, fun little gun. More of a novelty gun to me, just a fun gun. Maybe some would like it for self-defense, but I just like to shoot it! Shooting .410 shells out of a handgun is just a blast.

I am a new GOV owner and am still trying to figure out it's place in my moderate arsenal. I like shooting the gun, I found the 410's a little stiff, but overall I am very pleased with this gun. Are they all SCANDIUM frames? There is a article in a recent Combat Handguns about the GOV. I will be getting a few more moonies and a holster as I will get some range time form this weapon.

After having and shooting a Taurus 3 inch magnum judge for over 2 years I finnaly sold mine and centered on a 357 magnum smith and wesson revolver. The cylinder was just to big for a carry gun. If you want one for home defense, why not a 12 gauge shotgun? I feel smith and wesson should quit trying to copy other gunmakers who copy them and stick to making good quality revolvers that have stood up to the test of time. Now if youre talking 8 shot 357 magnum revolvers thats a different question, but 410 revolvers, please give me a break. I know alot will be upset at my remarks but a shotgun is a shotgun and revolver is a revolver. If you want to spend alot on a 410 revolver go ahead

caryg: The idea is versatility. You mention (in more than one thread) you don't like the governor, and mention the .410 in a revolver is not good but fail to mention the Governor also shoots .45 colt, .45 ACP and .45 G.A.P - now that's versatility! Are those adequate rounds? If so, then (in my opinion) there is a very good reason and a market for the Governor. Nothing on this earth is perfect, and there are lots of guns I don't like, however I don't go to a thread started for Colt Pythons (which by the way I do like) and say "the Colt python is too big, or "it's not big enough", so I don't understand why on this (and several other threads for the Governor) you continue to post comments about how you don't like it. If you don't like it, why continue to seek out threads on it? Why not go on to a thread/idea/gun you like and have a nice time commenting/sharing ideas with peple of like mind? Yes I know, it's a free country, however I fail to understand all the energy you are putting into telling everybody how you don't like the Governor, there is no use for it, etc., etc.

rangemeister: Yes, all the Governors have the Scandium frame. Also, as a helpful hit, there is a company Z something or other (I can get you the info if you want it) that makes polymer full moon clips for the Governor. They are MUCH easier to load/unload. They are about $32.00 shipped for 18 as I recall, but worth it in my opinion as I have a difficult time getting the factory ones loaded, then unloaded after firing. You can google it or let me know and I will point you in the right direction after I go get the info I had from the order.

I just re-read the OP as well. They may not care if I like it or not but it certainly is a sales pitch, touting the many virtues of the Governor. And to set the record straight, all I said was to not ask me to like it. Not sure why you felt the need to be so snarkey about that. Guess that's what makes horse races.

Dave

__________________
RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

RIMZ 625

Rimz are all I now use in my 625.

TX58,

I've been waiting for some decent reports of the Governor. My brother-in-law has a Judge, and I liked the concept, but not the execution. I am particularly interested in the .45 ACP feature of the Gov. which the Judge does not have. I also noticed some time back that Federal, and perhaps some others are making specific .410 loads designed orignally for the Judge, but which of course will also be suited for the Governor. Anyone that would base an opinion of either revovler as a "carry weapon" is not understanding the design of this weapon. It's an outdoorsman weapon, not a city-boy, mall ninja concept. It would have much use for how I hunt and do business in the forest, and you've provided a fair assesment of it's performance. You can make anything you want to work for "self-defense", it's all in how you plan to use it. I'm not sure I see the "self-defense worth" out of the Governor, but it could certainly be applied as such. If someone wants to use carrying ability as a measuring tool, then try walking around with a 12 gauge shotgun and see how they compare. You can't fire .45 ACP through any shotgun I've ever owned, not to mention .45 LC.

I'm curious if you have the LASER grips, and if so, if they seem useful. Also, are you using the two round clips? As I understand it, the full moons that work in the 22, Model 1917, 625, etc, will all work with the Governor, which means there are lots of makers out there, to include loading/unloading tools (they work, and aren't gimmicks).

I'm seriously considering one, and wouldn't unless I saw some valid use for one, and rely on the experience of those that have owned one and use it. For those that don't, there's a number of other threads to go exhibit their perceived expertise.

The Gov has been a source of much contention. Does someone really need the Governor? Something that is expensive and expensive to shoot? Shoots 410's and 45 ACP and Colts? How many revolvers does someone really need. Then Why climb the highest mountain? Why sail the farthest sea? I recently picked mine up. Ergonomics are great (Grips!), recoil is extremely manageable and mild. Versatile in ammo and shoots them all very well, and accurate. Appears a bit bigger than the Nightguard series with a larger chamber. I think that if I didn't buy the piece I'd have missed out experiencing the .45 Colt in action. S&W did good. I think if anyone picked it up, they'd really like it.

DaveT: I know that I wasn't trying to sell you anything, just sharing info on a new gun for people who might be on the fence about buying one and needing more info from people who have one or have fired one.

MaximumBob54: Thanks, Rimz polymer full moon clips are exactly what I was talking about, a GREAT idea for anybody with a Governor as they allow easy hand loading and unloading of the full moon clips.

M2MikeGolf: Nope, I'm not using a laser, however I do use the two round (semi) moon clips - but I only use them at the range. I carry (when walking the dog) the Governor with two Winchester PDX copper flat discs, then two 000 Federal (the ones that hold four 000 in each shell), then two Speer 250 grain Gold Dots. I don't need the moon or semi moon clips for that. And, as an additional thought, take a look at the 25 yard group (photo) that mag318 posted on the Governor thread next to this one - a great group at 25 yards shows how the Governor CAN be used for self defense for home or hunting - that .45 Colt round is amazingly accurate. I got simular groups with my Governor using Speer (Blazer) .45 colt hollow points, of course I didn't get a photo like he did, so mine must have been my imagination

It's also not much larger that the nightguard, AND costs at least $100.00 less (and more than $100.00 less in some places). Sorry, pretty soon somebody is going to say I'm trying to sell you one, I'm not, just pretty excited about a great gun/concept. And, understandably confused about all the negative energy about them. If I don't like Chuck Norris movies (I do), why go to a Chuck Norris web site and start saying negative things about him/his movies? What's the point? Is Chuck going to stop making movies because of my opinion?

Now, if somebody owned a Governor, and had a bad experience with one, and came here and posted it so others could comment if they had the same experience or how to fix it, that I could understand. But I have been looking at all the Governor threads I can find (more and more each day) and I have yet to find ONE person who owned one (or even fired one) that has one bad thing to say about it. If you get the chance, shoot one, but I think you should be ready to buy one soon after.

I want one for the Glove Compartment loaded up with nasty .410 rounds and maybe a box of ,45 Colts just in case......

In NC MT the Judge has been unbelievably popular. Our hardware/gun store couldn't keep them in stock for months. I know many people that own them. I'm tickled that S&W came out with a competitor to the Judge --- I'll bet it's a better firearm and I'm sure it's a kick to shoot.

The only thing that I don't understand is that I read arguements that never end on these web sites about which is the best defensive round. It HAS to be bonded, skived, made of unobtanium and cost @ least $1.50 apiece. Some of you contribute to those threads!

But now we've found the answer to our self defense ammo quest----- two 410 shells stuffed with 000 buckshot --- followed by two 45 ACP and then two 45 Colt ---- WAIT I FORGOT the flat disc WW 410s --- I'll bet those could give you a naaaaasty cut. We really need an 8 shot Guv!!!!!

How much ARE those Guvs anyway? I think I want one!

The Box O' Truth #41 - The Taurus Judge Vs. The Box O' Truth - Page 1

I know this test is somewhat old...I understand the ammo companies made some IMPROVED .410 loads specifically for the Judge/Gov. Anyone tried them?

FN in MT

For those who asked: I got mine for $579.00 plus $20.00 shipping from Florida gun works? Florida Gun Exchange? Anyway, I went to gunsamerica.com and typed in Smith & Wesson Governor and went to the lowest price site and imagine my suprise when it was the Florida one. I had bought another gun from them about four months before that, good service and communiction when transfering the gun to my FFL dealer.

I have used the following loads andI have found they all work great for the distance I use them. They are: the Winchester PDX rounds - great for "close" range, as the three flat copper discs hit just about right next to each other up to about 7 to 10 yards, with the BB's hitting on the target as well. After that, the copper discs do alright, BUT the BB's start to spread off the target and that's too much spread for me, that's why these are the first two rounds I use - for real close range. The copper discs might be on target out to 25 yards, I haven't tried that far. Then, I load two Federal 000 buck loads (four per shell) and those (I Know) will stay (from my Governor) in a 5 inch circle out to 25 yards. Finally, two Gold dot 250 grain hollow points (see the picture I suggested posted above by another poster that is in another Governor thread) that group into about three inches at 25 yards - just as good as my 9mm or .45 Glock do. The .410 loads may work well for self defense, I just haven't tested them too much, other than to "blast" soda pop cans for fun. I would not fault anybody for using .410 ammunition for self defense (as others have), I just like the other stuff better.

F.Y.I. the six round 625 speedloaders from HKS work perfectly in the Governor as well, I got two yesterday and may need a few more loaded with .45 Colt. I tried them with the .410, but the rim on the .410 won't go into the speedloader. I forgot to try them with the .45 ACP or .45 GAP, but then that is what the full moon clips are for!

Some enterprising manufacturer needs to come up with moon clips for the 410, to be used in the Governor.

Cyrano: Excellent idea however I don't think it would work because the .410 rim is so thick now, that when you put a moon clip under the rim, I don't think you could close the cylinder on the Governor. The good news is HKS speed loaders for the 625 work for the .45 colt and full moon clips work for the .45 GAP and .45 ACP. three out of four ain't bad.

First, the the Governor, like many other lite weight S&W's, is made of an Aluminum alloy which contains Scandium. As to size comparison, it is 8.5" OAL vs 7.625"/7.75" for the 325NG/327NG, etc. It weighs 1.6 oz more than the 325NG - only .3 oz more than the 329NG. They are all ~2.75" barrel and have a Tritium Night Sight on front, and a non-adjustable rear sight.

Cost? The basic Governor has a current MSRP of $679 while the N-frame NG's, the 325/327/329 models, all have an MSRP of $1,049. The smaller L-frame 386NG is MSRP $979 (All prices are from the S&W site.). Locally, the 325/327 NG's run $889-$899 - that's still over $300 more than the Governor. In my case, I only had one .45 ACP revolver - a 625JM - and wanted a possible nightstand 'protector' so chambered - the Governor fills the bill. It's also fun... and, if you find an old U.S. Calvary cache of .45 Schofield ammo - often referred to as '.45 Short Colt' - it'll work fine - except tor the miserable mess the black powder leaves! I reload, so I have actually made some smokeless .45 Schofield ammo (Starline brass) - neat rounds with a 'real' rim! Regular .45 Colt is pretty nice, too - and extracts 100% from the Governor, as it does from my 625MG in .45 Colt (Not so my old Rugers - .454 SRH & .45 RH - they often skipped over the small .45 Colt rims.). The SASS folks had some specialty made short .45 Colt brass made for them - and labelled '.45 Special' - they'd work, too.

I don't care who likes/dislikes the Governor. Those who entertain me by 'protesting too much' may just be 'closet Governor lovers', however. It'll be okay... just open the door... no one is looking... come to the 'dark side'...

As to a holster - I bought the first Governor I saw - it was June 13th. I called S&W Accessories (1-800-331-0852) when I arrived home - they already had a RH DeSantis holster available - I had it within a week:



My holstered Governor sports a set of S&W/Hogue .500 Magnum (X-frame) grips - they fit perfectly and help with the .410 recoil.

Stainz

Will this thing chamber and fire the longer rimless .45 cartridges? The .460 Rowland comes to mind. And .45 Winchester Magnum when loaded with Starline brass will also snap right into common .45 ACP moonclips.

Dave Sinko

That's a very good question and an interesting one.

Both Federal and Winchester make some specific loads for the Judge/Governor.

I have a friend that is waiting for a Judge to come up cheap enough used to keep it as a truck gun. I recently told him that the S&W Governor will also run 45ACP. And could run that God Aweful GAP ammo.

Obviously the price was a a bit of a deterrent so he is still looking for a Judge. I..since I am a 1911 guy...am very interested in The Governor. Will I pay retail for one? Probably not. But I know they are out there and they have kind of a fad associated with them. Eventually I will see one at a gun-show cheap and I will pick it up.

In short, I am circling like a shark looking for an easy kill.


Regards,
Greyson

Considering the prices on current S&W revolvers and their great build quality, I'm amazed at the price S&W released the Governor at. I paid $525 for mine so good prices are out there. I'm sure once the initial feeding frenzy subsides you'll see more available at very reasonable prices.

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Hi, semperFI,

I picked-up my first Governor today, my other three arrive tomorrow. These weapons breathe "versatility, utility, and reliability..." I bought these for the purpose of still having weapons, when the other, more common ammo, becomes scarce...

I learned something on this very thread, that with full or 1/3-moon clips, one can use the .45GAP... Why does this interest me? Though I don't have a .45GAP, that may, one day, be the only ammo I can find... Until now, I was only aware of the .45 S&W, .45 Schofield, .45 Colt, .45 ACP, and a 2 1/2" .410 GA bore shotgun shell... Now, the available cartridge/calibers number SIX, with the addition of the .45 GAP. Perhaps there are more that I don't remember, or don't know about...

If you travel the world, you might be able to find one of these... I talked to S&W this morning, and suggested they use the same concept with a 9mm/.38 cartridge interoperability... There are, indeed, more cartridges based upon the venerable .38, than with the .45... Imagine being overseas, and you run out of your favorite .357 fare... You'd possibly be S.O.L... From .380 to Ruger's .357 Super Maximum, you'd be in a much better place, for finding usable ammo...

I like being able to literally tailor my potential responses, before going into a situation that may find me, or others, in harm's way... Where I live, we have snakes- poisonous ones. Chances are, I'll have two chambers loaded with two .410 shells of #7 1/2, in 2 1/2" ammo from Winchester or Federal...

I already have beaucoup .45 ACP, .45 Colt, and .410 ga in 2 1/2" ammo... I will acquire a couple of boxes of the .45 GAP- just in case...

This new revolver is nothing like the Taurus Judge. The S&W Governor is light years ahead of the Taurus. Fit, finish, quality, and reliability are nothing less than superb... I can objectively compare the two, because I had four Taurus Judges... To those that have them, and find them to be adequate to your needs, bravo.

Six different calibers trumps two. Likewise, the very solidity of the Governor is not equaled by other makes or designs that offer only two possibilities... Quite simply, the Governor, now, has no equal as the best survival handgun...

I'll be posting more on this marvelous weapon, in the coming months, so I'm glad to see so many here like it... So far, as you can see, it's possible ammo mix, coupled with the excellence of S&W, make this an amazing political expedience, WHEN those in power try to either tax ammo out of existence, or ban it all together... Add to this, the ability to use black powder for reloading, and then all you need, is the ability to cast bullets, and have a large store of appropriate primers on hand... Politicians aren't gods or goddesses. The good ones are rare, but they support our rights, freedoms, and privileges, via the Constitution. Of the bad ones, they are "legion."

If S&W Governors can keep the fight for Freedom in this nation, or anywhere on the globe going, they'll have proved their worth, many times over...

BTW, from an old Squid to a Devil Dog, Bravo Zulu...

May you and yours always be well, safe, happy, and forever, free...

OldArcher, out...

Let's see you put a shotgun in your dresser drawer! :

Always wanted to try one out. Unfortunately they're completely illegal in CA.

Arguably the Winchester PDX-1 .410 2 1/2" .410 GA ammo is the "Best"... I prefer it to the "Defense" loads offered by some others. The Winchester has three disks, backed-up by a dozen copper plated BBs. No, I too thought it was a variation of buck n' ball... Nope, this is far more effective...

Remember when Billy the Kid made his escape, shooting the Sheriff with a loads comprised of dimes? Look it up, it happened, and it was evidently, horrific...

One only has to remember that this is really, a superbly made, "LARGE" snub-nosed revolver. More powerful than it's .38 Special fore-bearers, like the .38 Chief's Special, it is still concealable. It's the same size as my Glock 21's, that I carry readily. No, not up to 18rds in one frame, but it is more versatile...

Wasn't it Chuck Smith who said, "The pistol is what you use to get to the rifle or shotgun you shouldn't have put down in the first place?" Working with the Governor this evening, I'm sure that it's superb pointability, balance, and phenomenal trigger, are now my choice...

OA, out...