Went down to my LGS this afternoon and saw a new Gov in the display. Hadn't handled one in a long time, but looking it over I was impressed. The Gov would be a splurge purchase rather than a necessity buy, but I genuinely liked it and am giving it serious consideration. For Gov owners, was your Gov purchase based on practicality or novelty? Are your Govs shot often (range, woods, etc.) or relegated to bedside storage? How do your Govs enjoy a steady diet of .45s, and what brands run most effectively? The Gov always struck me as a versatile tool, and despite significant criticism, I believe it was a good way for S&W to take a chunk of the Judge market from Taurus.

I'm not looking to start a debate on S&W's marketing efforts, quality control, etc., but would like some honest insights from Gov owners. Thanks in advance ...

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I'm with the banned ...

i too am a bit curious...they look pretty cool

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

I had harbored a latent Judge-desire ever since first seeing one, despite having shot one some years ago (I was unimpressed - it was a Taurus.). I was visiting a new LGS for the first time 6/11 when I spied a Governor in his display case. A few feet later, there was another one... then another - and I had no prior knowledge of the model's existence before seeing that first one. What would possess me to make me, on that very first visit to a new LGS, leave the store with a new Governor? I'm the guy who rationalizes every purchase - sleeps on purchases - researches the firearm - looks for the best price... but I paid $600, inc s/t, and left the store with a new gun I knew little about. Did I mention my wife was with me - and that money was meant for new tires for my Jeep?

My immediate decision was rationalized by the Governor's six shot .45 ACP capability. I had wanted a house gun to share my 625JM's 240+ loaded moonclips. The 325 Night Guard was what I wanted - but this thing wasn't a lot larger - and it was over $300 cheaper than the 325NG I had my eye on in another store. I was villified in my purchase - it turned out to have the same Al/Sc frame construction; SS barrel liner and cylinder; tritium Night Sight on front and fixed rear sight; and is only 7/8" longer in OAL and weighs 1.4 oz more than the 325NG. Oddly, my 'rationalization' worked - I've never had buyer's remorse!

Some findings after 16+ months of ownership. I bought an assortment of .410 shells those first weeks - and none since. A passing fancy here, I still have nearly half of my assortment left, despite the Governor's being my first - and still only - shotgun. It stays dirty - making the range trip frequently. I shoot mainly .45 ACP - interspersed with .45 Colt and .45 Schofield. My PD loads in .45 Colt - the Speer 250gr Gold Dots - and my .45 ACP ball ammo hit coincident POI/POA at 7-10 yd - close enough from 12-15yd to reliably drop the SPC small steel plates. I don't like the Night Sight - it's very dim to me. I keep threatening to paint the front sight orange! The reaction from the range rats is dependent on whether they've shot it or not. One guy still hasn't shot it - but his dry-firing it when it was new evoked a remark that he didn't know S&W made a Sigma revolver - which he still calls it today. Of course, I didn't look for someone else's approval when I bought it - just mine - and I am happy with my purchase!

Stainz

Stainz ... Did you change out the grip? I'm thinking about putting a .500 Mag grip on if I make the purchase. Also, what did you find problematic with the .410 capabilities? Recoil? Accuracy? Thanks in advance ...

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I'm with the banned ...

I too have one with the green Hogue conversion grips on them. I like green and dimly glow in the dark. I'm a big guy so I do carry it in my rotation in a Galco cross draw. No regrets at all will work for most things you would want or expect out of it. Very accurate reliable and allot of fun. Buy one you won't regret it as long as your not looking for a very long range revolver. Have only used it out to about 50 yards but it does get the job done Very well just takes practice. Good luck have fun.

I just bought one ..for the novelty. Same reason I bought a 500 mag.....not everyone has one. Haven't shot it yet. I'm really impressed with the quality of the craftsmanship. Seems like it would be a good nightstand gun.

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ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor

sigma revolver,now that's funny.

The Governor is a revolver I initially had no interest in, but after handling one at my LGS I decided to buy it. Some ask is there a need for a 410 revolver, and the answer is IMO yes. Look at the success of the Judge series of revolvers and you can see why S&W brought the Governor to market. First off the thing is just plain fun to shoot, check out my YouTube videos. S&W Governor Part 1 - YouTube
This is one of two recent S&Ws I bought despite of The Lock, the other being my Model 632. For the sheer versatility of being able to fire 3 different calibers it suddenly goes from a novelty to practical. I can think of numerous applications the Governor handles well. Be it home defense or as a field gun, the more I use the Governor the more sense it makes. The specialty 410 loads like my favorite Federal 000 Buck handgun load makes for a great SD load. Mixing and matching it with a couple 45 Colts or ACPs you're ready for a lot of scenarios.
I admit the Governor isn't for everyone but for those of us who own one I'll wager the concensous is positive. For those contemplating buying one I highly recommend also buying a Moonclip tool (great product) to save your fingers.

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mag318 ... Any problems running mixed cylinders of ammo?

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I'm with the banned ...

None what so ever, this revolver functions perfectly no matter what I mix and match in the cylinder. I like the fact you can use full, half or 2 shot moon clips.

Ok guys My opinion only here. I do not own a Gov. BUT I did at one time own a judge and I can honestly say I had more fun shooting that gun than any I had and possibly have ever had. The versatile ammo choices make it feel like 5 different guns in one. I only sopld mine after it fell apart (Taurus)!
Lack of penetration, not adequate defense guns, short barrel, BLAH BLAH BLAH

The gun is a blast to shoot and if you shoot an intruder in the face with this gun they are going to be hurt PERIOD. A 45 colt round will split a melon or a head if anybody doubts this gun is adequate let them try and take the round to the chest since it is SO useless

I am not fond of the frame meterial the 642, 640, or the Gov, is made of is the only reason I don't own one now. Maybe if they do an all stainless version or blued I will buy one. If you don't mind the scandium frame, go for it because they are fun to play with

bigshep85,

If you don't like the 640, 642, or Governor due to their frame material, I am afraid that only leaves blued carbon steel! The 640 is SS, the 642 is Al, and the Governor is Al/Sc alloy.

mc5aw,

Nothing wrong with .410s - I just don't like shotguns. I am retired now and this is the one and only one I've ever owned. As to recoil, that first range trip in 6/11 convinced me to 'try' the spare .500 Magnum Hogue monogrip on my second trip - great improvement, especially with the Winnie PDX1 rounds in .410. The night I made it home with my Governor found me surfing S&W's site - I found they already had a holster for it. I had mine within a week:



And here is my Governor sporting the .500 Hogue monogrip with the OEM grip alongside:



One caveat about cleaning the Governor's Melonite finish - don't use a copper/brass solvent - and that includes Hoppe's #9! Hoppe's Elite works well and is on their approved list. Fun revolver. My serious night stand revolver, too.

Stainz

I'm buying another one as soon as I finish paying for my Colt Cobra.. already told my dealer to have one ready in the next couple weeks. It'll be my second purchase ofa Gov, unfortunetly my first purchase was half paid for at the S$W retail store when they closed and refused to complete the sale.....

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Jack C

They sound like a very useful firearm. Good for bats, rats and bad guys too. Bet it works well on snakes to. Also accurate and light, a true all purpose woods, farm and SD gun!

I saw one in a display case yesterday amongst all of the other revolvers. I laughed and kept moving on down the line. It looked so out of place, so huuge for what it is. .410 out of such a short barrel is a joke for SD, MUCH more effective things out there. Since that's the case then a 45ACP wheelgun of similar size(smaller even?) with a longer barrel(more effective) is out there that is much more effective

Huge? The Governor is not HUGE! Here is mine along with my 642 pocket-protector:



Ahhh.... ummmm.... ehhhh.... humph... my bad - it is kind of big! Never mind!

Stainz

I bought one last month and they are great to shoot. I found a place that sells 100 moon clips for $30.00, here is the link
45 ACP Full Moon Clips - 100 Ct. [1469] - $30.00 : Old Sarge's Drop Zone, Military Surplus Sales
I also recommend getting the Demooning ToolDeluxe Moon Clip Tool
In a no time I had 600 rounds of 45Acp loaded in moon clips and they can be loaded into the gun faster then a speed loader. I have not shot any 45 LC yet but in the 410 I like the Federal 000 buckshot better then the Winchester. If I had to do it again I would buy it in a heart beat.
Scott

I think the Governor should be voted out of office.

You are correct! Sorry it was a typo

I own a 357 model 640, I didn't mean to include it in my list it was supposed to be 642, 442, etc.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention, my 640 is among my favorites in my collection.

So you wouldn't mind getting hit by one. Think not! Even more distance than SD/HD situation you would at the least be going to hospital no matter where it hit you. Even a fairly well placed hit could be much much worse!!!

A gov or a gub? (Woody Allen in Take the Money and Run)

"This is one of two recent S&Ws I bought despite of The Lock, the other being my Model 632. For the sheer versatility....."---mag318

I'm glad to see you also acquired a 632.
What a fine little girl, although MamaOzo has
all but confiscated it for her own.....