I bought an original Governor when they first came out and it has been a wonderful revolver. I can't say enough about it that hasn't already been talked about here. When my LGS got in the new Silver Governor I couldn't resist. Here are some observations. First off the Silver version is $60 MSRP less than the standard, this is because it doesn't have the Trijicon front sight blade. The new model I find to be very attractive with it's new finish although it's made from the exact same materials. So S&W turned an ugly duckling into a handsome prince so to speak. The quality of fit and finish is typical S&W and is perfect. The double action is perfectly timed and very smooth, the single action breaks cleanly like a glass rod. Now I just need the snow to go away and my range to dry out. To those members who already own Governors you know how much fun they are. I'm sure this new version will perform exactly like the older one.

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mag318,

congratulations on your purchase!!

I too am a Governor fan and believe they are a quality S&W revolver.

I have seen the silver finish in person, but didn't find it as striking then as I now find your photos.

enjoy!

gus

Nice looking gun, I was also thinking about picking up the silver until I found a deal I just couldn't pass up on the original w/ factory CT grips.

mag ... Which front sight do you prefer? Is there much advantage to the original for the extra $?

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Actually with this type of revolver I don't think there is any advantage with the Trijicon front sight. Though for home protection in low light it would be better. But for daylight outdoors there is no need for it. The black front sight is a nice contrast to the silver rear and easy to pick up.
My original Governor came in a nice plastic case, this one in the cheap cardboard box.

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I agree, that single front NS while ok if you're using it for a late night house gun is less than ideal for the range or well lit shooting. If you like the silver, save the $$ and buy the new one with the standard sight.

BTW, mine also came in the blue cardboard box.

Considering the new matte finish model is < $700, it appears to be an excellent value based on NIB prices today. Some folks can't get past the unorthodox profile of the Gov, or the three caliber capability, but I've liked it since it was introduced. It has lots of potential as a range or woods revolver.

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Nice! I, too, have an early Governor, which I originally bought as a bedside home defender to be loaded with .45 ACP. Simply put - it was the economic choice next to the then fading in availability 325 Night Guard. The Governor has an 1/8 " longer barrel, is 7/8" longer in OAL, weighs <1.8oz more, has the same sights and construction as the 325NG, and was over $300 cheaper locally than the 325NG, which was the least expensive .45 ACP revolver available from S&W then. It proved to be a fun range gun - and I may consider the silver one - my tritium NS's (I also have similarly equipped 60 Pro & 632 Pro.) do nothing for me, while my bright OR OEM sights on my PC627 UDR are far better in very low light - for my mature eyes. Congratulations on your purchase!

Stainz

I have an early 2011-12 I think Governor. Only got it because I didn't have one and it was cheap. The longer I have it the better I like it.It's a great woods gun and it shoots point of aim also. I shot a hog with it last week at 10 yards and the 45 Colt dropped it like it was hit with a sledge hammer. I don't usually carry it when I am hog hunting, but it was with me at the time. Now my friends want to buy it. This ones a keeper.

I've had several friends who's first impression of my old Governor was , "Wow that thing is weird looking." But all who shot it were so impressed they bought one for themselves.
One more observation, the early Governors came wearing Hogue Bantam grips which I really liked, so much so I have them on several RB K and L framed Smiths. I know they went with a different rubber grip a year or so ago that covers the back strap and now they're into a 3'rd generation rubber grip. This latest set of grips is comfortable but also larger. I give them a try to see how I like them after a couple range days. If for some reason I don't find them as comfortable as the original grips I'll switch them out for a set of Hogue Bantams.
Hey Stainz, to bad they don't make a set of our favorite Pro Series grips for the Governor.

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For all the negative comments this model has attracted, I think it's a winner. The versatility of this revolver just makes sense to me, and it will likely be my next S&W purchase. Seems the only folks who don't like it are those that have never fired one.

I just happened to stop by my local Walmart this afternoon and last night they put out a quantity of my favorite 410 load for my Governor. Federal Handgun 410 000 Buck, at $14 and change a box I bought 5 boxes. This is so far the best 410 load I shot with tight clusters even at 30 feet. With this new Governor I plan on experimenting at even longer ranges.

I'm really looking forward to trying out these Lehigh Defense 45 Colt loads tailored for the Governors long cylinder. Check out the YouTube video of these, I think they'd stop any 2 or 4 legged threat.

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I picked one of the silver ones up this weekend. Fit and finish are great. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but will this coming weekend. I think I would like the Trijicon front sight better, but as I said, I haven't shot it yet. How hard would it be to replace the plain sight with a Trijicon?

One thing I noticed while getting familiar with the revolver was that the Federal 000 buckshot rounds were a tight fit getting into the cylinder. I expect that this will be worse after the rounds are fired. Has anyone tried polishing the inside of the chambers? If so, how did you go about it? Seems like Mothers Mag Polish might be too fine and would take forever to make a noticeable difference.

LT

The Federal 000 buck are my favorite load after much experimentation, I've had no problem with ejection and I doubt you will either. I don't think polishing the chambers is necessary as they are already polished to a high degree at the factory. I think you'll be favorably impressed with this Federal load.

Another vote for the Federal 000. The Winchester Defenders with the disks and bb's spread all over the place.

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