I am captivated by this subject as it draws much controversy. I realize I am probably

However,

1) Do you feel it is a viable home defense weapon? Why?
2) What do you load it with? Specific rounds please.
3) Do you feel you would not rely upon it as a home defense weapon? Why?

Personally, I believe it is viable. I load mine with Federal 000 Buck in front of 3 Lehigh Maximum Expansion rounds.

Thank you for your opinions.

Sid

__________________
"The Dude abides"

If I'm going to use buckshot (and I do..) it's coming out of a 12 gauge shotgun. I think of the Judge and the Governor as mostly marketing ploy. That does not make them bad..just nothing that interests me. I've had a few .410 pistols and never liked how they threw lead in both round or bullet configuration,at least for self defense. If you are shooting snakes..well I guess they would be fine.I don't shoot snakes,I mostly run them over with the tractor, by accident..

__________________
Remain Viable

Since you brought it up. I have always thought the idea was a gimmick. But, in retrospect, while I believe the idea is still a gimmick, if the guns are a quality product causing few user problems. So as, not causing damage to the gunmakers reputation, then who am I to say that folks shouldn't buy them. After all, if these guns are produced at a profit so that the manufacturer considers it a success, then even if I don't like the idea, I simply don't need to buy one.

Since I don't own one, nor do i plan to buy one, I don't feel qualified to answer your question. But, since 2 cents is free 'round here, I'll chime in with misfit.

__________________
NRA Benefactor

The Governor is a solution in search of a problem. If you want a shotgun, buy a shotgun. If you want a revolver, buy a revolver. The governor is trying to be both and ends up doing each job "almost as good" as a real shotgun or revolver. Personally, it wouldn't be my first choice for personal/home defense. Having said that, it's still a fun gun to shoot and I wouldn't find fault for anyone wanting to add one to their collection.

The Governor is misunderstood by those who don't own one . . .

(In before the lock!)

__________________
Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Works for me around the house..

__________________
JR

There's nothing wrong with it, particularly. It's just going to have rather narrow appeal compared to more traditional firearms. Plus it's ugly, so that doesn't help.

__________________
Just Say No - To Social Media

I personally do not care for these handguns; however, the Governor and Judge revolvers are extremely popular with the elderly home owners in our north Georgia mountain community. These are mostly non-gun folks, who think they need a gun around the mountain house. These people go to the local Ace hardware and inquire about a handgun for people who don't own a gun, and come home with one of the above.


These neighbors appreciate the wide range of ammo these firearms can chamber and digest. Most also believe no aim is necessary, all one needs to do is point it and pull the trigger.

A few years ago I saw a Judge lying in the gravel beside the road, and I stopped and put it in the mailbox, as I knew the fellow there owned one. It likely fell out of his back pocket.

One neighbor, a retired deputy Marshall, carries a Colt Commander .38 Super customized by Austin Behlert. That guy knows guns.

I do not own one currently.

I may or may not own one again but I might since I liked it.

I just chose to put my gun dollars in to other pieces I enjoy even more.

IMO its best attribute is as a relatively affordable 6 shot Smith with a night sight that is a great option for a home defense revolver.

IMO its second best attribute is pure fun at the range, b-c you can change up how it feels by using the different ammo choices.

IMO its third best attribute is as a relatively light weight farm-ranch or woods carry piece. But I prefer a 640 for that due to less bulk in my way plus having the enclosed hammer 'cause I usually get really dirty and so does my gun.

I like them.

Totally useless concept............worthless..........waste of metal......an answer in search of a problem..........

__________________
S&W Accumulator

I think it's a really nice revolver. Mine has a really slick action, can't think of anything negative to say about it.
[IMG][/IMG]

__________________
Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

I do not want one, but to each their own. I have shotguns, others may consider this their shotguns.

At some point in time, it's an itch that I'll scratch. I handload all three of the calibers that the Governer chambers. It won't be my edc weapon, as there are better choices, but it may go into a holster every now and again when out in the woods. Here aren't many things in KY that would require large calibers or high capacity. Didn't realize these weapons bring so much of an emotional response.

Of course it'd work for home defense. I just don't understand the appeal. I'd shoot shotshells out of a 44 Magor 45 Colt if I felt the need for shotshells.

How's the accuracy of yours? I just can't imagine great accuracy from a 45 Colt round when shot out of a chamber that has the freebore and throats that accept .410 shells.

One of the best selling gun gimmicks of all time. Marketing genius.

"The Smith and Wesson Governor: Misfit or Misunderstood?" QUOTE OP.



Misfit or Misunderstood is two choices, there should be three choices with the third one being UGLY!

__________________
14 S&W Revs none with locks!

Last time this thread showed up I was told by another member that I had nothing of value to say.

Turns out he was right.

__________________
America First

I think the problems with the Governor, and Judge for that matter, begin when the owner or prospective owner attempts to justify the purchase, as in, "Why do you need that thing?" Well, "I need it as a snake gun." Or, "I need it for protection against carjacking." Or, "I need it in case there's an ammo shortage." Really? NO! All of those statements are flawed to the point of silliness. The fact is, "need" has nothing to do with it. Here's how to justify its existence--repeat the following: "It's cool, and I want one." That's all one "needs" to say.

No interest here whatsoever. Just can't get excited about it (or even remotely interested in it) and the high cost turns me off relative to other S&W revolvers that I might choose for self-protection. Sorry.

I've joined this debate before and hope this information is helpful. We had a local homicide where a similarly configured judge or governor was used. The weapon caused horrific damage to the victim at close range. It was a one shot stop and instantly fatal with the .410 buckshot round. I have one on my wishlist but it's under some other must haves. As far as a home defense weapon I think it's a good practical choice. A 12 gauge is obviously better but this is compact enough to store and hide and be ready in a moments notice and the big dot sight is certainly a plus. I feel that this would be a great option for my wife when I'm not home. Don't forget about mobility, it would be hard to call 911 while holding a shotgun or rifle. Also many of us aren't trained to clear rooms with long guns and all the other tactical goodness so simplicity is always a good idea.

People that like them or have a real use for them think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Personally, i don't like them or need one. Not knocking anybody elses choice.

__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"

rickjones - I've quoted your story on several other threads. It is a rare and unique perspective. Thanks for sharing!

__________________
"The Dude abides"

I've never wanted one, but then I've never wanted an AR-15. Others seem to like them, so it's OK with me if they want them.

__________________
John 3:16 .

I think they're pretty neat. I don't understand why people get all weirded out about a revolver that can chamber for buckshot and 45acp. I've personally never liked shooting shotguns or the recoil. And I have no need for one but have on occasion taken care of a few snakes by chambering my 686 with CCI Shotshell (#9).

I like having those kind of options. There are revolvers out there that also chamber in 30-30 and a few other calibers typically meant for rifles. I say why not?

__________________
Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

I was wanting a revolver that fired .45 ACP and one that fired .45 Colt, such as a Model 22, 25, or 26, but just try to find one let alone at a reasonable price. Along comes the Governor. That it also fires 410 is a bonus. It resides in my nightstand.

Attached Images

003.JPG (122.4 KB, 111 views)

__________________
Inconsistently consistent

Valid point

Record for 2016..4 possums, 3 coons, too many snakes to count. 10 happy, contented hens. No less than a half dozen big eggs that a jumbo carton won't close on, a day. My wife is the hen house protector. Bother her old girls at your peril.

Way to go. The only critter I dispatched was a rabid rabbit with a .410 SD load in my backyard.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

__________________
Inconsistently consistent

Need&want could apply, I just need to add FUN to the equation, I love mine, and I love moon clips and 410 shells, add some whiskey and an old dog and you have a county western song!
Mine is most accurate with any ACP around, and has a great trigger out of the box. Name a handgun that can carry 3 different type bullets at the same time!
SEMPER PARATUS

__________________
NRA Life Member
CPO

If I were to pick between the Judge and Governor, I'd pick the Governor because of the S&W trigger action and the extra capacity.

I'm a shotgun guy. I'm a revolver guy. I am a Magnum guy. I'm a 45 ACP guy.

But...I am not a fan of this particular platform. Whenever something is combined, it doesn't necessarily do all things well or very good for that matter. I prefer longer barrels for 45 Colt or 45 ACP. Mainly because I like to shoot out to 50 yards. I prefer a 00 shotgun over 410. There are just so many options for SD/HD that are better. Even a smaller caliber shotgun such as a 20 gauge.

Many of my novice friends, think of these as their first choice. I convince them otherwise.

But as it goes, if there's an itch, scratch it. If you want it, then get it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I don't own one, but it seems to me to be a very versatile and fun revolver. Nothing wrong with a revolver that can serve as a good defensive platform and be used for shooting pigeon in the barn.

Also, the 410 defense round seem to be a decent choice for those concerned about over penetration. I'm not a fan of some of the special, bordering on gimmicky, defense rounds but something like the the Winchester Super X 000 buck is must be pretty damn effective.


Ballistic Gelatin Results

Were I to use one for SD I would choose a 45LC load; the thing is I'd rather have a 25 at that point.

__________________
K & N S&W revolvers

I own a Raging Judge Magnum. People can call it ugly or unwieldy. They can insult its momma, it's heritage or "funny" looks. They can say it is anemic, lame or weak. They can then beat their chests and brag about how much greater, smaller, more practical, or prettier their little bitty 9mm is. They can call it a joke or gimmick, but I can tell you, if you decide to jack a truck or break into a house with anybody having a .410 shotshell pistol, you are going to be hurt.

I am constantly amused by the number of opinions offered by people on guns they have never owned, shot or even seen in anything but a picture. Not intending to insult anybody here, but you can't find anybody more opinionated than gun owners. Then I find it equally interesting how offended people who know the facts get by the blind opinions of others. A Raging Judge for instance can be loaded to shoot anything from a rat to a brown bear since it also accepts 454 Casull.

Maybe it's ugly as sin. Maybe it's not practical or looks fat. Maybe I look stupid slogging it around on a belt holster. One of my high school girlfriends looked stupid and ugly, but just like my Raging Judge, if you messed with her, you were going to get hurt.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't own one, but I like the concept.

I carry one, in my conceal carry vest. My bedside gun is a suppressed FiveseveN.

One of the features I appreciate is it just looks BAD. If I'm ever forced to draw, I'm hoping the perpetrator cuts and runs.

If not, my first shot is Winchester PDX1 or the Hornady equivalent (which actually tested better for me in ballistic gelatin). The rest are followed by .45LC

Neither the Governor or the Judge are my cup of tea, but I can see why they might appeal to some folks. And as far as a self defense gun for the house, I imagine that you will put the buckshot from a .410 shot out of it into whatever you were aiming at inside 30 feet or so range inside your home. So to me that makes for a pretty potent house defense weapon that is pretty handy to handle inside the home; much handier handling than a shotgun, for instance.

Not to knock the gun or those who own one.But this is the one and only Smith & Wesson revolver that I would trade or sell if gifted to me.

Love mine. Only had it two weeks but I'm in total love with it. I can drive nails with 45LC with this thing and the ACP is great for range costs.

I have mine staged with two rounds of critical defense 410 triple defense, then 45LC to finish off the threat.

It does fit a niche or it wouldn't exist.



Sent from my Pixel XL 128

__________________
Smith all the things

How do you figure?

Sent from my Pixel XL 128

__________________
Smith all the things

I have a Governor and it has one of the smoothest actions I've seen on a production gun. I have a post under the Governor thread under the self-defense section for that has a target attached from shooting Ultramax .45 Colt cowboy loads. The center rings are pretty torn out. It was two hands at about 7 yards but I was really impressed. It's a keeper to me.

I don't own one but I wouldn't feel undergunned if it was all I had. For self defense I'd use .45 Colt in every chamber.

If I were to buy another one I'd have to pay the tax and re barrel it as a mooth bore.

And its glock ugly too.......

__________________
S&W Accumulator

I never thought I'd own a 500 either, or any Smith with a lock or MIM for that matter. However, I now own three of the IL/MIM Smiths and often look at the Governors when cruising the LGSs in my area. Although they're still a novelty to me, I may still find a place in my safe for one.

You could label it a viable weapon, but the same could be said about a Rohm .22 short revolver or any firearm that will fire, but there are so many options that are infinitely better that it simply makes no sense to choose it as a defense weapon.

The only misunderstanding as I see it is that many people(often inexperienced and uneducated) buy it under the false perception that they are getting a versatile, effective and powerful handheld shotgun, but that isn't the reality. Choosing a Taurus Judge or S&W Governor is analogous to having a goal of wanting to learn effective real-world H2H self-defense skills and get in better physical condition and subsequently taking Tae-Bo classes.

I'm with the "nastygrams." I can see them for poisonous snakes at close range, but am not sold at all on .410 ammo for self-defense when attacked by large, aggressive humans. Neat novelty guns, though. - Massad Ayoob

You do know that The Govenor is a 6 shot gun not a 5 shot.As said earlier people who have never seen or handled one are making snap decisions

I have never met a person who owns a Judge or Governor who doesn't love it. They have sold thousands of these things. So you have a large sales volume and satisfied customers. That is a win win. A lot of my friends who own them are not "Gun People" and the simplicity of operation and perceived lethality work well for them.
I don't own one, but I can see the allure.

__________________
Have Gun Will Carry

I know a few folks that own one and they each like theirs. I don't own one though wouldn't mind having a Governor, just for something different. My snake gun is a 629-4 Mountain Gun with CCI shotshells. 44 special/mag shot shells are hard to find. .410 ammo is far easier to find and the cost per round is in favor of the .410. Speaking of different I've a Thompson Contender chambered for 444 Marlin, great gun to shoot, though you need to be prepared when you pull the trigger.

I'm not aware of any reputable defensive shooting instructors that recommend them. Doesn't that fact in itself make you stop and think that there are likely some very good reasons behind it even if you don't understand them?

Here are a couple of articles that pretty much cover why .410 handguns don't make a whole lot of sense as a self-defense weapon. They are primarily focused on the Taurus Judge, but most of it applies to the Governor as well.

The Taurus Judge Is Just Not Very Good | Vuurwapen Blog

Hating on the Taurus Judge | Active Response Training

...

The .410 revolvers provide no extra special measure of effectiveness that is lacking in conventional big-bore revolvers. They don't deliver any harder a blow to an assailant and one still must employ accuracy with them. No special "room clearing" advantage here. In my view, trick .410 buckshot loads or not, the ungainly things don't do terminal ballistics in any superior way to the .45 Colt and there are better .45 Colt revolvers.

We've seen remarks on staged loading .410 with .45 Colt behind to finish off the threat. Why not simply use .45 Colt to begin with? If a threat requires finishing then finish it!

"Bad-to-the-bone" looks has to do with perceived lethality which is a matter of interpretation rather than with actual suitability.

Shredded paper and shredded pumpkins aren't the arbiters of effectiveness.

There are owners of these things that are far more gun savvy than I am and also can handle guns better far better than I can, but nothing screams "naive" and "gullible" quite like taking an awkward, clunky .410 revolver seriously.

Now for fun, all bets are off.

Only one opinion.