The Smith and Wesson Governor: Misfit or Misunderstood?

Gulfecho · Mar 4, 2017

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

Breakaway500 · Mar 5, 2017

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..

Tyrod · Mar 5, 2017

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.

cmj8591 · Mar 5, 2017

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.

Muss Muggins · Mar 5, 2017

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

(In before the lock!)

Ranger98 · Mar 5, 2017

Works for me around the house..

ranger98-albums-ranger-98-a-picture7736-smith-wesson-governor.jpg

AlHunt · Mar 5, 2017

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.

ColbyBruce · Mar 5, 2017

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.

guskody · Mar 5, 2017

governor

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.

Mike SC Hunter · Mar 5, 2017

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

D Brown · Mar 5, 2017

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

HOUSTON RICK · Mar 5, 2017

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

bluelund79 · Mar 5, 2017

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.

reddog81 · Mar 5, 2017

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.

LonChaney · Mar 5, 2017

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

NYlakesider · Mar 5, 2017

"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!

okiegtrider · Mar 5, 2017

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.

Kifaru · Mar 5, 2017

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.

TTSH · Mar 5, 2017

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.

rickjones · Mar 5, 2017

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.

The Smith and Wesson Governor: Misfit or Misunderstood?

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