Governor sustained Damage during live firing

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28 Nov 15, Completed firing 6 rounds of 45 ACP and 6 rounds of 45 Long Colt then loaded 6 rounds of Federal 410 rifle slugs. Pulled the trigger and this is the result. The rim of the cartridge was blown as well as the primer. Hot gases exited the right side between the recoil shield and the cylinder, the knuckle of the trigger finger received minor burns. The forcing cone was damaged as well as the cylinder. The saving grace was the Governor's well engineered construction and the recoil shield prevented hot gases from reaching my eyes, face or forearm. The Governor now resides at S&W evaluation and repair. FYI I wonder if the Judge would have fared as well?

 

[steelslaver]

It looks like the bottom of the forcing cone barrel and frame there is gone. Glad the injuries were minor. First round of the 410?

Is it possible that the 410s were 2 long? On shotgun shells you need the chamber to be longer than the shell so the crimp has an area to unfold into and let the shot pass. With out this when the crimp opens into the throat it forms a constriction to the shot load or in this case the slug. If this is the case it might be possible that the slug tor of the crimp and both tried to make it into and down the forcing cone. In effect the crimp becomes and obstruction.

I have never had a 410, but I have a Winchester dbl marked for 2 3/4" shells that will chamber 3" shells. I would never fire it that way.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I know for a fact that a 3" shell won't allow the Governor's action to be closed (Just tried it). I recently fired some Century .410 buck through my Governor and the fired brass mushroomed out between the extractor and the breech face, locking up the action. The brass wasn't as high as that fired by the OP. . . .

 

[Engineer1911]

Design problem???

 

[pittpa]

How about a photo of the front of the cylinder with a a 410 slug loaded?

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Not that I need any further reason to not buy that particular gun, but thank you.

 

[johngalt]

I have to ask - what will a .410 slug do that a .45 won't?

 

[686-380]

I don't think I'll ever try those rifle slugs. I prefer the PDX1 and it's ilk anyway...

 

[Rob41]

Glad to hear your injuries were minor as it could have been much worse.

Personally, I believe the only thing shotgun shells should be fired from is a shotgun.

 

[da gimp]

sounds like a problem with the ammo maybe.... the picture of the damage to the pistol wasn't the best...if you or anyone has a fired round that is noticeably quieter/not as loud... nor does it recoil like it should... do not fire another round until you've checked the barrel & or cylinder for obstructions.....

 

[[email protected]]

good suggestion but pistol is at S&W already great customer service.