Governor

[STORM2]

Had the opportunity to fire my gun today. I had 410 slugs and 45 colt, no bird shot. I fired six 45 Colt; no issues. Loaded one 410, fired it no issues. When I attempted to load more 410, I found the cylinders had developed carbon rings from the 45 Colt rounds preventing them (410) from chambering. My 454 will do this if you shoot 45 Colt in the 454 cylinder, but only after a bunch of rounds. What puzzled me is why did the single/first 410 chamber? The gun was/is used and not cleaned.

I’ll clean the gun and try it again.

 

[Cotis]

What 45LC ammo were you shooting? Much of the factory ammo is lower power “smokey” cowboy action stuff. That will be problematic.

When I had a Governor I shot The “modern” Hornady 45LC ammo and didn’t have any issues.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I don’t think I’ve ever purchased a used gun that was clean. I’ve purchased several used ones lately and guess they’d never been cleaned in 60 years. I don’t understand why people are so casual about this.

If you want a reliable gun you need to clean and properly lube your firearm. A dirty gun can get you injured or killed.

Carbon rings form with any ammo but lubed cast lead bullets like used in cowboy shooting are particularly bad compared to polymer coated or jacketed. The lube used on these bullets is particularly bad about smoke too. Also some powders are more prone to carbon fowling especially lighter low pressure loads.

Do a thorough cleaning and oil the appropriate points recommended by smith. Don’t be afraid of using a bronze brush in the chambers with Hoppy’s or a good cleaner and run patches until there’s no more carbon. I often start with Hoppy’s and a bronze brush and vigorously scrub each chamber then follow up with carburetor or brake cleaner that cuts the carbon. If necessary scrub with solvent and the brush and repeat until patches are clean. I then apply a little oil (CLP) to a patch and run it through the chambers and barrel.

 

[STORM2]

.38SuperMan, the gun was inspected for obstructions. When I say not cleaned I am referring to a total tear down and trip through my commercial ultra sonic. That includes a second trip with the heated ultra sonic oil bath. The cylinders will look like the Hubble mirror before I test it again. The 45 colt ammo used was Sellier & Bellot 230 SB45F. but thanks for your suggestions.
This same thing can occur if you fire 45 colt in your 454 FA cylinder a bunch without scrubbing. That’s why we buy separate FA cylinders for the 45s. My question was has anyone experienced this with their Governor?

 

[STORM2]

Perhaps a better explanation about the tear down. When I buy a used gun, I assume it has never been cleaned or lubed properly. First order of business is a test fire. I want to know if there is anything mechanically wrong before I tear it down. I inspect it to be sure it safe to test fire. Run a cylinder or mag through it. If it runs ok, proceed. If not determine why it failed. Tear it down, inspect the parts as they come out, ultra sonic parts, rinse, oil bath. Replace anything that is bad or worn. Test fire and put it in the safe. Sometime the gun goes into long term storage and occasionally it goes into service. Like most folks, I tend to store more than I use.

 

[smoothshooter]

All those big holes drilled in that big roundy thing are called chambers, not cylinders.
The big roundy thing is the cylinder.

 

[Claymore33]

I bought Governor for wife . She needed a snake gun. The first .410 rounds I inserted were very hard to chamber. I used TROY brand shells. They are red plastic. Has anyone else had a tight fit with .410 shells in Governor?

 

[STORM2]

Thanks smoothshooter for the corrections.
Located my issue. Bad 410 shell. Slightly damaged. It was the only one I had that day.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Never owned a Governor or Judge, but owned a Cobray single shot 5" in the 1990's. 410/45 LC chamber with rifled barrel (no choke)

Shot patterns: The rule of thumb is Smaller shot = Larger patterns!

1/2 ounce #9's patterned 4+' at 5 yards. 1200 fps

1/2 ounce #4's patterned 18" at 5 yards. 1200 fps

230 grain RNFP 45 Colt 5 shot group, 3" at 110 yards 750 fps.


When I developed 45 Colt Extra Long Shotshells for my revolvers (so I wouldn't need a Governor) I found a 1/2 ounce of #7.5 shot @ 750fps spread approximately 1" for every 1' of distance. For realistic snake gun distances of 5 yards or less, this tore up snakes extremely well!

Ivan