Need some input on Judge/Governor for home defense

[inFALable]

I agree that being able fire .45 Colt and .45 ACP helps the versatility. Its just a very inefficient platform for those calibers.

If I had a rat problem around the farm I would get one.

 

[mc5aw]

I've liked the potential of the Gov since it was introduced, and continued to support S&W's betterment of the Judge despite some withering public criticism of the concept. Like all firearms, the Gov does have its limitations. I think it's best role is as a woods gun, or yard protector against various critters. For home defense? I'd go with a dedicated 20 or 12 gauge instead, perhaps even a lever gun or handgun depending on my home. The Gov would be formidable at close range for HD/SD, but it wouldn't be #1 on my list.

Also consider pricing. My LGS has a NIB Gov for $650. A Stoeger Coach Gun retails for $500, while a Mossberg 500 goes for $300-350. There are other viable alternatives, and I think the cost savings is a valid consideration whether or not to go with the Gov as the primary HD firearm.

 

[Springfeildkid585]

If she wants a shotgun, I recommend you sell it and get a shotgun. You could probably find somebody willing to give you enough money to buy an 870 for it. I've heard of the judge making a hell of a varmint gun, and I can see the appeal of having a first round scatter followed by a proper .45 LC, but I'm quite comfortable with a .45 and a 12 gauge separately.

 

[Larry from Bend]

I think the Judge is a poor defensive revolver.

In NC Montana, however, they fly off the shelves and bad-mouthing a Judge is one of the surest arguement starters you can think of.

I chalk it up to people thinking that "I've got a shotgun --- so surely that'll make up for my lack of ability/training." It probably won't.

 

[wingnuut]

when you are awakened from a dead sleep you think you can than see the sights and aim, I will point the gov. and sure I will get em.

 

[jlrhiner]

when you are awakened from a dead sleep you think you can than see the sights and aim, I will point the gov. and sure I will get em.

Good luck with that.

 

[Comrad]

Maybe just me but I would think a face full of bird shot would be an effective deterrent.

 

[b_san]

I've got both a Public Defender Poly and the Gov w/ CT grips and I like them for what they are but I wouldn't intend to use either of them as my primary self defense guns unless I didn't have another choice (though the Gov is a much better gun than the PD both in quality and accuracy). If it was the only gun I owned... well it wouldn't be the only gun I owned, so no point in conjecture as to me they're fun guns but not primary ones. Just IMO, YMMV.

You also said that you have a M&P 40 on your nightstand, does the wife not like to shoot it? If that's the case and she likes shooting the Judge then a gun she's comfortable with is better than one she'll hesitate to use. I would try to find her something else that she's more comfortable with though that would be a better choice for a nightstand gun.

 

[venomballistics]

Ahem, that "tiny" buckshot is .360, so it's comparable to three 9mm rounds at once.

if they all hit
also they are very light in comparison to a 9mm bullet
its at its best with 45 LC with any honest 45 LC revolver doing better.

The more I saw of the Judge concept, the less sense it made.

 

[Protected One]

A friend of mine let me shoot the judge at the range. Unimpressed...it misfired every other round. Impressive when the 410 did fire, but I wouldn't trust it on my nightstand. And like Kanewpadle, I'm not a fan of Taurus products (Keltek either).

 

[ednblue]

I was considering a Governor. I thought it was well made and it felt good in the hand. I ended up choosing a Springfield Mil-Spec 1911. This will be my night stand gun, 12 gauge in the office, and 442 in the pocket. Love my 442 for CCW!