Lenny_D
Member
Take a look on Youtube for a video by Hickok45. He shoots a Taurus version with different ammo and at different ranges. I wasn't impressed. But to each their own.
Smith Governor
- Thread starter TheGlobalRep
- Start date
ogilvyspecial
Member
I've had both The Judge (chambered for 3") and now The Governor and personally wouldn't use either for self defense. If I had too, I would use the 250 gr Speer Gold Dot .45 Colt HP's.
When I first seen The Judge (back in '08 or '09) I thought, like many others, that this would be an effective handgun, then I started looking into things more learning that it takes approx. 18" of barrel length to fully utilize the power provided by a .410 shell.
Knowing this, I still went ahead and picked up The Judge and it looked pretty impressive on paper, paper targets that is. Within just a couple of days I tried it out on a 'Possum, with pitiful results. Actually I had to resort to it's .45 Colt capability to finish what the .410's started. That happened one more time and while dealing with that critter I found myself saying, out loud, "A Louisville Slugger would be more effective."
A couple of weeks later I chased a Raccoon off of our front porch, treed it, then went to shoot it with The Judge. I looked up and seen that the 'Coon was about 20' away, then looked down at The Judge in my hand remembering how it had performed in the not too distant past, before opting to go in & fetch my 20 ga. I sold The Judge shortly thereafter vowing never to get another one.
I kinda broke that vow when I got The Governor, which I am also going to try using on critters, this time with the added help of Crimson Trace grips.
Everytime I think that The Governor might work well at extremely close ranges with .410 loads as a self defense gun, I flash back to my "Louisville Slugger" moment and back off of that idea right away. Especially when I take into account that, with The Judge, I was using 3" 000 buck, which has even more lead going downrange than the 2.5-inchers put out.
My assesment may be totally wrong, but I'm not willing to try doing any "tests" when the chips are down in order to find out. If I had those kind of results on smaller critters I can only guess as to what might happen on bigger critters, critters that might be trying to kill me.
I have had my Governor since January. I have shot .410 loads on the skeet range. Although I didn't hit as many as with my conventional smooth bore, I had a fun time breaking about 15% of the clay targets. At the Indoor range, I have been shooting the .45 ACP loads. The Governor has been remarkably accurate with the .45's.
OldArcher
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ATCTech
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OldArcher, I'm with you and not the naysayers. I don't have a Governor yet, but I have two questions for you about these.
1. Do they still sell them anywhere? I've looked around online and no store has one in stock. I'll have to prowl around all the LGS and Big Box stores in our area... But so far, no luck.
2. How is it shooting the .45ACP. This is a general revolver question really. I've never owned anything with a moon clip and I am wondering how that works. Can you use a speed strip reloader with a revolver that uses moon clips? Or how does it work when you load it by hand and not with a speed loader? I can't imagine carrying a moon clip in pocket with the 6 rounds stuck in it...
I appreciate any feedback you can give me, as I have added the Governor as my newest target for acquisition. Thank you!
ogilvyspecial
Member
I wasn't going to bump this thread up but since it's here
I might as well say something. (Please see post #22)
This past Tuesday, in the wee hours of the a.m., I used my Governor
on a small Possum with the Federal "Self Defense" specific 000 Buck
loads and it took 2 shots at close range to get the job done.
This was a small Possum, once again, at close range, that was standing still.
On top of that there was a local LEO here in his cruiser who lit the Possum up
with his spotlight so I had both hands free, i.e. holding no flashlight, to make
my first shot from 2-3' away (end of barrel to the critter's shoulder/neck area.)
The Possum went down after the first shot so I went back to talking to R,
the LEO, for about 5 minutes before he left. When I went back to dispose of
the Possum I found it walking away, which prompted my second shot,
once again at the same distance. The second shot was effective.
That night I moved The Gov into a back-up role and my Ruger
SP101 (.327 Fed Mag) is now back to primary for critter duty.
I have used a number of different guns, calibers etc. for
critter duty and while the .410 seemed like it would be
the perfect load for this role it has failed to perform..
Note: My Ruger SP101 with .32 S&W Longs
performs just as well as the .410's have.
I'm going to give The Governor one more try for critter duty, this time
using .45 ACP MagSafe rounds to see how effective that is. The best
handgun performance I have experienced, to date, was with a Glock 26
(9mm) using MagSafe ammo. The wound created by the MagSafe
ammo was devastateing and it only took one shot on a very large 'Coon.
With that said, I really like my Governor so I'm not knocking the gun. I
wouldn't have said anything but just the thought of someone stoking their
Governor with .410's thinking they have an effective set-up, if they are relying
solely on .410's, might want to pull the trigger 6 times to increase their
chances of stopping any threat to their, or their loved ones, lives.
I might as well say something. (Please see post #22)
This past Tuesday, in the wee hours of the a.m., I used my Governor
on a small Possum with the Federal "Self Defense" specific 000 Buck
loads and it took 2 shots at close range to get the job done.
This was a small Possum, once again, at close range, that was standing still.
On top of that there was a local LEO here in his cruiser who lit the Possum up
with his spotlight so I had both hands free, i.e. holding no flashlight, to make
my first shot from 2-3' away (end of barrel to the critter's shoulder/neck area.)
The Possum went down after the first shot so I went back to talking to R,
the LEO, for about 5 minutes before he left. When I went back to dispose of
the Possum I found it walking away, which prompted my second shot,
once again at the same distance. The second shot was effective.
That night I moved The Gov into a back-up role and my Ruger
SP101 (.327 Fed Mag) is now back to primary for critter duty.
I have used a number of different guns, calibers etc. for
critter duty and while the .410 seemed like it would be
the perfect load for this role it has failed to perform..
Note: My Ruger SP101 with .32 S&W Longs
performs just as well as the .410's have.
I'm going to give The Governor one more try for critter duty, this time
using .45 ACP MagSafe rounds to see how effective that is. The best
handgun performance I have experienced, to date, was with a Glock 26
(9mm) using MagSafe ammo. The wound created by the MagSafe
ammo was devastateing and it only took one shot on a very large 'Coon.
With that said, I really like my Governor so I'm not knocking the gun. I
wouldn't have said anything but just the thought of someone stoking their
Governor with .410's thinking they have an effective set-up, if they are relying
solely on .410's, might want to pull the trigger 6 times to increase their
chances of stopping any threat to their, or their loved ones, lives.
YankeeWheelgun
Member
Well, that all-black finish and no-snag combat sights are right for a self-defense firearm, and the weight is a good compromise between an all steel gun and one of these airweights.
Of course the body looks a little funny to accomodate that lonnnng cylinder, but there's no denying the versatility of these guys.
For the .410, they do make 000-buck and slugs in the 2.5-inch chambering, I wouldn't want to be shot with those, even from a revolver. And if that's not your preference, you still have both .45ACP and .45LC in a gun that weighs about 14oz less than a steel N-frame.
I haven't bought one yet, but I can see the applications.
Of course the body looks a little funny to accomodate that lonnnng cylinder, but there's no denying the versatility of these guys.
For the .410, they do make 000-buck and slugs in the 2.5-inch chambering, I wouldn't want to be shot with those, even from a revolver. And if that's not your preference, you still have both .45ACP and .45LC in a gun that weighs about 14oz less than a steel N-frame.
I haven't bought one yet, but I can see the applications.
YankeeWheelgun
Member
There are certainly other revolvers that shoot either .45ACP or .45LC, but I can't think of any factory S&W or Rugers off the top of my head that shoot both .45ACP AND .45LC from the factory without changing the cylinder, and most guns that shoot either one weigh 50% more than the Governor (29.6oz empty). Love it or hate it, the Governor does have his selling points.
Colt Commander
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I know what your saying about the possum. But, about two weeks ago I shot a groundhog, I would say about 15 pounds here in PA with a 4 in. stainless M629 and factory .44 mag. winchester 240 gr. JSP's at around 5 yards away right behind the shoulders.
He ran about 20 feet into some underbrush and dropped dead.
He ran about 20 feet into some underbrush and dropped dead.
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halco46
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Governor
One thing GlobalRep, Don`t listen to the lame posers who have never owned/fired a Governor. I`ve been into weapons for 50yrs and have found this gun to be my EDC loaded with 000 Federal Buck. Anybody who doubts the short range {30-40 Ft} power can come and stand in front of the gun. Don`t think I`ll have any takers for the video though. This weapon does exactly what it should and would be a real crowd pleaser in a mob situation in an urban neighborhood. After 2,000 through the gun,mostly .45ACP it`s been Flawless. I`d buy it again.
One thing GlobalRep, Don`t listen to the lame posers who have never owned/fired a Governor. I`ve been into weapons for 50yrs and have found this gun to be my EDC loaded with 000 Federal Buck. Anybody who doubts the short range {30-40 Ft} power can come and stand in front of the gun. Don`t think I`ll have any takers for the video though. This weapon does exactly what it should and would be a real crowd pleaser in a mob situation in an urban neighborhood. After 2,000 through the gun,mostly .45ACP it`s been Flawless. I`d buy it again.
Seriously? That's just about the dumbest "proof" I've ever heard. I don't think you'd get anybody to stand in front of a BB gun either, but that certainly doesn't make it a weapon for eliminating a platoon of ninjas
What did we all do for launching 45acp before the Governor came about? I guess we were in the dark ages
Hey, enjoy the Governor - this is America after all and you're free to spend your money as you see fit. The hard data says that you can't stop a opossum with it, but I know it works good on watermelons and paper targets
Doug M.
Member
The Governor is probably a better implementation of the concept, and with regard to the 45ACP/LC flexibility might be a decent work around. That said, one should read the SWAT magazine test of the Judge. (9/2010) Scathing.
Just because I would not want to get shot with (whatever) does not mean I would want to rely on it as a means of resolving a problem that might kill or harm me or someone I value.
Just because I would not want to get shot with (whatever) does not mean I would want to rely on it as a means of resolving a problem that might kill or harm me or someone I value.
BTS
Member
I look at the Governor as a more affordable 625 that can switch between .45acp and .45 colt on the fly. Very cool and practical, imo.
I don’t have any need/use for .410 shot shell capability, but using a revo for breaking clays sounds like an absolute hoot to me. Never for self defense, mind you; but for fun, you bet.
Factory .45acp for business, handloaded .45 colt and .410 for fun.
I don’t have any need/use for .410 shot shell capability, but using a revo for breaking clays sounds like an absolute hoot to me. Never for self defense, mind you; but for fun, you bet.
Factory .45acp for business, handloaded .45 colt and .410 for fun.
FishyOne
Member
My Governor puts all 4 000 buck pellets on a 9" paper plate at 7 yards. It's a fun gun and very versatile.
halco46
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And SO?
The Governor does work and I`ve Not seen ANY evidence of your so-called "Hard Data" regarding any failures of this weapon. I have one and have spoken to many other owners who love just what it is..A Lethal weapon and a great protection piece.
Seriously? That's just about the dumbest "proof" I've ever heard. I don't think you'd get anybody to stand in front of a BB gun either, but that certainly doesn't make it a weapon for eliminating a platoon of ninjas
What did we all do for launching 45acp before the Governor came about? I guess we were in the dark ages
Hey, enjoy the Governor - this is America after all and you're free to spend your money as you see fit. The hard data says that you can't stop a opossum with it, but I know it works good on watermelons and paper targets
The Governor does work and I`ve Not seen ANY evidence of your so-called "Hard Data" regarding any failures of this weapon. I have one and have spoken to many other owners who love just what it is..A Lethal weapon and a great protection piece.
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vjp
Member
Shot my Guv-ner today...........loved every minute.
mc5aw
Member
Ogy ... You know you can't shoot critters with Zombie rounds ... you need some of them new fangled critter rounds.
ogilvyspecial
Member
Ogy ... You know you can't shoot critters with Zombie rounds ... you need some of them new fangled critter rounds.
Now someone tells me......
Seriously though, I'm hoping that the MagSafe .45 acp rounds will be effective
and allow me a little freedom on taking shots in & around buildings, vehicles
& heavy equipment. If the .45's perform half as good as the 9mm did then I
think I'll be good to go and can get the Governor back into a primary role.
I've tried the .410's with both The Judge & Governor and highly doubt that I'll be
using any .410 rounds out of any gun with such a short bbl. for anything other than "fun time."
This may change if I can find some of those new fangled critter rounds I hear tell about.
To put this into a little perspective.
Over the last 4-5 yr's I've dealt with almost 30 'Coons, 6 Possums, 3 Woodchucks & a Skunk.
While doing so I've used a number of different guns, from 12 ga. to .410 bore & .32 cal to .45 Colt
so it's not like I have nothing to compare effectiveness when it comes to how well something works.
Nobody is more dissapointed in how the .410's have failed to perform but at
least I can say that I tried. More than once and with two different guns..
Stainz
Member
But, Ogy, at 2-3 feet? How could you miss? Oddly, you must have missed - the blast knocked him down - he played 'possum'. It was the wee hours - perhaps you were just sleep deprived/tired. At that distance, the 000 shot hasn't spread much at all - a 'nick' with one ball should have splattered him. Bird shot would likely have done him in at that range... if you hit him.
All of that said, my Governor still has a few .410 rounds I bought for it - that first week - over a year ago. None bought since that first week. To me it is a slightly larger 325 Night Guard (<1.4 oz and 7/8" OAL larger), primarily a .45 ACP launcher. It's over $300 cheaper price was good - better yet, the Night Guards are not in production now - not even in the 2012 S&W catalog. The Governor is it for a bedside .45 ACP revolver. It may be a tad on the ugly side, but it will likely be used in low light - I'll ask the bg what he thinks - afterwards. Also chambering .45 Colt - like the excellent Speer 250gr Gold Dots - is a plus. The beauty is simple, of course... you don't have to buy one - you don't even have to like it, either. It's simply fine - for me - that I did - and still enjoy mine!
Still looking for a good condition Edsel... and Sony BETA video recorder...
Stainz
All of that said, my Governor still has a few .410 rounds I bought for it - that first week - over a year ago. None bought since that first week. To me it is a slightly larger 325 Night Guard (<1.4 oz and 7/8" OAL larger), primarily a .45 ACP launcher. It's over $300 cheaper price was good - better yet, the Night Guards are not in production now - not even in the 2012 S&W catalog. The Governor is it for a bedside .45 ACP revolver. It may be a tad on the ugly side, but it will likely be used in low light - I'll ask the bg what he thinks - afterwards. Also chambering .45 Colt - like the excellent Speer 250gr Gold Dots - is a plus. The beauty is simple, of course... you don't have to buy one - you don't even have to like it, either. It's simply fine - for me - that I did - and still enjoy mine!
Still looking for a good condition Edsel... and Sony BETA video recorder...
Stainz
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I guess I'm suspicious of a device that promises to do everything in one package. Remember the Shopsmith - saw, drill press, lathe? It actually did all those things, but nothing as well as a dedicated tool. The killer was changeover time, and keeping all the parts organized.
What do you do if you're loaded with 410 and have a .45 LC situation? Hmmm, which pocket do I reach? I've shot hundreds of squirrels, never once with a shotgun. A .22 LR or air rifle work just fine. I don't feel compelled to shoot 'possums, raccoons or groundhogs just because I'm carrying a gun. If I see a rattler in time to shoot, I walk around it. 45 ACP was a convenient replacement for 45 LC, which is perfectly serviceable for self defense, and much more suitable in a revolver.
I never bought a Shopsmith either.
What do you do if you're loaded with 410 and have a .45 LC situation? Hmmm, which pocket do I reach? I've shot hundreds of squirrels, never once with a shotgun. A .22 LR or air rifle work just fine. I don't feel compelled to shoot 'possums, raccoons or groundhogs just because I'm carrying a gun. If I see a rattler in time to shoot, I walk around it. 45 ACP was a convenient replacement for 45 LC, which is perfectly serviceable for self defense, and much more suitable in a revolver.
I never bought a Shopsmith either.
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