Sort of morbid, but I am curious....

[Wise_A]

First off, you can't really equate the total mass of the shot with a single projectile of the same mass. The ballistics and terminal effects are not the same.

A lot of people think of shotguns and shot in general as requiring less aim due to spread. I would suggest exactly the opposite, the spread requires you to make a very precise, center hit in order to keep as much of the payload as possible on-target.

In terms of efficacy, I will defer to my standard position--getting shot sucks. With regards to intimidation factor (a valid concern), I hold that a predator isn't concerned with what the prey is equipped with. What he is concerned about is the willingness and preparedness to use that equipment.

The one example of a Governor I've seen in action wasn't a very good example of a Smith and Wesson at all, but that's all I've seen--one example.

I would feel much more comfortable with a conventional pistol cartridge. .38 Spl, .357, .45 ACP--anything in that range. .45 Colt is an overlooked cartridge, but the size makes it difficult for most people to conceal compared to other options.

 

[Inusuit]

Here's December 2014 local incident involving a Taurus Judge. Silent about the ammunition, but it was a one shot stop.

UPDATE: Cheyenne Pharmacist Shoots Robbery Suspect
Pharmacist won't be charged in shooting | News | wyomingnews.com

 

[Stopsign32v]

Here's December 2014 local incident involving a Taurus Judge. Silent about the ammunition, but it was a one shot stop.

UPDATE: Cheyenne Pharmacist Shoots Robbery Suspect
Pharmacist won't be charged in shooting | News | wyomingnews.com

It didn't say he died and of course 1 shot is going to stop when the bad guy has a squirt gun.

 

[Muss Muggins]

If someone breaks into my house I'm at right to use deadly force in my state. I have 3 inside dogs the perp would have to deal with before me. If he still continues he WILL end up with lead in him.

With my shotgun slung I can still turn lights on while keeping it pointed down range, open doors, etc. However in the situation I do not plan to go through the house looking for an altercation.

Grab shotgun, sling it, chamber round, tell wife to call 911, get children in room with us (they are across hall), and lock us in the room with barrel pointed at the door until police arrive. Nothing I own is worth leaving my family without me so my most valuable items will stay safe with me until help arrives.

Also if somehow an intruder grabs my shotgun and we struggle he cannot physically point it at me due to the sling. A pistol can be removed from you and used on you and your family. A pistol is a good weapon to use until you can get to a long gun.

Your way isn't the wrong way, just a different way. It might work better for you, I'm not in position to see it will or wont. Just voicing my way.

Oh and I have absolutely 0 concern with over penetration in my situation. More holes to leak so 0buck works

Most people don't, and never will, understand the speed at which these things unfold. My guess is you'll be running down the hallway with a bunch of tangled ballistic nylon dangling at your feet. You have more time than I do if you're going to load out with a three point shotgun sling, but hey, as Grandma Muggins always said, "There's a lid for every pot."

Good luck with that . . .

 

[okiegtrider]

Years ago, I saw a man who'd been shot with one round .410, three 00 pellets in a diagonal line across his chest. Not from a revolver, but one of those .410/.45 derringers. Range about 10', maybe less. Was pretty quickly fatal.

 

[Buford57]

Since this has devolved from a request for documented use of a given gun & load combination into the standard "1,000 ISIS fighters are between you and the 7-11...are you carrying enough ammo to defeat them single-handedly?/My gun's better than your gun" discussion...I never leave home without an M-60 and at least 3 belts of ammo. If I'm going farther than the corner store I include a LAW rocket and a dozen frag grenades.

Dang it, Zuckerberg, I'm still waiting for that sarcasm font!

 

[Muss Muggins]

Since this has devolved from a request for documented use of a given gun & load combination into the standard "1,000 ISIS fighters are between you and the 7-11...are you carrying enough ammo to defeat them single-handedly?/My gun's better than your gun" discussion...I never leave home without an M-60 and at least 3 belts of ammo. If I'm going farther than the corner store I include a LAW rocket and a dozen frag grenades.

Dang it, Zuckerberg, I'm still waiting for that sarcasm font!

I thought we only went as far as home invasions, which kinda became the topic after the Denver incident was posted, but I could be wrong.

 

[Muss Muggins]

The one example of a Governor I've seen in action wasn't a very good example of a Smith and Wesson at all, but that's all I've seen--one example.

I would feel much more comfortable with a conventional pistol cartridge. .38 Spl, .357, .45 ACP--anything in that range. .45 Colt is an overlooked cartridge, but the size makes it difficult for most people to conceal compared to other options.

You do know that the Governor fires both those cartridges, right? In the same cylinder, with a .410 slug in between if you stage the two round .45 ACP moon clips correctly . . .

 

[okiegtrider]

Since this has devolved from a request for documented use of a given gun & load combination into the standard "1,000 ISIS fighters are between you and the 7-11...are you carrying enough ammo to defeat them single-handedly?/My gun's better than your gun" discussion...I never leave home without an M-60 and at least 3 belts of ammo. If I'm going farther than the corner store I include a LAW rocket and a dozen frag grenades.

Dang it, Zuckerberg, I'm still waiting for that sarcasm font!

I tried to save it Buford, honest.

 

[Stopsign32v]

Most people don't, and never will, understand the speed at which these things unfold. My guess is you'll be running down the hallway with a bunch of tangled ballistic nylon dangling at your feet. You have more time than I do if you're going to load out with a three point shotgun sling, but hey, as Grandma Muggins always said, "There's a lid for every pot."

Good luck with that . . .

It literally takes me an extra second to throw the sling over my shoulder, another second to pull it tight. It's not like I'm putting on gear and vests...come on.

Don't agree with my way? Fine. But no need to assume and poke fun at how you think I'd fail or make some snarky remark about what your grandmother said. Lost a bit of respect there...

 

[Mulebuk Sam]

I'd like to know more about your process for determining from one member's single statement that he'd prefer an 8-shot .357 over your personal preference that he's simply "parroting"; that's impressive inference, if correct.


Originally Posted by eveled
If it has to be a wheel gun. An 8 shot .357 revolver makes a lot more sense to me in any scenario than the Governor.

I read it like he's saying it's better, maybe you have a different interpretation than I do.
As far as self-defense goes, I'll simply say what ever you think works for you. Note those words 'thinks works'.

I've been robbed, beaten, assaulted and held hostage at the end of a rifle. I know all about the thugs, the criminal element, the mentally ill, the drunks and the druggies out here. And the odds are we never see it coming.

I never did and I was a lot younger than I am today.
I'm only still alive because I had a keen sense of situational awareness. And if and when it comes again it will most likely be as it always was, up close and personal. And I'll be on the ground before I know what hit me.

And it's no longer just limited to being out on the streets it can happen anywhere and it is. We had a young gal follow an older gal into a local grocery store and she stab her multiple times in one of the isles killing her. She told the cops three different stories but the bottom line is she was crazier than hoot owl.

Use what ever you think works for you but don't try and paint a picture that what someone else uses is wrong because you can't grasp it.

I got 2 cans of pepper spray, a rape whistle and of course BIG Hoss.

 

[Ranger514]

Why would anyone feel under gunned with a revolver that carries a combination of .410 defensive loads and .45 LC, not to mention handy clips of .45 ACP for reloads? No, I don't own one, but the Governor strikes me as being a reasonable alternative for some folks needing a quality utility firearm that covers a lot of bases.

 

[hkcavalier]

No gun is a bad choice if you can hit your target. Mossad killed a lot of guys back in the day with silenced .22s, for example. All the positive ballistics studies and tremendous muzzle energy mean nothing if you miss!

I personally like to have more chances so a Glock 34 with a 19rnd mag and a spare of the same resides in my bedroom. When there's something that elevates the risk of "trouble" e.g. a power outage I put a 9 shot Mossy 500 w/ a Streamlight by the bed.

Governor seems like a very good choice but wouldn't be my first or even in my top 5.

 

[Wise_A]

You do know that the Governor fires both those cartridges, right? In the same cylinder, with a .410 slug in between if you stage the two round .45 ACP moon clips correctly . . .

I'm gonna presume you think I'm stupid, and not that you're trying to be intentionally condescending. So:

Yes, I do. But it's pretty clear that a lot of the thread revolves (ha!) around the use of various .410 loads.

 

[eveled]

That's because you can't grasp the concept. The Governor is in fact the ultimate defensive weapon, it takes it's cue from the snub nose and revolutionizing it's capabilities. Defensive is measured in feet not yards and that average encounter is under 15.

And we don't use our sights we learn to point shoot.
S&W hit a grand slam when they took it even further than Taurus did or could.

LOL! Are you serious? My dislike for .410 revolvers, is not from a lack of intelligence. Just because I didn't drink the Kool-Aid doesn't mean I can't grasp the concept.

I'm just guessing here, but I think the "gun expert" at CabelasMountainProShop convinced you a .410 revolver was the hands down greatest gun ever made. Now you feel the need to defend your purchase.

Don't get me wrong I think they are fine guns, they fill a nitch for some folks, but I don't think they are the end all do it all that you think they are.

 

[Stopsign32v]

LOL! Are you serious? My dislike for .410 revolvers, is not from a lack of intelligence. Just because I didn't drink the Kool-Aid doesn't mean I can't grasp the concept.

I'm just guessing here, but I think the "gun expert" at CabelasMountainProShop convinced you a .410 revolver was the hands down greatest gun ever made. Now you feel the need to defend your purchase.

Don't get me wrong I think they are fine guns, they fill a nitch for some folks, but I don't think they are the end all do it all that you think they are.

I think they are a terrible gun. They were an answer to a problem that didn't exist. They do absolutely nothing something else cant do better. There are better 45 colt options out there. A 20ga shotgun would be better than it in .410 configuration. They are huge and nose heavy. If they were the cat's meow they would be more popular in the gun hobby. I think the only reason they are still around is because what you said. Bill and his wife which know nothing about guns walk into Cabelas to get a home defense gun. The salesman says "Sir! Would you look at this pistol....you can shoot both shotgun AND pistol caliber out of it! Could there be a better option?" and Bill and his wife leave with a firearm they feel is equal to the invention of the Swiss army knife.

 

[Mulebuk Sam]

I think they are a terrible gun. They were an answer to a problem that didn't exist. They do absolutely nothing something else cant do better.

But it does exist you just don't realize it. Especially you people who live rural that can actually go off into the boonies to shoot or on BLM land.
In case you haven't been paying attention to what is happening in this country they are shutting down outdoor ranges, we've lost several in my State alone over the last several years, we now have no more public ranges. I belong to a private gun club where if I wanted to I can even shoot full auto, with prior permission but we do have the permits.

And the neighbors can't shut us down because we are chartered into the town, but they keep trying.
The point is, a good many people simply have no where to shoot and practice with a shotgun or rifle.

I can take my Governor to an indoor range. And when you talk about others being better sure there is, but you'll have to carry more than one.

The Governor's concept is for up close, personal social work and it's great for those who really are not gun people and never will be. Excellent .410 defensive loads out now in Hornady and the Winchester PDX1 to name a few.

And Leigh Defensive makes a a devastating LC round of a couple varieties.
And the options of what we can shoot in the Governor no one can come close. We can shoot the .410 bore shot-shell and 4 different variety's of .45 caliber cartridges.

 

[Stopsign32v]

A shotgun is not a 50cal full auto that you need to practice with weekly be able to shoot it. In fact the shotgun is so popular because of just that! I can assure you the .410/45 colt revolver has a MUCH steeper learning curve over say a youth 20ga that would be hands and feet a better option for home defense.

The Governor is a good novelty gun

 

[686-380]

shotguns are overkill

A shotgun is not a 50cal full auto that you need to practice with weekly be able to shoot it. In fact the shotgun is so popular because of just that! I can assure you the .410/45 colt revolver has a MUCH steeper learning curve over say a youth 20ga that would be hands and feet a better option for home defense.

The Governor is a good novelty gun

I disagree, regarding the learning curve of revolvers vs. shotguns. There's no doubt shotguns are popular. Where the "novelty gun" surpasses a 20ga is the versatilty - It won't necessarily be lethal, unless you follow up with .45LC.

 

[Stopsign32v]

I disagree, regarding the learning curve of revolvers vs. shotguns. There's no doubt shotguns are popular. Where the "novelty gun" surpasses a 20ga is the versatilty - It won't necessarily be lethal, unless you follow up with .45LC.

The recoil out of a snub nose 45 colt or .410 is substantial. The recoil of a 20ga is minimal. If you take anyone that doesn't shoot they will pick up the 20ga and be much better with it out of the gate and have more confidence in the weapon and themselves. Revolvers are not the easiest things to learn to shoot good in DA. Throw in a heavy recoil and heavy gun in general and it makes it that much worse.

It's cool that it shoots both a shotgun round and 45 colt, I'd enjoy shooting it at the range...but that's about it. When it comes to serious time I'm betting my life one a firearm that is designed better for that purpose.