The S&W GOV

[ogilvyspecial]

I was watching "Billy the Exterminator" the other day and thought that the Governor, Judge, et al, would be good for pest control...snakes, mice & such. Anyone get one of these revolvers just for taking out varmints?

I did, but the varmints I was after were a little bit bigger than the ones you mentioned above.

I related some of my experiences with a Judge in this thread.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/204315-governor-410-loads-2.html

If I were going to use a .410 for smaller varmints I would personally opt for the easier to carry Derringer options available. By doing so there would be a much better chance that I would have it on me when needed.....

 

[GeorgiaShooter]

JimK62,
The more you shoot your Governor and experiment with different loads, the more you're going to like it. For 410 defense loads I settled on Federal Handgun 410 000 Buck which groups very well out to 30 feet and beyond. In 45 Colt my Governor likes Speer Gold Dots and Winchester PDX1. In 45 acp it shoots Federal 230 grn HST very accurately. This is such a fun revolver that every friend whom I let shoot it wants one now. Have fun with yours.

Your videos helped me decide to buy one. I also liked the federal 000 buck best of all out there. Even the rem HD 00 buck could not perform like the fed. And the PDX1 just like you said has issues with the BBs beyond a point. 45 acp very accurate for me. Loving the gun and thanks for all your help. Best videos on youtube for this gun and ammo are yours. IMO

 

[gumpys]

I think they are cool but can not come to pulling the trigger on buying one, since I think they are so damn ugly and also would prefer stainless.
Eric

 

[TexAg]

I was watching "Billy the Exterminator" the other day and thought that the Governor, Judge, et al, would be good for pest control...snakes, mice & such. The .410 would seem to be much more effective than a regular handgun caliber shotshell. I haven't handled a Gov. yet, but did look at a friend's Judge and was surprised at the balance...handles nice. Anyone get one of these revolvers just for taking out varmints?

I've been thinking about it for rats in my barn! .45 and .38 shot shells only work about half the time. I think a .410 payload would be just about right without being excessive.