The Smith and Wesson Governor: Misfit or Misunderstood?

[rwsmith]

People that like them.....

People that like them or have a real use for them think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Personally, i don't like them or need one. Not knocking anybody elses choice.

 

[Gulfecho]

I've joined this debate before and hope this information is helpful. We had a local homicide where a similarly configured judge or governor was used. The weapon caused horrific damage to the victim at close range. It was a one shot stop and instantly fatal with the .410 buckshot round. I have one on my wishlist but it's under some other must haves. As far as a home defense weapon I think it's a good practical choice. A 12 gauge is obviously better but this is compact enough to store and hide and be ready in a moments notice and the big dot sight is certainly a plus. I feel that this would be a great option for my wife when I'm not home. Don't forget about mobility, it would be hard to call 911 while holding a shotgun or rifle. Also many of us aren't trained to clear rooms with long guns and all the other tactical goodness so simplicity is always a good idea.

rickjones - I've quoted your story on several other threads. It is a rare and unique perspective. Thanks for sharing!

 

[CajunBass]

I've never wanted one, but then I've never wanted an AR-15. Others seem to like them, so it's OK with me if they want them.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I think they're pretty neat. I don't understand why people get all weirded out about a revolver that can chamber for buckshot and 45acp. I've personally never liked shooting shotguns or the recoil. And I have no need for one but have on occasion taken care of a few snakes by chambering my 686 with CCI Shotshell (#9).

I like having those kind of options. There are revolvers out there that also chamber in 30-30 and a few other calibers typically meant for rifles. I say why not?

 

[rock doc]

I was wanting a revolver that fired .45 ACP and one that fired .45 Colt, such as a Model 22, 25, or 26, but just try to find one let alone at a reasonable price. Along comes the Governor. That it also fires 410 is a bonus. It resides in my nightstand.

 

[TNZ71]

I was wanting a revolver that fired .45 ACP and one that fired .45 Colt, such as a Model 22, 25, or 26, but just try to find one let alone at a reasonable price. Along comes the Governor. That it also fires 410 is a bonus. It resides in my nightstand.

Valid point

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

Record for 2016..4 possums, 3 coons, too many snakes to count. 10 happy, contented hens. No less than a half dozen big eggs that a jumbo carton won't close on, a day. My wife is the hen house protector. Bother her old girls at your peril.

 

[rock doc]

Record for 2016..4 possums, 3 coons, too many snakes to count. 10 happy, contented hens. No less than a half dozen big eggs that a jumbo carton won't close on, a day. My wife is the hen house protector. Bother her old girls at your peril.

Way to go. The only critter I dispatched was a rabid rabbit with a .410 SD load in my backyard.


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[Gripgrabber]

Need&want could apply, I just need to add FUN to the equation, I love mine, and I love moon clips and 410 shells, add some whiskey and an old dog and you have a county western song!
Mine is most accurate with any ACP around, and has a great trigger out of the box. Name a handgun that can carry 3 different type bullets at the same time!
SEMPER PARATUS

 

[CDR_Glock]

If I were to pick between the Judge and Governor, I'd pick the Governor because of the S&W trigger action and the extra capacity.

I'm a shotgun guy. I'm a revolver guy. I am a Magnum guy. I'm a 45 ACP guy.

But...I am not a fan of this particular platform. Whenever something is combined, it doesn't necessarily do all things well or very good for that matter. I prefer longer barrels for 45 Colt or 45 ACP. Mainly because I like to shoot out to 50 yards. I prefer a 00 shotgun over 410. There are just so many options for SD/HD that are better. Even a smaller caliber shotgun such as a 20 gauge.

Many of my novice friends, think of these as their first choice. I convince them otherwise.

But as it goes, if there's an itch, scratch it. If you want it, then get it.


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[wadcutter1]

I don't own one, but it seems to me to be a very versatile and fun revolver. Nothing wrong with a revolver that can serve as a good defensive platform and be used for shooting pigeon in the barn.

Also, the 410 defense round seem to be a decent choice for those concerned about over penetration. I'm not a fan of some of the special, bordering on gimmicky, defense rounds but something like the the Winchester Super X 000 buck is must be pretty damn effective.


Ballistic Gelatin Results

 

[DD357]

Were I to use one for SD I would choose a 45LC load; the thing is I'd rather have a 25 at that point.

 

[Rivoak]

I own a Raging Judge Magnum. People can call it ugly or unwieldy. They can insult its momma, it's heritage or "funny" looks. They can say it is anemic, lame or weak. They can then beat their chests and brag about how much greater, smaller, more practical, or prettier their little bitty 9mm is. They can call it a joke or gimmick, but I can tell you, if you decide to jack a truck or break into a house with anybody having a .410 shotshell pistol, you are going to be hurt.

I am constantly amused by the number of opinions offered by people on guns they have never owned, shot or even seen in anything but a picture. Not intending to insult anybody here, but you can't find anybody more opinionated than gun owners. Then I find it equally interesting how offended people who know the facts get by the blind opinions of others. A Raging Judge for instance can be loaded to shoot anything from a rat to a brown bear since it also accepts 454 Casull.

Maybe it's ugly as sin. Maybe it's not practical or looks fat. Maybe I look stupid slogging it around on a belt holster. One of my high school girlfriends looked stupid and ugly, but just like my Raging Judge, if you messed with her, you were going to get hurt.



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[yep380]

I don't own one, but I like the concept.

 

[686-380]

I carry one, in my conceal carry vest. My bedside gun is a suppressed FiveseveN.

One of the features I appreciate is it just looks BAD. If I'm ever forced to draw, I'm hoping the perpetrator cuts and runs.

If not, my first shot is Winchester PDX1 or the Hornady equivalent (which actually tested better for me in ballistic gelatin). The rest are followed by .45LC

 

[muddocktor]

Neither the Governor or the Judge are my cup of tea, but I can see why they might appeal to some folks. And as far as a self defense gun for the house, I imagine that you will put the buckshot from a .410 shot out of it into whatever you were aiming at inside 30 feet or so range inside your home. So to me that makes for a pretty potent house defense weapon that is pretty handy to handle inside the home; much handier handling than a shotgun, for instance.

 

[Laketime]

Not to knock the gun or those who own one.But this is the one and only Smith & Wesson revolver that I would trade or sell if gifted to me.

 

[comiskeybum]

Love mine. Only had it two weeks but I'm in total love with it. I can drive nails with 45LC with this thing and the ACP is great for range costs.

I have mine staged with two rounds of critical defense 410 triple defense, then 45LC to finish off the threat.

It does fit a niche or it wouldn't exist.

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[comiskeybum]

Misfit , its a gun that does a couple things good , but none of them great.

How do you figure?

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[Golddollar]

I have a Governor and it has one of the smoothest actions I've seen on a production gun. I have a post under the Governor thread under the self-defense section for that has a target attached from shooting Ultramax .45 Colt cowboy loads. The center rings are pretty torn out. It was two hands at about 7 yards but I was really impressed. It's a keeper to me.