Blasphemy to many...but a welcome tool to the shed for me.

Status
Not open for further replies.
I think if the S&W Governor had come out before the Taurus Judge, the .410 in a revolver would be more acceptable to its most ardent critics.

Besides that, I like the combo in post 29. Like the 22lr, the .410 is nothing to sneeze at.
 
Dont get me wrong, I like the gun and honestly I want one. Its very versatile and any pistol that will shoot several different calibers intrigues me. I just think that a lot of people are over estimating the power of the 410. There is no doubt that it would be effective at 5-7 yards from a snub but at greater distances (not much greater either) it will not work as well.
 
I can respect someone having a different opion. All you have to do is state your opinion of the efficacy of the op's choice with some reasoning. Calling him 'out of his mind' is uncalled for. It leads me to believe that you are out of your mind for not being able to tolerate someone's differing opinion.

Supposedly we are adults on this forum and can disagree without personal attacks.
Click to expand...

Exactly! Those kinds of remarks are very low road and are uncalled for!!
 
I think if the S&W Governor had come out before the Taurus Judge, the .410 in a revolver would be more acceptable to its most ardent critics.
Click to expand...

EeeeZackly!!!

I'd like to have one of those Governors for a around the barn/camping gun. A critter blaster.
Click to expand...

Even my short barreled Public Defender Poly produces a great group with #7 1/2 shot @ 10-15 feet. It would really ruin the day for one of those hairless tailed, or slithery critters hanging around the barn!
 
Dragline45: "If you are talking about use of shotshells for close quarters defense you are out of your mind."

I can respect someone having a different opion. All you have to do is state your opinion of the efficacy of the op's choice with some reasoning. Calling him 'out of his mind' is uncalled for. It leads me to believe that you are out of your mind for not being able to tolerate someone's differing opinion.

Supposedly we are adults on this forum and can disagree without personal attacks.
Click to expand...

You cant be serious, if something like that offends you good luck in the real world.
 
Congrats on the gun, if youre happy that's what matters. Read up on then.410 tho. Hickok tried shooting the judge and it wouldn't go through AC ducting.
 
Actually Ramitone...

In the vid I watched from Hickok45 the birdshot didn't punch through the duct work,but the buckshot loads didn't seem to have too much trouble and slapped through both sides.
 
Tell you what Taktical...

Pick up the Smith&Wesson Governor,and then do a few tests with the buckshot load I've mentioned,and you can see for yourself.
 
Pfletch, I'm just glad to see you bought the Smith rather than a Taurus. I won't weigh in on the battle that is ensuing other that to say that I won't be volunteering to be shot with a .410 load of buckshot regardless of the experts opinions that it won't slay a runt field mouse:rolleyes:.
 
Wow! So much negativity directed at a great firearm. And largely generated by people that don’t seem to own one. Why haven’t the firepower pundits shown up on the NAA mini thread? If you are that critical of .45 ACP, .45LC, and .410, the 22mag discussion should have you slapping babies and kicking dogs.

For some reason the Governor seems to bug a lot of people. Not sure why since there’s a lot to like. Let me throw out a few thoughts for consideration by the arm chair analysts, by someone who actually owns one.

1. The Governor is built on the L frame. For my medium size hands it is the perfect vehicle for the .45 ACP round. The N frame has always been a little too big for me. The grip size (I have the Crimson Trace grips) is perfect.

2. I’ve been quite amazed with the accuracy with .45ACP and .410 self-defense loads. I’ve been able to keep everything tightly grouped at 30’ with regularity. And that’s shooting it double action. I don’t see much sense in single action practice with a SD weapon.

3. While the gun looks ungainly at first view, I’ve really come to appreciate its design. The extra weight in the front seems to do a nice job of controlling muzzle rise. It’s the easiest revolver I’ve ever shot to get back on target.

4. The weight of the Governor is about perfect for me. Having a scandium frame keeps the weight low enough to carry but large enough to absorb the recoil. All of my N frames were much, much heavier and no fun to carry.

5. The price of the Governor is very low compared to what it offers. Have you looked at the prices of a 625 lately? The Governor gives you a scandium frame, Tritium front sight, great black finish, and three caliber choices.

6. The fit, finish and reliability are first rate. I have had no issues with any of the various loads I’ve run through it. I have yet to try the .45LC but that’s next on the list.

7. It’s just plain fun. It’s a hoot to shoot and makes range time something to look forward to. Over the last year its always the first one I grab when I’m loading the range bag.

I could go on but I think you get the idea. If you don’t own one or haven’t shot one extensively you really don’t know what you’re missing. If you are a revolver guy at all, you really should consider adding one to your collection. And while I don’t currently use it in a home defense or carry role, I wouldn’t hesitate to do so. For me, the .45ACP accuracy and its overall shootability gives me the confidence that it would work well if needed.
 
I don't know how far you can get good patterns but it seems to me that the Federal 4 pellet buckshot load with each .36 cal pellet at 850 fps would be a lot like four shots from an 1851 Navy in terms of terminal effect.
 
ill admit that i never cared much for the .410 shot shell. it didnt seem to have much stopping power compared to my 12gauge. Then my dad bought a taurus judge. ill say i was impress with the heavyer loads. i live in a appartment and from what i saw id feel safe with a judge/govner as a nightstand firearm. in nebraska to get a shotgun less than 18inchs you need a SBS stamp. the judge/govner may just be a good middle ground. HD shotguns hold on avarge 6-8rounds, judge/govner holds 6rounds. it can be loaded faster that a pump shotgun. you also have 2(3) typs of ammo to chooser from. it cant be all bad as a home defense weapion at normal room distances.
 
I'll stick with my novelty purchase

8 round S&W N frame .357 mag

DA5005C4-A444-4FAC-B705-11F9053584B4-792-000000A8B28E9240.jpg



Those dents are 00 buck from an 18" saiga.
The 357 sig punched through all three sheets with no problem. 9mm came close.

E6375BC2-1B68-4039-B746-9BF821833213-5306-00000816870D8A11.jpg


Ref
http://intrencik.com/357sig.htm
 
Last edited:
I'm also a big fan of most all S&W revolvers. Especially the N and K frames.

But in all fairness, I wonder what the holes would look like had you shot the same target with the .45 ACP or 45LC out of the Gov.
 
I've shot the Taurus model with both buck shot and .45 LC "Cowboy" loads on our farm here in KY...two years ago...

Federal buck shot loads failed to penetrate 1" (20 yr old) poplar fence boards used as a target....and at a range of 15 feet. The spread was 4".

.45 LC 255 gr "Cowboy" loads keyholed at the same distance...albeit in a 3" group.

I'm underwhelmed by the Taurus, and suspect the S&W is more of the same. If you want a defensive handgun, buy a quality gun, from a reputable manufacturer and learn to use it. The "shotgun" handguns are not in the same league. If you're buying one of these gimmick guns with the thought that the "pattern" is going to make aiming easier at defense distances, you need to do some testing.

As a snake gun, for fishing or just for fun on an outdoor range, I suppose they have their uses...for defense, in the real world, get a real handgun or better yet, a shotgun!

JMHO, Rod
 
Shortwave

I posted the link as a reference, I am not the author of that link, he does go into detail with some other round. Just found it interesting. Mostly wanted to point out the buck with an 18" barrel didn't do much. Obviously flesh isn't steel tho (:
 
I think if the S&W Governor had come out before the Taurus Judge, the .410 in a revolver would be more acceptable to its most ardent critics.
Click to expand...

IDK... the judge has been accepted quite well compared to the original thunder5 which afaik was largely ignored. only time I've every seen one was in robocop 3. I give taurus credit they proved marketing CAN make a difference in the demand for a firearm.

besides the whole shotgun thing honestly I think most people are drawn to the judge/gov because of how long and large the cylinder is. In novice minds size=power and they look like top dog only losing out the the S&W X-frame.

The Governor is built on the L frame. For my medium size hands it is the perfect vehicle for the .45 ACP round. The N frame has always been a little too big for me.
Click to expand...
Are you sure on that? I am pretty positive the Gov is a elongated N-frame revolver. An L frame would be to small to fit 6 .45 caliber holes.

Basically there are two camps here, those who think .410 is a GREAT SD round and those who prefer a proven pistol round from a proven weapon. Neither seem to bend in their opinions. I personally think there are better options out there but hey if its what u want go for it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top