Opinions on the S&W Governor

People are learning to make decisions for themselves by actually shooting these guns instead of reading articles posted by opinionated people, most of whom have never even held one in their hand much less shot one. And undoubtably just as I do, they like they way they perform and have fun shooting them.
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It's getting old that people hold an opinion based on what they read, mostly online. I've shot a few Judge's up to 7 yards with Colt 45s "My" groups were pretty good for the fact I never shot one before that.
 
I've shot the Judge revolver, and was fairly unimpressed with both the LC and .410. OTOH, I have had a great deal of fun with the Circuit Judge carbine version. Even been able to bust a few clay pigeons with it - and I do mean a few vs. tons with 12 and 20 ga.
 
I am a previous and future gun buyer, and pretty well educated, and not just in handguns. The reason for the poor sales of the thunder five was because of it's construction and lack of decent ammunition at that point in time, and nothing more. It's construction was less than desireable and problems from poor cylider locking mechanics to timming issues were some of a list of problems it had not to mention no real choice for ammo in the .410 rnd like is offered today. The new SD rnds in the .410 ARE effective and if you don't believe so, I hope you never end up on the wrong end of one. These imrovements in ammunition and the newer guns that fire them along with the EDUCATED gun buyers of today taking the initiative to shoot said guns and form opinions and make decisions for themselves instead of some crap they read on a blog by someone who most likely has not even fired one, is the reason for their huge success. And even out of the ones that actually have shot them that write or post negative comments, it's just amazing how so few of those consider their opinions to be fact agaist the far greater owner/ shooters that find them to mostly be " what they are cracked up to be". Carefull, refering to the potential gun buyers of today as less educated than those of the latter times may offend some people.
 
Not sure how I would personally feel about buying one. Probably not over a 625, I think I'd just save longer. Love to hear someone's comparison.

However, even though they are not for me, the Gov and Judge do seem to have a real use. Every real ballistics test I have seen with some of the newly designed self defense .410 loads has been impressive. Certainly impressive enough to cause more than just a bad day if you were on the wrong end. I would personally rather have one of these to protect myself in my home than a 380.

In my opinion, people talking down this type of gun need to re-evaluate. Would I buy one? No. Are there better solutions? Probably. Are there worse solutions? Most definitely.

They may be a bit novelty, but they work. They are also laughing all the way to the bank as they certainly seem to sell well.
 
I own a Judge (or better yet my wife owns a Judge) It is not a bad pistol, it gets a lot of attention at the range but I would not trust my life to it.
 
My Judge when I first got it would not lock in to single action. If you pulled the hammer back it would fire a round when you let go of the hammer. I sent the Judge to Taurus and they took a long time to do any thing. After several calls I finally got the gun back and it was a completely new gun (different #s) It works well most of the time but occasionally the cylinder locks up. The other issues is that it is some times hard to eject 410 rounds that have ribbed (I think that is the word) plastic, smooth plastic does not have issues ejecting.

I dont know if any of these issues will apply to the S&W Governor.
 
Am aware of one incident where a convenience store owner armed with a Judge shot a robber, the perp was stopped immediately and later died.

Also aware of a wheelchair gent who carries a Judge.

Have shot the Judge at CCW distances and they are accurate...wouldn't want to get in the way of any 000 buck...which is what the Governor and Judge do best. Decent bedroom defense option.

Would not buy a Governor or the rumored new 45 ACP Judge to shoot 45 ACP tho, the S&W 625 does that better.
 
Another Possible Revolver Entry...?

Looks like these will "eventually" come to market making for another selection in this very limited and apparent niche arena (in .40, .45ACP, 9mm and 380)--if and when it happens it sure would be nice:):

http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/CARR.html

*Edited to add that I was/am looking at the Governor solely as a .45acp vehicle (the 45LC&410 are just along for the ride personally speaking).

Obvious consensus of the thread is the 625 for .45acp (if the Charter stuff ever materializes it might diversify the options).

-Cheers
 
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I'm sure the Judge works if you shoot at someone some of the time. However, the consensus is clear that it is not the superweapon claimed by some and that folks who know handguns think there are much better choices.

If some naive soul uses it to defend themselves because they bought it based on the watermelon killer rep - well, that's for the good.

I'd rather take the naive soul and teach them to shoot a better gun.
 
I was watching the new NBC Sports Channel (formerly Versus) and they had a shooting related show (can't recall the specific name, maybe Impossible Shots) and I noticed that the Legendary speed-shooter Jerry Miculek uses a S&W Model 625 to compete against guys using semis and he actually beats them! His ability to seamlessly use moonclips with his revolver and rapidly shoot in an ABSOLUTELY unbelievable and methodical manner is priceless and a MUST-SEE if you guys have not seen any of his matches. His 625 is tricked-out to the max and he must have thousands invested in his 625 arsenal. Not to be redundant, but do yourself a favor and watch some video of him taking on the semi guys--you will be glad you did! In fact, I don't buy many DVD with all of the streaming and downloads available today, but I think I will google this and see if his match videos are on the market.

-Cheers
 
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