S&w governor reviews?

Belve · October 2, 2012, 07:17 AM

s&w governor reviews? Just wondering if anyone has one and what their experience is with them

totaldla · October 2, 2012, 09:20 AM

Don't waste your money on this toy.

comn-cents · October 2, 2012, 09:25 AM

I think it is a great concept. S&W makes quality guns, now you get 3 choices in one. I got to shoot one a few months back, shot all 3 choices in ammo without any issues. I may buy one, sooner rather than later.

wayneinFL · October 2, 2012, 11:44 AM

It's neat, and they're well made guns, but I have no idea what I would actually use it for.

kdrf636 · October 3, 2012, 01:52 PM

When loaded with .410 snake shot, it should be good for that.

LockedBreech · October 3, 2012, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by totaldla

Don't waste your money on this toy.

I don't like the multi-cal revolvers either, but the OP wants reviews from users...

Webleymkv · October 3, 2012, 02:05 PM

First and foremost, I've not fired a Judge, Governor, or any other .45/.410 revolver as I'm not particularly interested in the shotgun/revolver concept. That being said, if I were in the market for such a gun I'd probably lean towards the Governor over the other available options because of the Governor's ability to use .45 ACP ammo, the six-shot cylinder as opposed to the competition's five, and S&W's excellent level of customer service.

stolivar · October 3, 2012, 08:47 PM

shoots the federal 0000 nice and tight all the way out to 20 yards. shoots 12 inch gongs at 100 yards with no problem with 45 acp.

love it

wayneinFL · October 4, 2012, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Snake gun
When loaded with .410 snake shot, it should be good for that.

I don't shoot snakes. If I wanted to shoot snakes, I could use a 38 with shotshells, and it would fit in my pocket.

kdrf636 · October 4, 2012, 09:42 AM

Quote:

If I wanted to shoot snakes, I could use a 38 with shotshells, and it would fit in my pocket.

Then what's the point of the Governor? It's still not as versatile as the .38/.357 platform, and there are much better ways to introduce a .45acp round to your target if that's your caliber of choice. The 45lc is apparently just a nostalgic round these days with plenty of single action platforms but few double action ones. And the .410? Well, I was surprised to hear they even still made that round it's been so long since I've seen one.

comn-cents · October 4, 2012, 09:55 AM

kdrf636 "It's still not as versatile as the .38/.357 platform"

How is it not as versatile?

It is by far more versatile, 3 different rounds. If I were hunting and had a choice between 357 or 45 I'd take the 45. If it was for self-defense I would go with 45acp and full moon clips for faster reloads than 38/357. 38 shot shells or 410.

EdInk · October 4, 2012, 10:21 AM

I have not shot this particular gun but based on handling it in the store it seems more refined than the Taurus, which is typical when comparing the two brands. The S&W costs significantly more money though. The extra round is nice but not a huge deal. The ability to shoot .45acp is useful for making target practice less expensive because of easily available factory ammo.

IMHO the .410/.45 revolvers are somewhat like a Leatherman multi-tool. It's not the best tool for any particular situation but it has a tool for everything in one simple package. A real (fill in the blank) is better than the one on the multi-tool. However, you have to lug around a single version of everything and possibly not end up even using it and it takes up alot of space.

That said, I can imagine them being useful/practical in certain survival scenarios because of the advantages of the "all calibers in one" platform. The ability to carry one gun saves weight and space. The .410 can be used with birdshot for collecting small game animals or killing vermin. The .45LC if loaded properly can be used for protection against or hunt anything smaller than 500lbs. The .45acp is good for defense against humans (although the .45LC will do just as well if not better) and can be reloaded quicker than the rimmed bcause of the use of moonclips. Plus, it is a more common caliber than the rest and would be easier to locate if your own supply of ammo runs out.

So, that's my .02 about them.

gak · October 4, 2012, 11:30 AM

Edlnk - a good sum up. Wayneinfla - actually you've got more critters down there in Florida that could use a dose especially of the .410 aspect of this - including a major invasive species problem and more than a few unwanted gators I hear! (Well maybe a 12 gauge needed for some of those!). I'd think the Governor (and Judge) would sell like gangbusters to Floridians especially, as a sidearm for fishing and tromping as powerful water moccassin and rattler medicine. .410 is .357 or .44 snakeshot gone one better, then doubling for SD with either of the .45s as mentioned. Regarding SD/HD, not sure a face-full of .410 chambered as first round wouldn t be an effective greeting for an intruder.

BOBA FETT · October 7, 2012, 11:09 AM

i had one and fired it a few times....i sold it becuase i needed some money....i did have fun with it though...

Redhawk5.5+P+ · October 13, 2012, 01:25 AM

Why don't some of you just say, no, I don't know what i'm talking about, but, I'll give you my opinion anyway?

9mm · October 13, 2012, 02:16 AM

It would be really fun if it could fire 22lrs some how...

Anyways, if you had a farm, and hunted small game on your farm, it would be really worth it. Carrys with with 410 blasting snakes and squirrels. 410's arn't cheap.

Redhawk5.5+P+ · October 13, 2012, 03:59 AM

Quote:

It would be really fun if it could fire 22lrs some how...

You can.

pete2 · October 13, 2012, 07:03 AM

My opinion, it's gimmick just like the Judge, something to sell. That being said I shot one a while back and it shot ok so if it's what you want why not? With the long cylinder I don't think it'll be as accurate as a regular revolver with regular ammo.

HKGuns · October 13, 2012, 07:25 PM

No, I don't know what I am talking about. However, if you want one and have a use for it the S&W model will hold its value better.

October 2, 2012, 07:17 AM	#1
Belve Member Join Date: October 2, 2012 Posts: 58	S&w governor reviews? s&w governor reviews? Just wondering if anyone has one and what their experience is with them

October 2, 2012, 09:20 AM	#2
totaldla Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2009 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 1,291	Don't waste your money on this toy. __________________ Lee Auto Bench Prime Castor Oil Case Lube

October 2, 2012, 09:25 AM	#3
comn-cents Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2008 Location: Pac.N.W. Posts: 1,804	I think it is a great concept. S&W makes quality guns, now you get 3 choices in one. I got to shoot one a few months back, shot all 3 choices in ammo without any issues. I may buy one, sooner rather than later. __________________ Be Smarter Than A Bore-Snake! Last edited by comn-cents; October 3, 2012 at 05:50 PM.

October 3, 2012, 01:52 PM	#5
kdrf636 Member Join Date: January 4, 2009 Posts: 67	Snake gun When loaded with .410 snake shot, it should be good for that.

October 3, 2012, 08:47 PM	#8
stolivar Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2004 Posts: 394	I love mine shoots the federal 0000 nice and tight all the way out to 20 yards. shoots 12 inch gongs at 100 yards with no problem with 45 acp. love it

October 2, 2012, 11:44 AM	#4
wayneinFL Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2004 Posts: 1,944	It's neat, and they're well made guns, but I have no idea what I would actually use it for.

October 3, 2012, 02:05 PM	#7
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	First and foremost, I've not fired a Judge, Governor, or any other .45/.410 revolver as I'm not particularly interested in the shotgun/revolver concept. That being said, if I were in the market for such a gun I'd probably lean towards the Governor over the other available options because of the Governor's ability to use .45 ACP ammo, the six-shot cylinder as opposed to the competition's five, and S&W's excellent level of customer service.

October 4, 2012, 09:55 AM	#11
comn-cents Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2008 Location: Pac.N.W. Posts: 1,804	kdrf636 "It's still not as versatile as the .38/.357 platform" How is it not as versatile? It is by far more versatile, 3 different rounds. If I were hunting and had a choice between 357 or 45 I'd take the 45. If it was for self-defense I would go with 45acp and full moon clips for faster reloads than 38/357. 38 shot shells or 410. __________________ Be Smarter Than A Bore-Snake!

October 4, 2012, 10:21 AM	#12
EdInk Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2009 Posts: 3,968	I have not shot this particular gun but based on handling it in the store it seems more refined than the Taurus, which is typical when comparing the two brands. The S&W costs significantly more money though. The extra round is nice but not a huge deal. The ability to shoot .45acp is useful for making target practice less expensive because of easily available factory ammo. IMHO the .410/.45 revolvers are somewhat like a Leatherman multi-tool. It's not the best tool for any particular situation but it has a tool for everything in one simple package. A real (fill in the blank) is better than the one on the multi-tool. However, you have to lug around a single version of everything and possibly not end up even using it and it takes up alot of space. That said, I can imagine them being useful/practical in certain survival scenarios because of the advantages of the "all calibers in one" platform. The ability to carry one gun saves weight and space. The .410 can be used with birdshot for collecting small game animals or killing vermin. The .45LC if loaded properly can be used for protection against or hunt anything smaller than 500lbs. The .45acp is good for defense against humans (although the .45LC will do just as well if not better) and can be reloaded quicker than the rimmed bcause of the use of moonclips. Plus, it is a more common caliber than the rest and would be easier to locate if your own supply of ammo runs out. So, that's my .02 about them. __________________ Sic Semper Tyrannis

October 4, 2012, 11:30 AM	#13
gak Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2005 Location: Aridzona Posts: 2,767	Edlnk - a good sum up. Wayneinfla - actually you've got more critters down there in Florida that could use a dose especially of the .410 aspect of this - including a major invasive species problem and more than a few unwanted gators I hear! (Well maybe a 12 gauge needed for some of those!). I'd think the Governor (and Judge) would sell like gangbusters to Floridians especially, as a sidearm for fishing and tromping as powerful water moccassin and rattler medicine. .410 is .357 or .44 snakeshot gone one better, then doubling for SD with either of the .45s as mentioned. Regarding SD/HD, not sure a face-full of .410 chambered as first round wouldn t be an effective greeting for an intruder.

October 7, 2012, 11:09 AM	#14
BOBA FETT Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2006 Posts: 277	i had one and fired it a few times....i sold it becuase i needed some money....i did have fun with it though...

October 13, 2012, 01:25 AM	#15
Redhawk5.5+P+ Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2012 Location: NV Posts: 743	I never shot one, but............ Why don't some of you just say, no, I don't know what i'm talking about, but, I'll give you my opinion anyway?

October 13, 2012, 02:16 AM	#16
9mm Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2011 Location: Land of the Free Posts: 2,834	It would be really fun if it could fire 22lrs some how... Anyways, if you had a farm, and hunted small game on your farm, it would be really worth it. Carrys with with 410 blasting snakes and squirrels. 410's arn't cheap.

October 13, 2012, 07:03 AM	#18
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	My opinion, it's gimmick just like the Judge, something to sell. That being said I shot one a while back and it shot ok so if it's what you want why not? With the long cylinder I don't think it'll be as accurate as a regular revolver with regular ammo.

October 13, 2012, 07:25 PM	#19
HKGuns Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2005 Location: Bora Bora Posts: 932	No, I don't know what I am talking about. However, if you want one and have a use for it the S&W model will hold its value better.