S&W Governor - I think I "need" one

Nothing good ever comes from holding back. Get 'em before you forget 'em.

No. You need a Thompson.

Nope.

I had one for a short time.

They're best for shooting 45acp.
They can't handle a 45LC hot enough to make an appreciable difference over 45acp, and I'm very unenthusiastic with 410 loads in a handgun.

I've got a 625 in 45acp now instead and am very happy.

drobs said:

I own 2 45 acp 1911's.


Seems to me, I "need" a modern $&W governor.

What say you?

Hmmm - "Black Powder Governor" has a nice ring to it. Anyone tried?


.

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I respond, based on "What say you?". I say thou shalt not reward S&W for using time, money, steel and oxygen that could have been better used on virtually any other firearm.

The Taurus Judge arose from the unique regulatory and crime environment in Brazil, where a smoothbore pistol in .410 was in fact about the only viable way to address the epidemic of car jackings, including of many members of the judiciary, plaguing many cities. To make the concept fly in the US regulatory environment, the barrel needed to be rifled. So, now we have a ridiculously large pistol that patterns poorly with shot, and is inaccurate with 45LC. It is, in effect, the worst of both worlds. To add insult to injury, Smith & Wesson copied it.

Nevertheless, I urge you to do exactly what you want with your money. However, I like your style, and have the following alternative to offer: a 45 Black Powder Magnum. The Uberti Walker, with a cartridge conversion cylinder reamed to 460 S&W, loaded with black powder. 250 grs over 50 grs FFFg, at 1,025 fps. 180 grs at 1,200 fps. It's huge. It's devastating. It runs on Holy Black, and you can load a 45 cal shot cup should you so desire.

Whatever you do, enjoy!

I have no interest in the governor, I’d rather shoot shot capsules thru a 45 Colt.

But, if you’re gonna do it, get the Governor. The Taurus will break.

Does anyone else find it deliciously ironic that Smith & Wesson copied this idea from Taurus?

MaxP said:

Does anyone else find it deliciously ironic that Smith & Wesson copied this idea from Taurus?

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snicker.....

MaxP said:

Does anyone else find it deliciously ironic that Smith & Wesson copied this idea from Taurus?

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Taurus didn't exactly invent them themselves.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIL_Thunder_5

Okay -- I LOVE my Governor...

For whatever reason, the N-frame size coupled with the scandium weight causes it to balance perfectly in my hand. The big tritium front sight is like a beacon. I have several options queued up, but it's the first "line of defense" on my nightstand.

I also just have a "thing" for iconoclastic (and ugly) firearms. Since I couldn't have a functioning blaster from Blade Runner, I figured the Governor was the next best thing...

Those guns just don't make much sense to me.

I can’t say that I really need my Governor, but I like having it. Between the weight, balance, and action, it actually shoots pretty well; I especially like shooting .45LC with it.

gotboostvr said:

Taurus didn't exactly invent them themselves.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIL_Thunder_5

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No, but they made them popular and nearly household recognition came with the popularity. Taurus has sold truckloads of them.

The reason the Governor exists is S&W makes a good profit on them so some one must be buying. Two weeks ago a customer at our farmers market was enthusiastic about her new concealed carry class and her new car gun, guess what it was.

I like mine. Lightweight, great grip, shoots well. You may like them better, if you spend any time in
venomous snake territory. DiSantis makes a really nice holster for them.

Ive owned a judge, and a raging judge. Both functioned fine, but were highly disappointing with any type of shot. I cant see the governor being any different. Just my 2 cents

The Judge/Governor excel at only one job IMHO, shooting snakes at spitting distance. You will be hard pressed to find another handgun in that size that can throw as much shot. 1/2 oz of #8 shot from a Judge/Governor is hell on the snakes but as other have said the pattern opens fast and become useless at anything much pass a long spit. I have never had an issue hitting snake at spitting distance with my 38 Special and normal bullets and if I am farther than spitting distance I simply walk away.

For any other possible application for a Judge/Governor there is a much much better choice of revolver/handgun.

That said my father has a Judge and its been a fun gun. That might be enough for the OP.

Any legal person can have any gun they want. Thank You USA!

MaxP said:

Does anyone else find it deliciously ironic that Smith & Wesson copied this idea from Taurus?

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Ironic? Just sad really.

I've shot the Judge, the Public Defender, and the Governor. All three showed lame accuracy with 45's and the 410's were just stupid.

If I won one or was gifted one I'd immediately sell or trade it away.

Look at a 625 instead you can shoot .45 acp and use moon clips and it will shoot more accurately at a longer range.
If you have enough time to shoot a poisonous snake you have enough time to avoid it.
That being said they can be fun to shoot like any other gun, and the light weight and large size is a great novelty.

I did like the alloy frame, a 3" 45acp N frame would be real high on my list, but the night guards are getting pricey.

gotboostvr said:

I did like the alloy frame, a 3" 45acp N frame would be real high on my list, but the night guards are getting pricey.

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Indeed. I was looking at several different Nightguard revolvers for those really long hikes (18+ in a day). Every one I find is well used and still north of $900.

I've given up.