351 WINCHESTER
Member
I handled one at my lgs last week. I like the idea of being able to shoot shotgun and pistol ammo, but would like feedback as to accuracy with different loads and any other feedback positive or negative.
I like the idea of being able to shoot shotgun and pistol ammo...
As a close quarters defensive gun for someone who lives in a very densely populated neighborhood, a shotshell has some merit. That it can be deployed from a handgun form factor also has merit. Of course none of that matters if the result is a failure to defend, however I wouldn't offer to be a test target for 4 rounds of PDX .410 at close range, and for sure not the 2 additional rounds of .45ACP.I'm curious as to why you're interested in shooting a small shotgun shell out a pistol. Would you elaborate on why you think this is useful, and if so, what is the use?
IMHO this type of gun's strongest suite is in snake/small critter defense, using appropriately-sized shotshells. I think that 'flexibility' between 45LC and .410 is a questionable advantage for this kind of revolver. IIRC, these are smoothbores.
I handled one at my lgs last week. I like the idea of being able to shoot shotgun and pistol ammo, but would like feedback as to accuracy with different loads and any other feedback positive or negative.
So, my friend has the S&W Governor and I've handled it, shot it, evaluated it, etc.
Here's what I think...
Pro's
- It holds 6 rounds and you can shoot 45 ACP with moonclips (which are provided with the gun) - I don't believe the Taurus has these options...
- Recoil when shooting 45 ACP is surprisingly light (makes an odd sound as well)
Con's
- Size and balance given the long cylinder - "awkward to handle" is the best way I can describe it
- Moonclips are clunky to work with in this gun. The supplied moonclips bend easily making it very hard to charge into and extract from the cylinders when they do
- .410 is all over the place in this gun, accuracy is only acceptable at very close range and the .410, even in the defensive loadings, are just not that impressive, vs 45 Colt or esp. 45 ACP defensive loads
- Extraction of the .410 in a defensive scenario is lousy. The .410 shells tend to swell in the cylinder after firing and are slow to smack out, vs more traditional brass
Bottom Line: I just don't understand the purpose of this gun outside of a fun option and it is definitely a fun gun.
NO WAY would I rely on one for serious social purposes, when there are better options out there. For fun, hey, why not...
Jframe thanks for the data. I was surprised and pleased at the velocity of the 410 buckshot. I do not need another weapon but I would like to get a Governor and a Bond Arms derringer just because I want one. A friend has the Governor and it is a blast to shoot [you can actually break hand thrown clay pigeons with fair regularly].
the slug from a .410 is about as powerful as a .32 ACP. Why would you use something like that when you could use .45 Colt?
As I have said before, most disasters happen because people plan to have disasters.Maybe because that's all he has laying around when the bell tolls, at least he can use it.