smith and wesson governor
Smith and Wesson Revolver Reviews

Gun Reviews By Women – Smith & Wesson Governor – Tabitha

Smith & Wesson Governor Gun Review

By Tabitha

 

Smith & Wesson Governor Specifications

Gun Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: Governor

Caliber: .410, .45ACP, 45 Colt

Barrel Length: 2.75 inches

Ammunition Capacity: 6

Price: $1050.00

 

Smith & Wesson Governor Usage and Features

Primary Use

Other

Are You Right or Left Handed?

Right

What features does this gun have that appealed to you?

Solid construction with quality materials.  QC to exacting standards.  heavy weight that adds steadiness of aim and recoil absorption.  tritium sights that are easy to use day or night. 6 round capacity instead of the Taurus Judges mere 5 rounds.  varied ammo options, .410 shotgun, .45ACP, and 45 Colt.  can carry rounds “mix six”, able to handle everything from snake to bear simultaneously in one cylinder.  speed loaders are available for the .410 shotgun and the 45 Colt.  surprisingly accurate for only a 2.75-inch barrel.  when firing, this gun does not go “pop”, or “pew”, it goes “BOOM!”…

Tell us about shooting this gun.

This is a firearm that says that you mean business.  it’s a big gun that fires big bullets and goes “BOOM” when fired.  make no mistake, this IS a hand cannon.  and anyone you are pointing at will know it.  the opening of the barrel is big, the barrel is short, the cylinder is big.  looking at the wrong end of this gun and you will be able to SEE what will be coming at you if the hammer falls.

This is a weapon that you can aim.  It has been consistently accurate up to 125 feet.  I have been known to split finger thick twigs at 20 yards.  You can also simply point and shoot and still hit your target, though a bit of practice might be a good idea to developed this some.  the shotgun spread at 15-20 feet is about 5-6 inches and packs a punch (note-ammo used was Winchester PDX1 Defense rounds).  this firearm is fun at the range.  instant respect is yours from the men at the range when this gun goes boom.  with a bit of courage and riding the recoil, you CAN fire this weapon with confidence, even one handed.

I smile every time I squeeze the trigger.

How does it fit your hand, how do you like the sights, how difficult is it to rack the slide, how would you describe the trigger pull, and how would you describe the recoil?

The grips are rubberized and comfortable.  Not too big or too small.  The sights are easy to see even in the dark and finding sight picture is quick and easy.  If you lock the hammer first with each shot, the trigger pull is crisp and easy.  If you just pull the trigger without cocking the hammer back the trigger pull can be a bit heavy and could easily throw off aim.  The weapon is heavy, but that weight gives added steadiness when aiming and helps to absorb some of the recoil.  Recoil is certainly a part of this firearm.  However, if you ride the recoil and don’t fight it, there is nothing to it.  you just gotta Dirty Harry it and allow it to happen, then bring it back to target.  However, this is not a weapon for a person with overly weak, or injured wrists.

How reliable is it?

Extremely reliable when firing the .410 and 45 Colt.

Any problems with any type of ammunition?

The moon clips for the .45ACP can become bent or warped while loading or unloading the clips.  unloading the clips is particularly challenging and a Moon Clip Tool is highly recommended.

Does the gun have any specific ammunition requirements? If so, please explain:

Requires moon clips to fire the .45ACP

What do you dislike about shooting this gun, if anything?

Holster options are severely limited. A holster for a Taurus Judge does NOT work for a S&W Governor as the cylinder of the Governor is bigger. I myself had a holster made custom for mine.

The .45ACP moon clips are difficult to load and extremely difficult to unload.  A Moon Clip Tool is practically a necessity. This weapon is next to impossible to conceal carry.

Was it easy to take down and clean?

Open the cylinder, clean.  It’s as easy as it can get.

Would you recommend this gun?

Yes

For someone considering this gun, what would you tell them? 

Don’t plan on concealed carry, but then again, no one bothers me when “I” carry it. Ride the recoil, it’s going to happen, let it. Recommend Winchester PDX1 Defense rounds for this firearm.

Anything else you would like to share about the gun?

This firearm is expensive, no doubt about it, twice the price of a Judge.  It’s a heavy gun that would be extremely difficult at best to conceal carry.  It has recoil and ammo isn’t cheap.

It’s still worth every penny.  This is easily my favorite handgun, and it’s my EDC.  Its powerful, accurate, versatile, dependable, easy to maintain, and when open carried it’s a powerful deterrent.  It’s not for everyone, but if you try it, you might just be surprised by how much you want one.

 

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2 thoughts on “Gun Reviews By Women – Smith & Wesson Governor – Tabitha

  1. Jane says:

    I need a holster for my Governor. What do you recommend?

    1. Carrie Lightfoot says:

      Hi Jane,
      Here is a great article on different types of concealed carry holsters. This is a very personal question as it depends on how you plan to carry and what area you find most comfortable. Once you figure out how you want to carry, I will include the page with our trusted holster manufacturers.
      https://thewellarmedwoman.com/concealed-carry/about-concealed-carry-holsters-for-women/
      https://thewellarmedwoman.com/blog/where-to-shop/

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