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KrisE MN · 03-27-2016, 07:30 AM

I'm considering purchasing a Governor for myself and wanted to know if anyone has any first-hand experience. I've already discussed the in's and out's with my friends in Law Enforcement. One of my jobs puts me in front of dangerous felons. I can handle myself quite well, but I do want to have a weapon while traveling alone, mostly for walking in the woods, but JIC as well.

I don't want a shot gun, too hard to get pointed in an enclosed space and heavy for a brisk walk in the woods.

The Governor is a handgun that will take shotgun shells. It's small enough to maneuver within a confined space and I can easily carry it if I want to take a long stroll into the woods for protection.

Please, I'm not interested in opinions as to why I can't or shouldn't or what states to do so. Thank you

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore...t_Governor.jpg

AWCHIEF · 03-27-2016, 07:56 AM

Pretty sure it is a quality handgun with typical S&W quality. I have a friend with a Judge, similar to the S&W. She CCW one in her special made carry handbag. I took her to the range when she got it. 45lC was a little stout for her but she was comfortable with 410 shot shells.

Airtandem · 03-27-2016, 08:57 AM

I have a detective 38 special. I am loading with hp's & bird shot. Smaller and not the recoil of the 45/410 combo.
Mike

SilverEagle6 · 03-27-2016, 06:49 PM

The governor takes 410 shotgun and 45 LC. It is on the heavy side. My wife and daughters have all fired it. It has a kick and they can feel a stinging in their hands. For home defense, it is great, especially close quarters. As a carry weapon, I would look elsewhere.,again, it is heavy. There are several multi calibre revolvers that include some kind of varmint round for on the trail. It you don't mind the weight and size, go for it...it is a great revolver.

Shacksman · 03-27-2016, 08:32 PM

What's this got to do with travelling with an Airstream???

snow · 03-27-2016, 09:33 PM

Same thing other threads having to do with accessories while traveling? Generators, solar panels, chairs, microwaves... Makes life easier, more comfortable.

sheriff1 · 03-27-2016, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shacksman

What's this got to do with travelling with an Airstream???

Don't like it? Don't read it!

2015 F350 CC 4X4 6.7 Diesel
2010 27FB Silver Cloud "The Silver Spoon"

Protagonist · 03-27-2016, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shacksman

What's this got to do with travelling with an Airstream???

Maybe the thread might have been better in the "Off-Topic" section rather than "On the Road," but that's a matter of interpretation.

Anyway, the Governor and its predecessor the Taurus Judge are both entirely adequate to the task. An over-and-under double derringer such as the Bond Arms Ranger II (or similar, as long as it has a trigger guard) chambered for .410 shot/.45 long colt is also an option, with the added benefit of improved concealability. You'd only have two shots without reloading, but if you need more than two shots at a time you might be visiting the wrong areas…

Shacksman · 03-27-2016, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheriff1

Don't like it? Don't read it!

2015 F350 CC 4X4 6.7 Diesel
2010 27FB Silver Cloud "The Silver Spoon"

I didn't say I didn't like it or you shouldn't talk about it, I said why on an airstream travelling site!!

martian · 03-28-2016, 12:10 AM

KrisE MN - I'm no expert, but I'll share my thoughts with you in the hope they're beneficial. When I went full-timing, I decided to have a pistol for self defense and a concealed carry weapon license/permit (CCW) for legal protection. You realize a CCW is absolutely necessary, right? I won't get into that topic.

I haven't shot the Smith & Wesson Governor, so I can't comment about actual experience with the revolver. I think the revolver will have significant kickback, which will make it difficult to shoot accurately. Accurate shooting is critical if it ever comes to pulling the trigger in a self defense situation. I can't help but wonder why you want the capability of shooting a small shotgun shell through a handgun. Besides the kickback problem, the SW Governor has a short barrel relative to the gun's overall length, has only six rounds, and is slightly heavier than alternatives.

Since you like the 45 caliber, take a look at the Glock 30 Gen4 and the Heckler & Koch 45 Compact. Both pistols have a more favorable form factor and more fire power. Statistics on these pistols are available at http://www.genitron.com. This is great website for comparing various handguns including conceal-ability and defense factor ratings.

Personally, I carry the HK VP9, which is light on the recoil making it easy to shoot. It's a 9mm, but is sufficiently powerful in my opinion. I also have two CCWs that allow me to conceal carry in most states.

crispyboy · 03-28-2016, 12:18 AM

I am a fan of revolvers because they are reliable. I haven't fired a Governor or a Judge but I really like the concept of the .410 for close range. The .45 ammo seems a little pricey to me. I priced out both guns at a show recently and the Governor was much more expensive.

paiceman · 03-28-2016, 04:28 AM

I find the Gov to be a bit heavy for an everyday carry. If it's SW you want, I'd suggest the SW Shield in the 40 Cal, the original was and is a 9mm.

Ultradog · 03-28-2016, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispyboy

I am a fan of revolvers because they are reliable. I haven't fired a Governor or a Judge but I really like the concept of the .410 for close range. The .45 ammo seems a little pricey to me. I priced out both guns at a show recently and the Governor was much more expensive.

If you think .45 ammo is expensive go buy some for a .41 mag. ; (

Rich Jenkins · 03-28-2016, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martian

KrisE MN - I'm no expert, but I'll share my thoughts with you...

I also have two CCWs that allow me to conceal carry in most states.

Good thoughts. ^^^. Second the VP9. I use mine for USPSA / gun games. Very reliable. For carry, when legal, I use a Walther PPS M2 with Speer Gold Dots.

Martian - I see you are in FL; I assume you have a FL CWHL. If you don't mind, what is your other state permit?

Bill M. · 03-28-2016, 07:22 AM

I do not see the desirability to shoot shot gun shells in a handgun. The long chambers make the gun big and heavy. I certainly would not want to shoot a .410 in a self defense situation. And I am not going to "plink" cans with it in the woods. So why? A .410 slug is not as powerful as a .38 special.

GoWhereTowed · 03-28-2016, 07:28 AM

It would be advisable to check with your state of registration and see what other states recognize your CCP.

crispyboy · 03-28-2016, 07:29 AM

The .410 shot shell is excellent for snakes, rats or other vermin. A .410 slug will make a nice hole at close range.

martian · 03-28-2016, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llando88

Good thoughts. ^^^. Second the VP9. I use mine for USPSA / gun games. Very reliable. For carry, when legal, I use a Walther PPS M2 with Speer Gold Dots.

Martian - I see you are in FL; I assume you have a FL CWHL. If you don't mind, what is your other state permit?

Llando88 - I also have a Utah nonresident CCW. Unfortunately, Minnesota recently stopped accepting Utah, reportedly because Utah issues CCWs to military personnel (and veterans) under age 21. So l'm down one. Checkout this website: www.usacarry.com. Stay safe and happy travels!

ALANSD · 03-28-2016, 07:45 AM

my wife and I have gone round looking at guns to buy. We sorta focused on a 380 pistol. I found the 9mm a bit intimidating for a non gun owner. But we have one in our home, my son has a Glock.
If I was to full time, I think a gun would be a mandatory accessory. Still thinking about one more for the home. What I don't get is folks needing to own an assault rifle. Not against them, but I don't see the need....yet anyway.

Ultradog · 03-28-2016, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

. What I don't get is folks needing to own an assault rifle. Not against them, but I don't see the need....yet anyway.

I tend to agree. I was in a gun store recently and was kinda amazed at all the goofy looking rifles with all the plastic stuff on them. Dunno if they are designed to just look scary or what. No real practical purpose for all that stuff on an otherwise simple .22 rifle.
But, to each his own I guess.