Smith & Wesson Governor Revolver review (Not Recommended, internal lock model)

Published on November 30, 2019
Duration: 21:10

This review of the Smith & Wesson Governor revolver highlights its lightweight scandium alloy construction, making its 29.6 oz weight surprisingly manageable for its size. The firearm's versatility is a key focus, as it can chamber .45 Colt, .45 ACP, and 2.5-inch .410 shotshells, making it suitable for various roles including home defense, concealed carry, and as a backup in bear country. The reviewer notes its excellent balance, impressive trigger, and effective ejector rod, while also discussing grip options and comparing it favorably to the Taurus Judge.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Governor is a versatile revolver constructed from lightweight scandium alloy, weighing just 29.6 ounces. It can chamber .45 Colt, .45 ACP, and 2.5-inch .410 shotshells, making it suitable for home defense, concealed carry, and as a backup gun. Its performance, including a great trigger and manageable recoil, is often compared favorably to the Taurus Judge.

Chapters

  1. 00:13Introduction to the S&W Governor Review
  2. 00:44Scandium Alloy Construction and Weight
  3. 01:45Cylinder and Barrel Features
  4. 02:11Intended Uses: Home Defense, CCW, Backup
  5. 02:27Ammunition Tested: Sig Sauer V-Crown .45 Colt
  6. 03:18Six-Shot Cylinder and Ammunition Options
  7. 03:55Reloading with NeoMag RASC and Speed Strips
  8. 05:23Balance and Wieldability
  9. 06:03Trigger Performance
  10. 06:21Shrouded Ejector Rod
  11. 06:46Versatility and Defensive Role
  12. 07:21Reloading Technique with Speed Strip
  13. 08:22Pairing with Henry Lever-Action Rifle
  14. 09:46Sights: Integral Rear and XS Tritium Front
  15. 10:02Ammunition and Reloading Setup Close-up
  16. 11:12Fast Ejection and Reloading
  17. 12:10Grip Options: Stock vs. Altamonte
  18. 14:06Cylinder Lockup Analysis
  19. 15:00Comparison to Taurus Judge
  20. 16:34Fast Firing and Reloading Practice
  21. 19:36Price and Value Proposition
  22. 20:03Detailed Lockup Points
  23. 20:29Recoil Comparison (.357 Mag vs .44 Mag)
  24. 20:48Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson Governor lightweight?

The Smith & Wesson Governor is constructed from scandium alloy, a lightweight yet strong material. This allows the large revolver to weigh in at only 29.6 ounces, making it surprisingly manageable for its size and intended uses like concealed carry or as a backup firearm.

What calibers can the Smith & Wesson Governor fire?

The Governor is highly versatile, capable of chambering .45 Colt, .45 ACP, and 2.5-inch .410 shotshells. These can be fired individually or in combination with the included moon clips, offering flexibility for different shooting scenarios.

How does the Smith & Wesson Governor compare to the Taurus Judge?

The Governor is generally considered superior to the Taurus Judge. It features a scandium alloy frame for lighter weight, a six-shot cylinder (compared to the Judge's five), better lockup, and overall higher quality craftsmanship, making it a more refined firearm.

What is the recoil like when shooting .45 Colt from the Smith & Wesson Governor?

The recoil from .45 Colt ammunition in the Governor is described as being between that of a .357 Magnum and a .44 Magnum. While substantial, it's noted as being more controllable than a .44 Magnum, making it fun and manageable to shoot.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from BERETTA9mmUSA

View all →