Firearms Facts Episode 7: 45 Colt/.410 Revolvers

Published on July 31, 2012
Duration: 7:15

This guide addresses common cylinder lock-up issues encountered with .45 Colt/.410 revolvers like the Taurus Judge and S&W Governor. It highlights how certain .410 shells, particularly foreign-made ones, can swell upon firing, jamming the cylinder. The video emphasizes using American-made ammunition and understanding how moon clip configurations can affect reliability. Expert insights are provided on troubleshooting these malfunctions.

Quick Summary

Cylinder lock-up in .45 Colt/.410 revolvers like the Taurus Judge and S&W Governor is often caused by .410 shotshells swelling at the head after firing. This swelling can bind the cylinder, preventing extraction or rotation. Foreign-made shells are more prone to this issue than American-made ones, which are generally recommended for reliable function.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Common Issues with .45/.410 Revolvers
  2. 00:41Ammunition Comparison: Winchester vs. Fiocchi
  3. 01:33S&W Governor Performance
  4. 02:59S&W Chief Special Sight Regulation
  5. 03:31Bond Arms Derringer Recoil Mechanics
  6. 04:45Speed Loader and Magazine Compatibility
  7. 05:57Flag of Honor and Charity Announcement

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes .45 Colt/.410 revolvers like the Taurus Judge and S&W Governor to lock up?

Cylinder lock-up in .45 Colt/.410 revolvers is often caused by .410 shotshells swelling at the head after firing. This swelling can bind the cylinder, preventing extraction or rotation. Foreign-made shells are more prone to this issue than American-made ones.

Which .410 ammunition is recommended for Taurus Judge and S&W Governor revolvers?

For reliable extraction and to avoid cylinder lock-up, manufacturers like Smith & Wesson recommend using American-made .410 ammunition brands such as Winchester, Federal, and Remington. These tend to have better dimensional consistency.

How do moon clips affect the S&W Governor's reliability with .410 shells?

The S&W Governor uses moon clips for rimless cartridges like .45 ACP. While beneficial for those rounds, the necessary cylinder gap for moon clips can sometimes exacerbate lock-up issues if .410 shells swell excessively.

What is the significance of sight regulation on older revolvers like the S&W Chief Special?

Older revolvers, such as the S&W Chief Special, often have sights regulated for a specific bullet weight (e.g., 158 grains). Using lighter bullets can cause the point of impact to be significantly lower than the point of aim at typical distances.

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