The Governor has returned....

Published on September 8, 2020
Duration: 9:18

This guide details how to test different ammunition types in the Smith & Wesson Governor revolver. It covers firing birdshot, buckshot, and specialized defensive rounds at a steel target from 12 feet to evaluate patterning and dispersion. The expert instruction from Jerry Miculek emphasizes understanding ammunition performance for self-defense applications and highlights potential extraction issues with .410 shells.

Quick Summary

Expert Jerry Miculek tests various .410 ammunition types in the Smith & Wesson Governor, including birdshot, buckshot, and Hornady Critical Defense. He demonstrates patterning at 12 feet, noting tight groups under 2 inches for Critical Defense and potential extraction issues with some .410 shells, emphasizing careful ammo selection for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:14Intro: S&W Governor
  2. 00:45Ammunition Overview
  3. 01:40Demo: Birdshot
  4. 03:40Demo: Buckshot
  5. 05:35Demo: Hornady Critical Defense
  6. 07:10Self-Defense & USCCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What ammunition types can the Smith & Wesson Governor chamber?

The Smith & Wesson Governor is a versatile revolver capable of chambering .410 bore shotshells (2.5-inch), .45 Colt, and .45 ACP ammunition, offering flexibility for different shooting applications.

How does Hornady Critical Defense .410 perform in the S&W Governor?

In testing, Hornady Critical Defense .410 ammunition produced a tight pattern under 2 inches at 12 feet. This load features a unique design with a primary projectile followed by two buckshot balls for effective self-defense.

What are the potential issues when firing .410 shells in the Governor?

A key concern highlighted is the potential for certain .410 shells to cause extraction issues or jam the cylinder of the Governor. Careful ammunition selection is crucial for reliable function.

What is the recommended distance for patterning .410 defensive loads in a handgun?

The video demonstrates patterning at 12 feet, which is a common close-range distance for self-defense. Testing at various relevant distances (e.g., 7-15 yards) is advisable to understand ammunition performance.

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