Smith & Wesson Governor

I first became aware of the .410/.45 handgun’s appeal with a Thompson/Center Contender during a high-desert quail/rabbit hunt sometime in the early 1980s. Since then, the single-shot sporting proposition of such a versatile arrangement has now expanded into the arena of self-defense revolvers. First the Taurus Judge, now the Smith & Wesson Governor—a 2¾-inch-barreled matte-black double action featuring a scandium frame and a stainless steel cylinder. It’s a pretty imposing handgun, sort of a 21st century take on the old British “Bulldog” Webleys. The unloaded weight is 29.6 ounces. There are smaller and lighter carry guns out there, but no polymer compact auto or small-frame snubbie combines the power and versatility of the Governor.

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