S&W Governor Revolver .45/.410 2.75″ 6rd Matte Black
Pros & cons
What works
- Accepts three distinct cartridge types: .45 Colt, .45 ACP, and .410 bore 2.5" shells — a unique mechanical advantage.
- Includes two steel moon clips for .45 ACP use (a $25 value), ensuring reliable feeding and extraction of the rimless cartridge.
- Features a dovetailed tritium front sight with a 12-year half-life, providing immediate front-sight acquisition in low-light conditions.
- Black PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) cylinder finish provides superior corrosion resistance over standard bluing, especially with sweaty hands or in humid environments.
Trade-offs
- Significant cylinder width of 1.6 inches creates holster compatibility issues and makes concealed carry more challenging than with a standard snubnose.
- Heavy recoil with full-power .45 Colt loads — generating approximately 14 ft-lbs of felt recoil energy — can be punishing for extended practice sessions.
- The factory synthetic grip offers minimal dampening for heavy recoiling loads; a aftermarket rubber grip is a recommended $40-60 upgrade for most shooters.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Smith & Wesson Governor .45/.410 2.75" 6-round revolver is a compact, multi-caliber wheelgun designed for shooters who require adaptable chambering in a defensive package. This is Smith & Wesson's answer to the .410-bore revolver concept, directly competing with models like the Taurus Judge Public Defender. It accepts .45 Colt, .45 ACP (via included moon clips), and .410 bore 2.5" shotshells, providing tangible flexibility for a variety of short-range scenarios.
What is the Smith & Wesson Governor used for?
Its primary use is as a close-quarters defensive revolver, effective in scenarios like home defense or backcountry carry where engagement distances are under 15 yards. The ability to cycle between .45 caliber centerfire rounds and .410 shotshells, which pattern to about 18 inches at 15 feet, provides options for both penetration and reduced-over-penetration loads from a single firearm. Its 6-round cylinder capacity and 2.75-inch barrel length make it a large-for-caliber but highly maneuverable tool for these specific roles.
How does the Smith & Wesson Governor compare to the Taurus Judge Public Defender?
The Governor is mechanically superior in its ability to also chamber .45 ACP ammunition via supplied moon clips, giving it a three-caliber advantage over the Judge's two (.45 Colt and .410). This translates to greater ammunition sourcing flexibility and potential cost savings. However, the Taurus Judge Public Defender typically weighs slightly less at around 28.5 ounces, offering a minor advantage in all-day carry comfort, though I would trade that weight for the Governor's more robust build quality and additional caliber option.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Governor has an unloaded weight of 29.6 ounces and an overall length of 7.5 inches, with a cylinder width of 1.6 inches. This makes it a substantial handful, noticeably wider and 5.2 ounces heavier than a comparable J-frame .38 Special like the S&W Model 642. The grip circumference is approximately 5.75 inches, which fills the hand but may be difficult for shooters with smaller hands to manage effectively, especially with the heavier recoil of .45 Colt loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is a poor choice for new shooters, concealed carry permit holders prioritizing deep concealment, or anyone looking for a low-recoil, high-capacity firearm for the range. The unique recoil impulse of .410 shotshells and the substantial weight of .45 Colt can be challenging for inexperienced shooters to manage effectively and safely. For a traditional, single-caliber defensive revolver that's easier to master, consider the Stevens 334 rifle for a more dedicated long-gun role or a standard .38 Special snubnose.
What's in the box?
You receive the factory-shipped revolver, one factory-installed lock, an owner's manual, and two moon clips for .45 ACP use. The moon clips are essential for reliably headspacing and extracting the rimless .45 ACP cartridge and are a $25 value if purchased separately. The package does not include a holster, speed loader for .45 Colt/.410, or a cleaning kit, which are necessary additional purchases for most users planning to carry or maintain the firearm.
Is the Smith & Wesson Governor worth it at $956.99?
At this price point, it's worth it only for the specific shooter who values its unique three-caliber flexibility over a more conventional, singularly capable firearm. You are paying for engineering that accommodates rimmed, rimless, and shotshell cartridges in one cylinder—a complex feat. For a shooter who wants a dedicated, high-quality shotgun for similar close-range work, a Stevens 555 over/under in .410 bore offers a more refined shooting experience for less money, but lacks the revolver's compact profile and centerfire capability.
Key attributes
| upc | 022188624106 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 162410 |
| action | SA/DA Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 2.75'' |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Black |
| length | 8.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
| model | Governor |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 2.65 |
| sights | Tritium |
| sights type | Night Sights |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3-inch .410 shells?
- No. The Governor cylinder is chambered and throated exclusively for 2.5-inch .410 bore shotshells. Attempting to force a 3-inch shell into the cylinder will not allow it to close and can cause a dangerous obstruction. Always verify your ammunition length matches the firearm's specified 2.5-inch chamber.
- Does it fit a standard J-frame holster?
- No. The Governor's cylinder is significantly wider at 1.6 inches compared to a standard J-frame's ~1.3-inch cylinder. You will require a dedicated holster designed for the Governor or a large-frame revolver with similar dimensions. Kydex or leather holsters specifically molded for the Governor provide the proper retention and fit.
- How long does shipping take?
- For this item, shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-7 business days after order processing, depending on your location. All firearms must ship to a valid FFL for the mandatory background check and transfer, which adds approximately 30-60 minutes at the dealer for the NICS check and paperwork.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No. Due to federal regulations concerning firearm transfers, Ironclad Armory cannot accept returns on firearms for ergonomic or fit reasons once the transfer is complete at your FFL. We strongly recommend handling a Governor at a local dealer prior to purchase to assess the 5.75-inch grip circumference and overall heft.
- Does this work with Crimson Trace laser grips?
- Yes, specifically with the Crimson Trace LG-105 laser grip model designed for the Smith & Wesson Governor and Taurus Judge revolvers. This model provides a Class 3R laser with a maximum output power of less than 5mW and installs in approximately 10 minutes, replacing the factory synthetic grips without modifying the frame.