Governor vs Judge...
This has been a long standing comparison since the Governor was introduced. I have sold both of them in the past when I worked for my LGS and to be honest, the Governor is a far superior revolver. Here's some bullet points for you to consider.
- Both revolvers are heavy when fully loaded.
- 5 shots for the Judge, 6 shots for the Governor.
- Taurus has a polymer lightweight version of the Judge, but it is very hard to handle with the very short grip and a powerful self defense load. Not good if you have large hands. Been there, witnessed it first hand.
- Governor gives you 3 caliber choices. .45 ACP, .45 Long Colt, .410 shot shell.
- Governor uses 2 shot moon clips for .45 ACP rounds, which can make speedy reloads a nightmare.
- Judge only gives you 2 caliber choices. .45 Long colt, .410 shot shell.
- Both of these revolvers are bulky, which is something to consider for Concealed Carry. Even the smaller Judge.
- MSRP for the Governor with regular sights is $679.00.
- MSRP for the Judges varies widely by model. $399.99 - $715.00 depending on model.
One thing most new gun owners do not think about much is, collateral damage.
Ex: Let's say you have one of these pistols and a CCW permit. You get into an altercation that requires the use of deadly force, IE: you have to draw your weapon to defend you and or your family in public. You draw and fire. Unfortunately, your shot shell shot misses and you mistakenly hit an innocent bystander. Collateral damage.
Now given, this could happen with any firearm when your adrenalin is pumping. But my point is, you are much less likely to hit an innocent with a single round fired, vs one that shoots a shot shell with multiple projectiles.
I personally recommended to customers that these types of revolvers are best suited for home defense and not for a new CCW holder with zero practice or training as there are to many variables when dealing with shot shells, even with the tight spred pattern that these revolvers have. Just remember, that in the courts eyes, you are held responsible for each projectile you fire. And with a .410 shell, this could be multiple pellets. However, if you are well versed in these types of weapons and have lot's of experience, my choice would be the Governor.
I agree that revolvers are the most reliable firearms that are out there, but they are not the end all, be all for CCW and or home defense. Small J-frame size 5 shot revolvers can be a handfull with powerful +P defense rounds. And with the small grips are not well suited for people with medium to large size hands. If a revolver is your thing, here are a few that I would recommend for CCW and home defense.
- Smith & Wesson model 327. Eight rounds of .38 Special +P or .357 Magnum, with enough grip to hold onto for these rounds. Lightweight Scandium material.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57767_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
- Smith & Wesson model 325 Nightguard. Six rounds of .45 ACP in a medium frame revolver. Pachmyer grip large enough to hold onto, if not, it can be replaced with a larger Hogue rubber grip.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=290261818
- Smith & Wesson model 327 TRR8. Eight rounds of .38 Special +P or .357 Magnum, with a Hogue 3 finger groove rubber grip.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57770_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
- Ruger GP100 Talo edition. Six rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special. Very nice grip and 3" barrel.
http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100DE/specSheets/1752.html
That is what I would recommend for revolvers. Semi autos are another long winded story all together.
Hope some of this helps.
Patrick
