Key Takeaways:
- Versatility: The S&W Governor’s ability to chamber multiple types of ammunition makes it a top choice for self-defense, recreational shooting, and small-game hunting.
- Common Problems: Cylinder binding, light primer strikes, accuracy issues, and extraction difficulties are some common problems, but they can be resolved with proper maintenance and quality ammunition.
- Regular Maintenance: Regular cleaning, lubrication, and part inspections are essential to keep your Governor in top shape.
- Practice: Familiarizing yourself with the Governor through regular practice can improve accuracy and overall performance.
Introduction:
The Smith & Wesson Governor is a popular and versatile revolver known for its ability to chamber multiple types of ammunition, including .45 Colt, .45 ACP, and .410 bore shotshells. This flexibility, combined with its robust construction, makes it a favorite among firearm enthusiasts for self-defense, recreational shooting, and small-game hunting. However, like any firearm, the S&W Governor is not without its problems. This article explores the most common issues associated with the S&W Governor and offers practical solutions to help maintain its reliability and performance.
Key Features of the S&W Governor:
Before diving into the issues, let’s look at some of the key features that make the S&W Governor stand out:
- Versatility: Chambers .45 Colt, .45 ACP, and .410 bore shotshells.
- Capacity: Six-round cylinder.
- Construction: Lightweight scandium alloy frame with a stainless steel cylinder.
- Design: Compact and easy to handle, making it suitable for home defense.
- Popular Uses: Home defense, recreational shooting, and small-game hunting.
Common S&W Governor Problems and Solutions:
1. Cylinder Binding:
Issue:
One of the most common complaints from S&W Governor owners is cylinder binding, where the cylinder does not rotate smoothly or gets stuck, affecting the firearm's reliability.
Possible Causes:
- Dirt and Debris: Powder residue or debris buildup can clog the cylinder or ejector rod.
- Loose Ejector Rod: A bent or loose ejector rod can contribute to this issue.
- Improper Ammunition: Using substandard or incompatible ammunition can also cause cylinder binding.
Solutions:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the cylinder and ejector rod area frequently. Use a quality solvent and brush to remove powder residue and dirt.
- Tighten or Replace the Ejector Rod: Check the ejector rod to ensure it’s properly tightened. If bent, it may need replacement.
- Use Quality Ammunition: Always use the manufacturer-recommended ammunition to minimize issues.
2. Light Primer Strikes:
Issue:
Another common problem is light primer strikes, where the firing pin doesn't hit the primer hard enough to ignite the round.
Possible Causes:
- Weak Hammer Spring: A worn-out or weak hammer spring can result in light primer strikes.
- Hard Primers: Certain types of ammunition have harder primers that are more difficult to ignite.
- Debris in the Firing Pin Channel: Dirt buildup can interfere with the firing pin's function.
Solutions:
- Replace the Hammer Spring: Install a stronger hammer spring to ensure more reliable primer strikes.
- Use Softer Primers: Switch to ammunition with softer primers to improve reliability.
- Clean the Firing Pin Channel: Regularly clean this area to prevent debris buildup.
3. Accuracy Issues:
Issue:
Some users report accuracy issues with the S&W Governor, particularly when shooting .410 bore shotshells.
Possible Causes:
- Barrel Length: The Governor’s short barrel can affect accuracy, especially with shotshells.
- Inconsistent Ammunition: Different types of ammunition can perform inconsistently in terms of accuracy.
- Shooter Technique: Poor grip or trigger control can lead to reduced accuracy.
Solutions:
- Practice: Spend time practicing to get familiar with the Governor’s handling and improve accuracy.
- Try Different Ammunition: Experiment with different ammunition types and brands to find the best-performing option for you.
- Improve Technique: Focus on maintaining a consistent grip and smooth trigger pull to enhance accuracy.
4. Extraction Issues:
Issue:
Difficulty extracting spent cartridges is another commonly reported issue with the S&W Governor.
Possible Causes:
- Residue Buildup: Powder residue can make it hard to extract spent shells.
- Dirty or Rough Chambers: Dirty or rough chambers can cause extraction difficulties.
- Inferior Ammunition: Lower-quality ammunition may lead to more frequent extraction problems.
Solutions:
- Clean the Chambers: Regularly clean and polish the chambers to ensure smooth extraction.
- Use High-Quality Ammunition: Opt for higher-grade ammunition to reduce the likelihood of extraction issues.
- Inspect Cartridges: After shooting, inspect the cartridges for any signs of damage or excessive pressure.
Maintenance Tips for the S&W Governor:
Keeping your S&W Governor in top shape requires regular maintenance. Here are some practical tips to ensure your revolver operates smoothly:
1. Regular Cleaning:
- Barrel: Clean the bore and remove any residue to maintain accuracy.
- Cylinder: Ensure the cylinder and chambers are free from dirt and debris.
- Firing Pin Channel: Clean the firing pin channel to prevent light primer strikes and ensure reliable firing.
2. Proper Lubrication:
- Lubricate the moving parts of the revolver with a high-quality firearm lubricant. Avoid over-lubrication, as this can attract dirt and debris.
3. Inspection and Parts Replacement:
- Regularly inspect key parts like the hammer spring and ejector rod for wear and tear. Replace any worn-out parts to maintain optimal performance.
Conclusion:
The S&W Governor is a highly versatile and reliable revolver, but like any firearm, it can experience common issues such as cylinder binding, light primer strikes, accuracy concerns, and extraction problems. By following the maintenance tips and solutions discussed in this article, you can keep your Governor in excellent working condition. Remember, regular cleaning, proper ammunition selection, and practicing your shooting technique are key to ensuring long-lasting reliability.
FAQs:
Q1. What ammunition can the S&W Governor chamber?
Answer: The S&W Governor can chamber .45 Colt, .45 ACP, and .410 bore shotshells, offering a wide range of uses for self-defense, hunting, and recreational shooting.
Q2. How can I prevent cylinder binding in my S&W Governor?
Answer: To prevent cylinder binding, regularly clean the cylinder and ejector rod area, ensure the ejector rod is properly tightened, and use only high-quality ammunition.
Q3. What should I do if I experience light primer strikes?
Answer: If you experience light primer strikes, consider replacing the hammer spring with a stronger one, use softer primers, and ensure the firing pin channel is clean.
Q4. Can the S&W Governor be used for hunting?
Answer: Yes, the Governor can be used for small game hunting, especially with .410 bore shotshells, but accuracy may vary depending on the ammunition and shooting range.
Q5. How often should I clean my S&W Governor?
Answer: It’s recommended to clean your S&W Governor after every use to ensure optimal performance and prevent issues like cylinder binding and light primer strikes.
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