Both the Taurus Judge 3″ and the Smith and Wesson Governor are well-known revolvers. The primary function of both the Taurus Judge 3″ and the Smith and Wesson Governor is to provide self-defense for their respective owners.
Both guns are flexible, strong, and can fire.410 Shotshells and .45 Colt ammo. While these firearms have many similarities, there are important variances that should be considered to buy a dependable, high-quality revolver.
In this post, the important differences between the Taurus Judge 3 vs Smith & Wesson Governor will be discussed, such as their design, features, performance, and pricing, to help you decide which revolver is best for you.
Taurus Judge 3 vs Smith & Wesson Governor: Quick Comparison Table
The following chart plainly shows the many variations between the Taurus Judge 3” and the Smith and Wesson Governor.
| Features | Taurus Judge 3” | Smith & Wesson Governor |
| Cartridge | .45 Colt ammunition and .410, 2.5″ shotshells | . 410 2-1/2″ shotshells, .45 ACP or .45 Colt |
| Sights | Red fiber-optic fixed front sight and a customized fixed rear sight | Ramp front sight and a fixed rear sight |
| Magazine | 5 round magazine | 6 round magazine |
| Weight | 29 oz | 29.6 oz |
| Length | 24.13 cm | 21.59 cm |
| Barrel Length | 3 inch | 2.75 inch |
| Width | 3.81cm | 4.44cm |
| Grip | Rubber grip | Synthetic grip |
| Safety | Transfer bar safety | Transfer bar safety |
| Height | 12.95 cm | 13.97 cm |
| Gun Type | Revolver | Revolver |
| Design | Compact steel frame | Scandium alloy frame |
What Are the Differences Between Taurus Judge 3 vs Smith & Wesson Governor? (Explained)
Taurus International developed and manufactured the Taurus Judge handgun. Taurus advertises the Judge as a self-defense tool for carjacking and house security. It originated in Brazil.
The Smith & Wesson Governor, on the other hand, is a snub-nosed single-action/double-action revolver manufactured by Smith and Wesson. It started in the United States.
Here are the distinctions in greater depth and see which one performs better in various areas:
1. Design:
The Taurus Judge has a lightweight metal frame and a ribbed rubber grip, making it simpler to use and reducing blowback. The handgun has barrel lengths of 2.5″, “, and 6.5”.
The Smith & Wesson Governor, on the other hand, has a stainless steel chassis and a synthetic handle. It comes in two gun lengths: 2.75″ and 3″.
2. Grip:
The grip styles on the Taurus Judge and Smith & Wesson Governor are distinct. The Taurus Judge revolver has a ribbed rubber grip that provides a pleasant and solid grasp on the weapon.
The ribbing on the grip also aids in blowback reduction and precision when shooting. The Judge’s grip is made to fit both small and big palms, making it a flexible option for shooters of all sizes.
The synthetic grip on the Smith & Wesson Governor, on the other hand, has a speckled pattern. This grip is intended to provide a secure grip on the handgun even in damp or slick circumstances.
The checkering on the grip also aids in grip and control, particularly during fast discharge. The handle on the Governor is also ergonomic and pleasant for most hand types.
3. Weight:
The weight differential between the Taurus Judge and the Smith & Wesson Governor is minor. The Taurus Judge weights about 29 ounces. The Taurus Judge has a metal chassis that is lightweight.
On the other hand Smith & Wesson Governor weighs approximately 29.6 ounces. The Smith & Wesson Governor has a stainless steel frame.
Despite the slight difference in weight, both revolvers are considered to be lightweight and easy to handle.
4. Sights:
There are differences in the sight design between the Taurus Judge and the Smith & Wesson Governor.
The Taurus Judge has fixed sights, which are incorporated into the revolver and cannot be changed for windage or elevation.
This limits the shooter’s ability to fine-tune their aim, but in some cases, the fixed sight design is more robust and dependable.
The Smith & Wesson Governor, on the other hand, has adjustable back sights that enable the user to fine-tune their aim. The sights on the Governor are also readily replaceable, which is useful if the shooter favors a different sight type.
5. Magazine:
Both the Taurus Judge and the Smith & Wesson Governor are revolvers that do not use magazines, instead relying on a cylinder to store and spin the bullets.
The Taurus Judge is offered in 5- and 6-shot configurations, while the Smith & Wesson Governor is only available in 6-shot configuration.
This means that in its 5-shot form, the Taurus Judge can carry one less round than the Governor, or the same number of cartridges in its 6-shot version.
6. Ammunition:
Although both the Taurus Judge and the Smith & Wesson Governor can fire.410 shotgun rounds and .45 Colt cartridges, there are some variations in the ammo that they can use.
The Taurus Judge can also fire .45 Colt +P ammo, which is a higher-pressure variant of the .45 Colt cartridges capable of greater velocity and stopping force.
The Smith & Wesson Governor, on the other hand, can fire .45 ACP ammunition as well as .45 Colt and .410 shotgun rounds.
This can give the user more ammunition options, and the .45 ACP cartridges is renowned for its precision and stopping strength.
7. Trigger:
The Taurus Judge has a single-action/double-action trigger mechanism, so the first shot can be discharged in either single-action or double-action mode. The following rounds are discharged in double-action mode.
Depending on the type, the trigger draw weight is roughly 10-12 pounds in double-action mode and 4-6 pounds in single-action mode.
The Taurus Judge 3” allows you to fire the first shot in single-action mode, which provides a lighter and more precise trigger draw for better accuracy.
The Smith & Wesson Governor also has a double-action trigger mechanism, which pulls both cocks and the hammer and then releases them to discharge the revolver.
The trigger draw weight is comparable to the Taurus Judge in double-action form, at around 10-12 pounds.
8. Durability:
Both the Taurus Judge and the Smith & Wesson Governor are intended to be long-lasting revolvers that can endure repeated use and misuse.
The lightweight aluminum frame and steel cylinder of the Taurus Judge provide a decent mix of durability and weight reduction. In addition, the handgun has a matte black surface that is intended to withstand erosion.
The stainless steel frame and cylinder of the Smith & Wesson Governor provide exceptional longevity and resilience to wear and corrosion.
In addition, the revolver has a matte silver finish that is intended to withstand corrosion and keep its look over time.
9. Range:
In terms of range, there is no significant difference between the Taurus Judge and the Smith & Wesson Governor. Both revolvers have similar barrel lengths and are designed for short to medium range shooting.
In most versions, the Taurus Judge has a 3-inch barrel, whereas the Smith & Wesson Governor has a 2.75-inch barrel.
However, the variation in barrel length is minor and is unlikely to have a major effect on the revolver’s range or accuracy.
Both revolvers are widely used for self-defense and other close-range shooting uses, as well as short to medium-range hunting of small animals or varmints.
Safety Issues of Taurus Judge 3” And Smith and Wesson Governor:
The Taurus Judge is equipped with a transfer bar safety mechanism that stops the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is completely depressed.
This safeguard mechanism is intended to prevent the revolver from accidentally discharging if it is dropped or bumped. The Taurus Judge also includes a security lock that can be activated to prevent illegal use of the weapon.
The transfer bar safety system on the Smith & Wesson Governor is comparable, as is the double-action trigger system, which takes a lengthier and heavier draw to discharge the revolver.
The Governor also includes a visible and tactile filled cylinder indicator to assist the user in confirming that the revolver is loaded and ready to discharge.
Overall, both the Taurus Judge and the Smith & Wesson Governor have safety features that are designed to prevent accidental discharges and ensure safe handling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is .410 birdshot rounds good for in Taurus Judge 3″ and Smith & Wesson Governor?
It is important for close-range defense scenarios since the dispersion of the shot increases the likelihood of striking the target.
What is the Taurus Judge 3 and a Smith & Wesson Governor’s effective range?
The maximum effective range of the Taurus Judge 3 and Smith & Wesson Governor is typically estimated to be approximately 10-15 yards.
What will happen if I shoot out of range with the Taurus Judge 3”?
Beyond this distance, the shot’s dispersion may grow too broad to be successful.
What is the ideal holster for the Taurus Judge 3″ and Smith & Wesson Governor?
Hip, holsters, and tactical holsters.
Does the Smith & Wesson Governor support aftermarket accessories?
Yes
Final Words
Both the Taurus Judge 3″ and the Smith and Wesson Governor are capable of acting in a self-defense situation. They can also be useful in insect management and a variety of other applications.
So, in conclusion, we can plainly state that both of them are fantastic machines at their jobs.
Related Posts:
- Glock 19 Gen 5 Vs Taurus G3c: A Complete Differences
- Sig Sugar M18 vs P320 Sig Sugar: Which One Will Be Your Better Pick?
- Sig P228 vs P229: What Sets These Two Firearms Apart?
- Ruger LCP II vs Ruger LCP Max: What Are the Key Differences Between These Two Firearms?
- Comparison Between CZ 75D PCR Vs CZ 75 P01
