I thought on it for a while and went with a Smith Gov , silver finish I picked up Fri night , ordered a Deasntis blk open top leather holster ,picked some 45 Colt ammo ,and Win PDX 410 and Rem 6 shot , I should be good to go . got it for my ATV gun and truck gun . I have Smith L frames and 27`s but just wanted one a little different. I looked it over and lubed it up a little looks ready , will try out today

I wouldn’t trust the .410 loads for defense.   A Friend used a Taurus Judge while pumping oil wells.  She carried .410 shot for use against snakes and 45 Colt for 2 legged or 4 legged predators. They’re a versatile firearm but after testing the .410 is best for pest control or small game at close range.

I just wanted this gun for some reason when riding ATV , and also a truck gun . I worked the gas well jobs when it was big time in PA then the rotten dem`s wanted to tax them to death , I saw big fat rattlesnakes almost every day on new well pads and  the roads in . If they didn't bother me I let them alone some guys killed all they would see .

I carry a S&W Governor while paddling the Florida backwaters. I keep the first three chambers loaded with #7.5 "snake-shot" backed up with three rounds of Georgia Arms "Deer Stopper" .45 Colt load for anything that shrugs off the birdshot. I also keep two full moon clips of .45acp in my vest pocket for quick reloads if needed.

I used to carry #9 for snakes based on the pellet count. However, I switched to #7.5 after more testing convinced me that my pattern was much tighter with the slightly larger shot. So, less pellets overall but more concentrated on a snake's head sized target.

I prefer the .410 revolver against snakes in areas where errant shots, ricochets and over-penetration pose the greatest liability.

BTW- If at all possible, I leave venomous snakes alone and I am more than willing to move out of their way if possible. The .410 is there in case we can't come to an understanding.

I carry mine in a Galco "Miami" shoulder holster under a fishing vest that still screams "CC" unfortunately. In the boat, it is much easier to carry and much easier to draw than on my waist.

I have been testing my new Gov and it seems right on with the 45 acp and the 45 Colt ammo . I picked up some Fed 6 shot and also Win PDX , also had a few box  45 Gap Gold Dot , they fit good on the moon clips 200 gr loaded them up and they shot like a tac driver no problem , when they are all I won`t pick any more up but had a Glock 37 for a good while and found the ammo in the garage .I let the snakes alone if I can also , when I worked on gas well jobs big one are every where .

I ran some Fed 4 shot and this packed a wallop with that stuff also 6 shot , also ran 45 stuff shoots right on this Gov will make a great ATV gun .