I recently found a 3" 547. I didn't however wait as long as you did to fire it but I certainly did enjoy it. Glad to see you got a chance to finally shoot yours. Looking forward to seeing the results of your possible modifications. Thanks for sharing your range experience.
Funny story actually. I went to the local shop ready to purchase a 627-0 and ended up with the 945-!. The 627-0 wasn't in the condition I was looking for so... I lucked out big time. The 945 had just come through the door only a day or two before.
The best part about your "SCORE" is you can play without worrying about the first ding. I have a 1965 4" that I love to shoot. I also love the rich tones of those grips. ENJOY.
BEAUTIFUL pick-up! That is a model on my wish list. I have a two tone Trooper .22lr and a two tone Marshal .38, both from 1954 and both are 4". I like you will wait for a nice one. Hard to find as you said, many were carried a lot.