choice: M547 in 3" or 4" ?

[Jeroenw114]

First post on the new forum.
I may bid on of two 547 revolvers that are currently on auction here in Holland, Europe. I always wanted one and after searching whole Europe for one (on internet) decided that I will not find one for sale. Now, half a year later there are two in good shape at the same time!
One 4" SQ and the other 3" RB, all original by the looks of it.

I would use it for fun target shooting on 25 meters (27 yards). I like the 3" way better for looks but for the 4" I would have a like new pair of diamond target grips.
And I think the 4" is more accurate on that distance.

Who has both and can advice me? Is the 3" even on that distance usable? I never shot a 3"
(I even never shot a fixed sight S&W)

Thanks,
Jeroen

 

[neon8]

I just brought home a 3" a few days ago but have not had the chance to take it to the range yet. I posted a thread last week and had some good responses from people with experience. Check it out

http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/showthread.php?t=88984

Grab it both if you can because you may never get the chance again.

 

[Allen-frame]

The 547

Hello Jer, how are you and the family?

I happened to come upon a couple of 547s last year. I brought home a 3" and my best friend snagged a 4". We were lucky at the time as the prices have skyrocketed now.

The 3" is a very cool gun. I'd say more for concealment than anything else. Mine is annunition picky, and doesn't shoot hot hollow points well.

Knowing what I know today I'd choose the 4" for taking to the range. I'm sure the 4" is
more 'shootable' .

There were also fewer of the 4" guns made. So maybe it will hold its value better.

If you decide on the 3" model contact me, I have a nice pair of grips for it.

Here is a picture of my 2 3" 547s' ,sadly one is gone,,,

Good luck with your decision,, Regards Allen Frame

 

[Belgian686]

547's in Europe

Hi Jeroen,

I have posted a reply to one of your previous posts, but it's quite some time ago. You should also read the posts of a few weeks ago, as there was a rather long one about this great gun.

I have a 3", which I preferred for the looks (and it was the first I found after looking for one for yeeeaaars in Belgium), and every time I shoot it, it amazes me again for it's precision. I would even start wondering if a 4" could improve it, but physics for a longer tube should not lie. I think the 3" is however splendidly balanced, and that's why, with the great look, it's my preferred.

I reload a mild load for it, with a 123gr FMJ bullet, and with that load it's extremely precise, although it eats very well whatever it's served (no issues with minimal loads due to cycling requirements, which is an additional advantage for a wheelgun).

Let us know how this works out. BTW, you should contact Headknocker, who was very nice emailing me the manuals for it. I am happy to re-forward to you also if you want.

For your info, there is a 4" 547 for sale in Knokke, Belgium, for 395 € (about 450$). See link below.

B686.


http://www.coppensschietsport.com/Schietsportcentrum/Used guns.htm

Scroll down, it in the lower part - I was very tempted to buy

 

[Belgian686]

Original grip for 547

Hi Allen-Frame,

My 3" 547 came with pachmayr grips. I have put Ahrends on the gun, but it's still replacement, great for shooting however. Do you think it's still possible to get an original pair of S&W-grips for it ? And how much would it cost ?

Thanks - B686

 

[lanternlad1]

The 3" is a very cool gun. I'd say more for concealment than anything else. Mine is annunition picky, and doesn't shoot hot hollow points well.

How does your revolver not shoot hollow points well? I have a 3" 547, is there anything I should know? I haven't shot it yet. What ammo does it not like?

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

My 4" M547 is a Tack Driver & would put it up against any other 4" tube S&W..
Email me for a copy of the owners manual, I'd be happy to send it to anyone who wants it..
I have it in JPG & PDF..
[email protected]
Here's a Pic of my M547 with Uncle Mikes grips & one of my 940s.. Note: HKS 547 Speedloaders, Thanks Thom!!
Someday I'll come across a 3" M547 to add to my small collection of S&W 9mm Revolvers..

 

[tekarra]

I used to shoot the 3" model more accurately because the round butt fits my hand better that the square butt on the 4". Later I acquired a 4" 547 that had the butt rounded and I shoot it as well as the 3". Both revolvers are probably capable of better accuracy than I can deliver, so for me, it was in the shape of the grip. If in doubt, buy both!!!!

 

[target tech]

3" K frames seem to hold their value better. That is the only real reason I originally bought mine. I didn't even know anything about 547's, it's also how I found the forum years ago.