I recently found a 3" RB 547 in what I would consider 95+ condition. The grips tell me it was made in 1982. I have a safe full of Colts, Kimbers, Sigs and older Smiths, 19's 29 and 36. I had no knowledge of this model until I stumbled across it and got it worth the money. Any one have experience with this model? I am going to take it out this weekend and see how it shoots but I feel it will be a shooter and no doubt a keeper.
Found 547
- Thread starter ben1
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beemerphile
Member
I have two - a 3" RB and a 4" SB. No moon clips to mess with (although I have become a fan of moon clips). Sweet guns but most are way overpriced. You will enjoy it.
papajohn428
Member
The 547 is the only 9mm I would consider owning.
5Wire
Member
Congratulations on a fine, tough revolver, I wish I hadn't sold my set BUT
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Belgian686
Member
I have been looking for one for years, and finally found one about 5 years ago (3 inch, RB, pinned barrel), for less than 300$. I had it lettered by Roy Jinks, and it seems to be one of the first 150 made, which made it's way to Europe. I suspect it to be a 'presentation' model, as it's action is perfect (one of the best of all my revolvers). In his letter, Roy states it was born thanks to a request of the French Gendarmerie, who finally turned it down for a national product – the Manurhin MR73. Some of the 547 made their way to Israel, and back to the US later, but I have no clue about the details of that.
There have been a lot of posts here about the famous 547, and most owners, like me, would almost NEVER part with it. Mine seems to like the slower heavier bullets and loads, and it's amazingly precise, even at 25 meters (about 28 yards I believe). If you do a search, you will find a lot of first class info, as usual on this forum (they are the best). Thanks to Headknocker, I got a pdf of the manual, and it's now available (thanks to him again) at : http://stevespages.com/pdf/s&w_547.pdf
It's a pitty they stopped the production, just image of one in stainless for all the practical advantages and the availability of 9mm. There were a bit more than 10.000 produced, with a majority of SB - 4inch, and it's very valuable for S&W fans.
Have loads of fun with it, and let us know about your trip to the range - B686
There have been a lot of posts here about the famous 547, and most owners, like me, would almost NEVER part with it. Mine seems to like the slower heavier bullets and loads, and it's amazingly precise, even at 25 meters (about 28 yards I believe). If you do a search, you will find a lot of first class info, as usual on this forum (they are the best). Thanks to Headknocker, I got a pdf of the manual, and it's now available (thanks to him again) at : http://stevespages.com/pdf/s&w_547.pdf
It's a pitty they stopped the production, just image of one in stainless for all the practical advantages and the availability of 9mm. There were a bit more than 10.000 produced, with a majority of SB - 4inch, and it's very valuable for S&W fans.
Have loads of fun with it, and let us know about your trip to the range - B686
Wow. Thanks for all the great response. This is why this forum is so good. I gave $450 for it and almost feel guilty. Not quite though. It cleaned up beautifully. No wear marks or rust anywhere. Just a slight cylinder ring. I will report back after ringing it out.
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Congrats! The 547 in either barrel length is my grail gun. What a great price too. Gives a man hope that there are still good deals to be found. I would be interested to read how well it shoots also. Enjoy it.
5Wire
Member
The 4-inch is the rarest version according to SCS&W,3rdEd. "approximately 6486 produced in round butt configuration." The total production was "about 10270 units."
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5Wire I saw that chart. Man that is impressive!. Thanks for all the info. Makes sense that the smaller run would be more valued. I just happened into this one. However I once many years ago had a 3 inch 13 357 I carried. I traded it off and have missed it ever since. This will be the replacement for that one. Thanks.
Belgian686
Member
Sorry for reverse info - you are right indeed 5wire.
BillyWayne
Member
I am with 5wire. I want to see pics!!! PICS....PICS....PICS!!
Ben1, congrats on your find. I have a few 547s but only one in 3". They are a great revolver and I find them to be more accurate than my 65s. Besides being accurate, they are just fun to shoot. Hope you will post a photo and your shooting impressions.
As B686 points out, they were made for the French and many ended up in Israel. Two of mine did come from Israel in the 1980s. At that time a shooting acquaintance made several trips to Israel to purchase surplus arms and one trip, came back with a couple of dozen 547s. I believe I paid $150 for them and wished I had purchased a few more.
As B686 points out, they were made for the French and many ended up in Israel. Two of mine did come from Israel in the 1980s. At that time a shooting acquaintance made several trips to Israel to purchase surplus arms and one trip, came back with a couple of dozen 547s. I believe I paid $150 for them and wished I had purchased a few more.
5Wire
Member
Thanks for the kind words on the chart for the 547s. I decided to update the old chart that appeared for a while in this thread. The 3-in price trend seems to be leveling off and the 4-in price trend is accelerating. Here's the chart:
Here are the data tracks used to generate the chart.
Smith & Wesson 547 4" SB Revolver in 9 mm. Bluebook of Gun Values (31st Edition) indicates between $575 in 95% condition and $775 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 45 recorded prices for this model gun from $450 to $1299 over a period of 7 Yrs 3 Mos ending November 11, 2010. The average price as of that date was $694. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $317.
Smith & Wesson 547 3" RB Revolver in 9 mm. Bluebook of Gun Values (31st Edition) indicates between $575 in 95% condition and $775 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 56 recorded prices for this model gun from $500 to $1295 over a period of 6 Yrs 11 Mos ending July 5, 2010. The average price as of that date was $772. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $317.
Here are the data tracks used to generate the chart.
Smith & Wesson 547 4" SB Revolver in 9 mm. Bluebook of Gun Values (31st Edition) indicates between $575 in 95% condition and $775 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 45 recorded prices for this model gun from $450 to $1299 over a period of 7 Yrs 3 Mos ending November 11, 2010. The average price as of that date was $694. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $317.
Smith & Wesson 547 3" RB Revolver in 9 mm. Bluebook of Gun Values (31st Edition) indicates between $575 in 95% condition and $775 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 56 recorded prices for this model gun from $500 to $1295 over a period of 6 Yrs 11 Mos ending July 5, 2010. The average price as of that date was $772. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $317.
5Wire
Member
Ha, ha! That's like the fifty-fifty rule. If you've got a fifty-fifty chance of making the right choice, you'll pick the wrong one 90% of the time.I do have seller's remorse on selling the three-incher I had. The four inch was very accurate and very tame even with plus Ps but the three inch was better for carry. The only problem was, I thought it was too nice to carry and I never did. Oh well.
Here it is with Hogue Bantams. Originals went with the gun to new the owner when I sold it. Put the Bantams on the 2-1/2" 686P.
and the 4-inch:
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Here is mine, I have spent so much time in Iraq and Afghanstan I have not had a chance to shoot it!!
owenwd54
Member
3 inch k frames
Sir you got a heck of a deal. I have mod 13 and had mod 64 3 inch you will love that 547.
Sir you got a heck of a deal. I have mod 13 and had mod 64 3 inch you will love that 547.
I've got two of the 4" sq. butts, fired only one of them...To be honest, I'm not fond of the DA pull; must be over 14lbs...Anyone ever measure a stock 547 with that gizmo puller?
I swear every time that I want to sell them both; but something tells me this isn't the time.
I've had too much "selling regrets" over the years, don't need anymore...
I swear every time that I want to sell them both; but something tells me this isn't the time.
I've had too much "selling regrets" over the years, don't need anymore...
Something I have noticed is that I agree with Big Foot. The double action is strong but just before it breaks it softens. That is the best way to describe it. I have been shooting for decades and have had and do have several Smiths. It has a slightly different feel to it. Is this just me?
Model39
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
My Dual Cylinder 547
For those of you that haven't seen this before, here is my dual cylinder Model 547. The gun has an aux recessed 357magnum cylinder added to it which makes it a very versatile. It came with three grips. The Birdseye Maple grips presently on it are by Craig Spegel.
For those of you that haven't seen this before, here is my dual cylinder Model 547. The gun has an aux recessed 357magnum cylinder added to it which makes it a very versatile. It came with three grips. The Birdseye Maple grips presently on it are by Craig Spegel.
Triggerman66
Member
All 547's have a heaver hammer spring I believe it is to overcome hard or blown primers, depending on who you talk to. Note the bobbed hammer spur. So I simply replaced the original spring with a regular model 19 leaf spring, now the pull is like all my other S&W's.
Josh M.
Member
I believe that the heavier hammer spring has to do with the frame mounted "plunger" right above the firing pin. The hammer has to set off the primer (via firing pin) and also has to shove the case forward (via frame mounted plunger) to avoid case set-back from tying up the gun.
Model 39,
I am intrigued with your 547. Is it the 547M and is the product code on the box? S&W made some 4000 M models and the SCSW says none are known to exist. Hopefully you will share some additional information on yours.
Best.
I am intrigued with your 547. Is it the 547M and is the product code on the box? S&W made some 4000 M models and the SCSW says none are known to exist. Hopefully you will share some additional information on yours.
Best.
Thanks Big Foot. I took those on my old cell phone so they actually turned out better than I had hoped. Man this forum is the place to ferret out true S&W treasures you would never see at a show or anywhere else. FYI my 547 has a serial number beginning with ABK. Like I said the grips are marked 1982. I am going to send off for the history on this one as I am curious.
Model39
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Model 547 dual cylinder info.
I bought this from a retired S&W factory employee. From what I was told, the factory did offer the 547M Model but had some kind of problems with them, and never released them to the public. The employee figured why not fit a recessed 357 cylinder and make it into a dual cylinder revolver since the 547 is similar to a 3" Model 65. The bore diameter difference is so small that there is no problem firing the 357 out of it. I shot both cylinders and had no problems with it. Thanks for your interest.
I bought this from a retired S&W factory employee. From what I was told, the factory did offer the 547M Model but had some kind of problems with them, and never released them to the public. The employee figured why not fit a recessed 357 cylinder and make it into a dual cylinder revolver since the 547 is similar to a 3" Model 65. The bore diameter difference is so small that there is no problem firing the 357 out of it. I shot both cylinders and had no problems with it. Thanks for your interest.
Finally got one
This is my second purchase this year. I decided two years ago to consolidate down to only Three Cal. types of weapons/ammo. 22LR, 9mm and 7.62X39. With that in mine, The 547 was my 1st choice due to its ability to eject 9mm cartridge. Final cost to reach me will be $676.77. I won it on GB earlier tonight. I'm sure some of you may have bid or seem it. It's looks to be about 90 plus %. It's a shooter and that is what I do with my guns(no, no-shoot affliction here). I'm not wild about the red dot setup, but it will do until I can get the 1/8" front sight post and pin. I will be changing the grips also. Any suggestions on where I might get the front sight post and pin is welcome. I will contact S&W of course. I'm happy with the final price. It is only $26.77 more than I was willing to pay for a 547. Luck and patience paid off in the end. I just hope the 547 lives up to being a well made and functioning revolver.
This is my second purchase this year. I decided two years ago to consolidate down to only Three Cal. types of weapons/ammo. 22LR, 9mm and 7.62X39. With that in mine, The 547 was my 1st choice due to its ability to eject 9mm cartridge. Final cost to reach me will be $676.77. I won it on GB earlier tonight. I'm sure some of you may have bid or seem it. It's looks to be about 90 plus %. It's a shooter and that is what I do with my guns(no, no-shoot affliction here). I'm not wild about the red dot setup, but it will do until I can get the 1/8" front sight post and pin. I will be changing the grips also. Any suggestions on where I might get the front sight post and pin is welcome. I will contact S&W of course. I'm happy with the final price. It is only $26.77 more than I was willing to pay for a 547. Luck and patience paid off in the end. I just hope the 547 lives up to being a well made and functioning revolver.
