Model 547 in 9mm - Tell me what you know about them??

[THREEDFLYER]

So I may have a chance to purchase a S&W that I did not know existed.....a 4" Model 547 chambered in 9mm.

Yes, this is a hand ejector not a semi-auto pistol.

I am sure some of you know about them and I am curious where the value would be on one very lightly used and in the original box??

This one DOES NOT have a pinned barrel.

The original owner who is considering selling purchased this one new in 1983

On GB I see Jim Brewster sold one recently that was a 4" pinned barrel LNIB for just under $2,400......and some others seem to be in the $1,800 range and a bit higher depending on condition.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I have a used 3" I felt lucky to get several years ago for less than $700.

I like it. I'm used to shooting and carrying J frames so it's quite a switch to pull it out.

A few years back it failed to fire on three cylinders. I returned it to the factory, and for about $160 they repaired it. Happy camper, again.

I think the prices you quoted are ridiculous. I don't follow them so I don't have a feel for current prices.

Hope this helps.

 

[THREEDFLYER]

Bob,

Thanks for your post, I think the prices on these limited production S&W's have really escalated in the past couple of years and I have no doubt that the gun you paid less than $700 for back then would sell for considerably more at the present time.

Take care!

 

[jaymoore]

Speed loaders are scarce any more. That's one thing to consider if you want to shoot it. HKS and Safariland made them, with the HKS far easier to find.

 

[colt_saa]

Bob,

Thanks for your post, I think the prices on these limited production S&W's have really escalated in the past couple of years and I have no doubt that the gun you paid less than $700 for back then would sell for considerably more at the present time.

Take care!

The 547 was a full production gun, nothing limited about it except the fact that it was not popular.

Kind of like the Edsel, it never sold new, so not many were built and now more than half a century later collectors pay top dollar because it is rare. Go figure

The 547 is a very cool revolver. I have a 3" that I shoot often

Pristine or guns unfired since leaving the factory will always command high prices no matter what the model, Jim's auctions prove that

Shooter grade guns still show up in the sub $1000 arena, but that arena gets smaller every year and you have to grab quick. Come over here to the Forum to find out if the price is good and you are too late.

For comparisons from other vendors, look at the Medusa cylinder of a few decades ago that was also clip-less. The conversion cylinders and complete revolvers bring good money.

Then there are the various J and K frame sized Korth offerings. Beautiful examples of German over engineering

The Korth 9MM conversion cylinder for the L-frames is $900, plus fitting

 

[noyo55]

I bought a mint used one for my wife as a "purse" gun about 8 years ago. Niether of us liked it, most unpleasant hammer I ever cocked. Sold it about 6 years ago--$1400. Interesting extracter system and expense to make( I was told). I took the money and bought her a mached pair 22 and 38sp one liner Masterpieces.

 

[g-dad]

Tom, I have had a 3" and still have the 4". To me it's a well balanced gun with fixed sights. The Magnas are a bit small for me so I've put them back in the box and installed a set of Hogue Checkered Cocobolo. Fits my hand much better.

Here's a pic from when I first received it 5 yrs ago.

 

[hkcavalier]

I bought a mint used one for my wife as a "purse" gun about 8 years ago. Niether of us liked it, most unpleasant hammer I ever cocked. Sold it about 6 years ago--$1400. Interesting extracter system and expense to make( I was told). I took the money and bought her a mached pair 22 and 38sp one liner Masterpieces.

I gotta see this purse that holds 2 6" K frames.

 

[jcelect]

547

For those interested!
Guns Manufactured

Date per year serial #
1979 1 3D67260
1980 140 5D59000-5D59139
1981 11 unkown
1982 0
1983 6486 unkown
1984 3460 unkown
1985 178 unkown
1986 3 unkown

Total production 10279
jcelect

 

[sodacan]

They are merely model 10's in 9mm.
They are are not rare.
If the beryllium copper pieces on the extractor break, you are out of luck.
Rookie collectors with more money than knowledge buy them at grossly inflated prices, just like the guys paying $3K+ for Pythons of which 600K were produced.

 

[Vettepartz]

Wow! We have some really mixed opinions here. Those that have them say they are quite valuable, while those without SAY that they really aren't worth much. Let me give you my 2 cents worth, which is worth about 2 cents.

Back in the early 80's, I had an FFL which I used mostly for my own purchases and for a few friends. When S&W announced the 547 model, there was a big demand. I contacted several distributors who were without, and was put on a waiting list for 6 months before I finally received one. So to say that they didn't sell very well is a real crock. I was there.

I did get my 3" model and took it out shooting. First 6 rounds and I didn't like the feel of the gun, even though they came with the small banana target stocks. Another 6 rounds and I was still un-impressed, so I just cleaned it and put it away in the safe with all the original stuff. I have large hands, and this just doesn't feel well. I still have it.

They made more of the 3" models than the 4inchers, but the 3" ones get a much higher price when selling, as I have observed over the years.

If you can find one reasonably priced, I think you will like it. This is all my opinion, and others are entitled to THEIR opinion, even if they are wrong.

Happy Shootin'

 

[NYlakesider]

I have a 3'' and like it. Its not rare but its also not common. Take mine to the range and people I consider gun knowledgeable, many have never heard of it. A few have heard of it but never seen one. Of course I will let them shoot it.

That extractor system is a "work of art," it works well. My shooter son, who is a machinist foreman and programmer has told me that is one expensive extractor system to make. Its also quite well built and robust so I am not afraid to fire it.

As far as speed loaders I have many other guns I could carry as a weapon so no speed loaders is a moot point.

I bought mine in very good shooter condition no box,tools or paper at under $900 a few years ago.

It was the only one I ever saw or heard about for sale in the 5 years I was looking to get one. In the last couple years after I bought mine I did manage to see another for sale but it was complete and unfired and I was not going to pay that kind of money!

 

[The Norseman]

The non-rare S&W 547 9mm Revolver

The S&W Model 547 9mm 6-shot Revolver is very interesting.

I find the creativity and mechanics most unique. Very interesting
to me.

One of my "always on the look out for". With 10279 out there,
I'll find one at a reasonable price. I've been patient this far.

Thanks for sharing your stories.

 

[colt_saa]

They are merely model 10's in 9mm.

Absolutly incorrect

Due to the fact that the 9MM Parabellum is a tapered case, Smith & Wesson devised a way to keep the case off the recoil shield until chamber pressure increased enough to hold ihe case in it's place. This was to prevent fired casings from tying up the cylinder's rotation

There is a second hole through the recoil shield, in line with the firing pin where a flat faced pin holds the case forward during firing.

If the beryllium copper pieces on the extractor break, you are out of luck.

A commonly repeated urban legend

First of all, how many of the beryllium copper extractors have you heard of breaking? If the part never breaks it is a non-issue if spares are available

Secondly, of the more than 10,000 Model 547s produced over the years not all of them are still in service to this day. Many have turned into parts due to multiple causes

Third, a talented machinist/spring maker could easily duplicate the extractor. Obviously out of a much less durable material like spring steel.

As a last resort, you could always replace the cylinder with a Model 13 cylinder which would convert the Model 547 into a Model 547M. True this option of last resort stops you from shooting 9MM, but it does bring the revolver back into the shooting game

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. FLYER, the neatest rev. S&W made in modern times. Bought a 4"
back when they came out. It shoots anything. You will really like it.
If it breaks, it breaks. Never seen a broken one. Best

 

[sodacan]

Absolutly incorrect

Due to the fact that the 9MM Parabellum is a tapered case, Smith & Wesson devised a way to keep the case off the recoil shield until chamber pressure increased enough to hold ihe case in it's place. This was to prevent fired casings from tying up the cylinder's rotation

There is a second hole through the recoil shield, in line with the firing pin where a flat faced pin holds the case forward during firing.

A commonly repeated urban legend

First of all, how many of the beryllium copper extractors have you heard of breaking? If the part never breaks it is a non-issue if spares are available

Secondly, of the more than 10,000 Model 547s produced over the years not all of them are still in service to this day. Many have turned into parts due to multiple causes

Third, a talented machinist/spring maker could easily duplicate the extractor. Obviously out of a much less durable material like spring steel.

As a last resort, you could always replace the cylinder with a Model 13 cylinder which would convert the Model 547 into a Model 547M. True this option of last resort stops you from shooting 9MM, but it does bring the revolver back into the shooting game

1. It is the same frame as a model 10.
2. You're entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts. I have seen two, from
guns with a lot of mileage on them. A clever design, but with no end game in case of
failure.
3. Exactly how much do you think it would cost to do that.
4. The "multiple causes" are generally extractor failures.
5. Isn't a model 13 a model 10 with a slightly longer cylinder?

 

[NYlakesider]

1. It is the same frame as a model 10.
2. You're entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts. I have seen two, from
guns with a lot of mileage on them. A clever design, but with no end game in case of
failure.
3. Exactly how much do you think it would cost to do that.
4. The "multiple causes" are generally extractor failures.
5. Isn't a model 13 a model 10 with a slightly longer cylinder?

I believe the magnums have a different heat treatment than the lesser power .38 models.

 

[colt_saa]

1. It is the same frame as a model 10.

Totally untrue.

You need to go and find yourself a model 547 and a model 10 and compare the frames.

If you take a box of 547 parts from 1980, they will not assemble into a Model 10 frame from 1980

Just because two things have similar curves does not meant that they are the same thing.

2. You're entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts. I have seen two, from guns with a lot of mileage on them. A clever design, but with no end game in case of failure.

The end game in case of a part failure is replacement. Just like any firearm

What makes you think otherwise?

3. Exactly how much do you think it would cost to do that.

The cost of the item was not part of the question. What to do if it breaks was the question and this is one of the options. Only you can decide if it is cost effective.

4. The "multiple causes" are generally extractor failures.

That is not a true fact. Forcing cones split, barrels get ringed, frames get destroyed, etc. Firearms are pulled from service for many reasons other than "the beryllium clip broke "

5. Isn't a model 13 a model 10 with a slightly longer cylinder?

I have not suggested turning the revolver into a Model 13. I am suggesting turning the gun into a Model 547M

All the reasons that the Model 547 is not a Model 10 are also why the Model 547M is not a Model 13

 

[delcrossv]

I have a "LNIB" 4" that gets shot occasionally. I like it. Nifty design to get a revolver to shoot a tapered, rimless cartridge. I think I paid around $1k a few years ago.

According to SCSW there were 6486 round butts(3") and 3784 square butts (4"). So I wouldn't call either "common".

 

[Kalos]

I sold one (4" pinned) NIB, a few days ago, on this forum, for $1750.

I've kept another 547 for regular use. It's my favorite range firearm. Fitted Pachmayr grips. Comfortable, stable, no problems. Intriguing cylinder mechanism.
May be a bit large and heavy for small (female?) hands.

So I may have a chance to purchase a S&W that I did not know existed.....a 4" Model 547 chambered in 9mm.

I am sure some of you know about them and I am curious where the value would be on one very lightly used and in the original box??

On GB I see Jim Brewster sold one recently that was a 4" pinned barrel LNIB for just under $2,400......and some others seem to be in the $1,800 range and a bit higher depending on condition.