Model 547 - What to look for / price

[jmmitc06]

So I'm really craving a 9mm revolver but I hate moon clips so I'm starting to look around for a 547 and hope to buy one in a few months. I know they are rare since only a few thousand were produced so I'm basically stuck buying any 547 I find but I was hoping you all might have some information for me.

What price is the going rate for a minty one in original box? and how much for say an 80% shooter grade w/o box? I saw a post on here that a NIB one went for $950 about five years ago so I'm guessing around $1200.

Additionally, I've heard that the extractor was finicky/unreliable, is this true? It's hard to trust what I've read online since there are so few of them out there. It'll be a range toy so it doesn't really matter but I'm curious.

 

[murphydog]

Your value estimates are in the current range. Member 5Wire has a graph showing the track of their values, and if you do a Search Site/Google inquiry you'll find it. They were made in 3 and 4" and with pinned and unpinned barrels; the 3" pinned version tends to be the most expensive but I recall the 4" was made in smaller numbers.

Very few of these are seen in shooter/well used condition; I think most owners didn't use them very much once they realized how many were made. I don't think the extractor was unusually fragile but spare parts are hard to find.

As an aside (gasp!), Charter Arms makes both a 9 mm and .40 S & W revolver that don't require moon clips, but if you want an S & W that is perfectly understandable . Good luck in your search.

 

[Belgian686]

I have a 3" 547, one of the first 200 released. I bought it second hand more than 10 years ago, from the widow of a police officer, through a LGS. I fire it a lot, and still had no single issue firing or ejecting. As mine, most have a reputation for being extremely accurate. No chance mine will be leaving if it depends from me.

B686

 

[mc5aw]

1) Look for a 940 instead.

2) Cease and desist from using the word "minty".

 

[jmmitc06]

Is there a big reason to prefer the 940 over a 547 besides the 547 being harder to find? I ask because AFAIK the 940 requires moon clips and is only available in stainless, both of which are negatives to me, but I could be convinced otherwise. The 940 would be a better carry piece, but this is a range toy only.

 

[SandWAlphabet]

jmmitc06, I would say a 547 on the nicer side condition wise should be at least under $1k and no more. NIB ones I have seen go anywhere from $1200 to $2000! I know of a fellow selling a 4" decent condition 547 if you are interested, give me a PM. Also, I haven't had any extractor issues with my 547's, but do note, I don't shoot them too often to really be certain on that. May happen with larger volume shooting sessions?

 

[Engine49guy]

The 547 has really reached collector status unless you find a cosmeticly challenged one cheap but even then if it breaks your out of luck as no spare parts are being made.

I picked up a like new condition 3" Model 547 about 4 years back for around $700 but never shot it because the Model 19 and 66 are my favorites and in reality the 9mm M&P doesnt do anything the KT 357 doesnt do better but with a different casing.


If your intention is to carry a 9mm revo the J frame 940 is smaller and less expensive,
If your going to shoot it alot an N frame 8 shot 9mm competition revolver with target sites will be available from S&W soon,
While an L or N frame 9mm will be slightly larger it will be cheaper and easier to find plus have a lifetime warranty and spare parts availability for the next 10 or 20 years.

 

[Zipdog]

Your statement " It's hard to trust what I've read online ".
Where do you think you're at now?
Just an observation.

 

[tekarra]

I still have a few 547s left and have never had any problems with the extractors; this is shooting them for thirty years. Totally reliable IMO.

 

[Model39]

Dual Cylinder Model 547/ Single Cylinder Model 547

I am fortunate to own 2 3" Model 547's. They are great revolvers. One gun I bought from a retired S&W factory employee came with a Model 19 357/38 cylinder he fitted to the gun, which really makes it a neat gun with the versatility of firing 3 different calibers. I recently picked up a plain 9MM only second Model 547 3" which is unfired with a factory letter I plan to keep unfired. I do see Model 547's for sale usually on GunBroker, and on our forum, and sometimes good deals can be found. If this is something you want, buy one, enjoy it, and as long as you take care of it, it will always worth what you bought it for and possibly more down the road.
Dual Cylinder Model 547

Plain NIB Mode 547