Serial Number on a 547

[Vettepartz]

This is my first post here, so I hope I am doing this in accordance with the rules.
Many years ago I bought a brand new #547. I actually had to order it and wait since they were not on the market yet. It is a 3" round butt. The serial # begins with 16D2XXX. Others I have seen begin with 8D. Does anyone know what the different prefixes mean? Thanks

 

[Vettepartz]

This is my first post here, so I hope I am doing this in accordance with the rules.
Many years ago I bought a brand new #547. I actually had to order it and wait since they were not on the market yet. It is a 3" round butt. The serial # begins with 16D2XXX. Others I have seen begin with 8D. Does anyone know what the different prefixes mean? Thanks

 

[VM]

Welcome to the Forum.

Kinda like comparing Vin numbers on a Corvette

8D = 1981
16D = 1982



<span class="ev_code_RED">D1 – D90,000…………….....1968
D90,001 – D330,000……..1969 -70
D330,001 – D420,000………1971 – Early 72
D420,001 – D510,000………Late 1972 – Early 73
D510,001 – D659,901………Late 1973 – Early 1974
D659.902 – D75000………..Late 1974 – Early 1975
D750,001 – D870,000………Late 1975 – Early 1976
D870,001 – D999,999………Late 1976 – Early 1977
2D00001 - 2D80,000……….1977
2D80,001 – 2D99,999………1978
4D00001 – 6D10,000……….1979
6D10,0001 – 7D10,000……1980
7D10,001 – 9D44,500…..1981
9D44,501 – 17D8,900………1982
17D8,901 – 21D0883……….1983</span>

 

[Vettepartz]

Thanks for that info, VM. I really goofed up my first post here. First, I listed my question under the wrong heading (Used the early model S&W's instead of the latest ones). Also, upon checking my records, I see that I got this handgun in Sept of 1984, so it was not one that I had to wait for. Anyway, I fired it just 12 times and decided the grips were just too small for my large hands. I cleaned it and put it away for another day.

 

[VM]

It's all good.

I've seen others kick a new guy in his teeth for their first post being in the wrong place. I'm embarrassed when I see that.
I'm glad that you came here for the same reason that I did. S&W's Rock!

<span class="ev_code_RED">We do like pictures though!!!</span>

 

[Geronimo Jim]

Vettepartz----Welcome

VM-----You're awsome!

 

[cptdco]

If you decide your hand size isn't going to change, there are no shortage of members here who would like to take that 547 off of you. I had a 4 inch square butt version aat one time and let it go. I'd like to find another at a decent price.

 

[VM]

Also, upon checking my records, I see that I got this handgun in Sept of 1984, so it was not one that I had to wait for.

VP's - that red chart I gave you is when the revolvers were made at S&W. That does not mean that's when the gun was SHIPPED.
It's been close to 25 years and if you suffer CRS like I do, it possible you didn't receive your 547 til fall of '84.
SmithNut would be a better person to confirm this, but I think the 547's were made for LEO's and there very well could have been a waiting list.
I think the prices are high on them now because there weren't a lot produced. I've seen them sell for close to 1K - don't sell it - you'll regret it!

 

[Vettepartz]

OK - Gonna try again. My first post was bad; The second OK; and here is my third with pictures. When I bought this pistol I also got a Safariland holster for it with the elkhide lining and some Jay Scott oversize target grips which I never put on. I have the original box that it came in with ALL the paperwork and rod and brush and even the trigger plug. Thanks for the kind words and your patience.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

That 547 is a Realy Nice Specimen..MINTY!!
Have a Look on Gunbroker at what some of these are trying to be Sold For..
I have a 4" Square Butt 9DXXXX also made in 1982 & realy Love it as a Shooter with Cheap 115gr Ball Ammo..
Hold onto that M547, You'll look back later & say man I should have kept that MINTY M547..
I'd love to have a 3" RB M547 to round out my Collection of 9mm S&W Revolvers, Some Day!!
Great Pics Vettepartz
WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!
Gary/Hk

 

[Duke426]

Vettepartz,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing pics of a fine S&W with us. The 547 is on my short list of wants/needs!

 

[akviper]

Welcome to the forum and a most excellent purchase. The beauty of the revolver is the variety and sizes of stocks. If you get the chance to visit a large gun shop check out the many different styles of grip available. Hogue makes some very nice synthetic and wood stocks. You should be able to find a size and shape to custom fit your hand. Herrett in Idaho will custom make stocks from your hand tracing.

I chronographed my three inch 547 last fall and found that it was close to 357 velocity with +P and +P+ loads. HKS speed loaders can be found if you look hard enough. 547s make great carry guns.

The current high value of the 547 makes it a good candidate for a safe queen too.

 

[LOBO]

That 547 sure is a sweet S&W !

BTW, Welcome to the forum

 

[deanodog]

Keep that 547 even though we all want it. Later on you will be glad you kept it.....BTW welcome

 

[Vettepartz]

Thanks for all the welcomes. It makes a Newbee like me feel good.
I probably will just keep the handgun and not shoot it for awhile. I do have a friend with a C*** (don't know if I can mention that manufacturer here) OACP that I like who really wants to trade me badly, but I am not sure if I want to.
Hey akviper, what kind of chrono numbers were you getting with those loads?