Witch 547 to choose? 547 3" or 4"? And picture request conversion solid to adjustable

[Jeroenw114]

Witch 547 to choose? 547 3" or 4"? And picture request conversion solid to adjustable

Would like to ask some help and input from you.

I am looking into what to buy. I can make room for one S&W revolver (In Holland we may have 5 guns, for sport shooting only).
On the moment I do not need a specific gun, I just want one, something special. The more special S&W's are not offered here that much, but are not expensive either.
I like the shorter barrel lengths, and not to big/heavy guns. And I like them best in SS. I now have a 686 4" and 696. And a 18 witch then has to go. (further two pistols with has to stay)

Now I am looking at a 547 in 3", a 547 in 4" and a model 67, perfect and all SS, including the rear sight.
I always wanted a 547 but I am afraid that when I shoot it and the point of aim is wrong I will miss the adjustable sight. An all SS 67 is nice but I shoot 38 specials with my 686 with great satisfaction. So brings nothing new.
I could choose the 547 and when I do miss the sight have it converted to adjustable with a higher front sight. And then have it hard chromed.

Collectors value does not count here!
The 547's are not really wanted due to impractical for target shooting and for the 67, weather or not a SS sight almost no one here will care. I learned to appreciate much of it by reading a lot on this board. But I also like to adjust my guns to my wishes.

For target shooting at 27 yards, our standard, would the 3" 547 do good? Or to light and short and I better can go for the 4"? Suggestions? Never fired a 547 and will only be after I bought one.

And I would like to see if a conversion from solid to adjustable sights can be done and how that looks. Anyone? Must look as much as possible like S&W would have done it.
If there is a thread about that I would like to know.

The mentioned 547 3"

The mentioned 547 4"

The mentioned 67

 

[TexasSTEP]

Per your stated circumstances and requirements, my recommendation would be to just get the M67, as it is the actual type of gun you are looking for.

Leave the 547's unmolested for those shooters or collectors that will appreciate their uniqueness.

Hope that helps,

-TS

~~~~~~~~~~

 

[VaRecon]

It really depends on what you want.
I know over here the 547's are much more rare, but for utilitarian reasons I would much prefer the 67.
If you were to get one for functionality and to have something nice go with the 4" 547, as I believe there are about half as many made as the 3" and more barrel is always better in my opinion.
Here is a forum on the subject.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/208712-model-547-3-inch-4-inch-more-desireable.html

 

[Jim Watson]

I would get the M67 if .38 Special ammunition is readily available there.

Installation of adjustable sights on a fixed sight S&W is possible but expensive.

 

[Model39]

Dual Caliber Model 547

If you have a good gunsmith you can trust to do work for you, and the Model 547's are readily available I suggest you buy the 4" Model 547 and again if parts are available get a Model 10 or 19 cylinder (alway some for sale on eBay) and have it fitted to the Model 547, which will give you more ammo choices, As far a accuracy, having been a LEO, and first trained and carried on a 4" M&P revolver the fixed sights are alot more accurate than one would think. As far as the finish, if you take care of your gun, and clean it properly the carbon (blue) steel should last a long time without any trouble. Look how many blue guns are still around.
Below is my dual caliber 3" Model 547 which had a Model 19 cylinder fitted to it.

 

[clang444]

If you are only allowed 5 handguns and you already have a 686, I would say the model 67 would be my last choice of the guns you mentioned because the 686 can fire .38 Special just as well as the 67. It's a little bit heavier, but not a big deal at the range.

People here drool over the 3" 547s due to the possibility of concealed carry and our not always reasonable fixation on 3" barreled guns. I do not own a 3" 547, but I do have a 3" Model 65, a 4" Model 65, and a 4" 547, and I believe I am more accurate with the 4" guns due to the increased site radius. I shoot our clubs 6" plate rack at anywhere from 10 - 25 yards and the fixed site guns will hit the plate if I do my job.

You mentioned you would have to get rid of your Model 18 to acquire another gun. I don't think I would give up my only K frame .22 to acquire any of the guns you mentioned. Plinking with a K22 is one of the most pleasant and affordable things you can do in the shooting world.

 

[Jeroenw114]

Thanks for your thouhts!

I would in dead miss my 18. But it does need some work on the timing and lock up. Witch is also a nice project to do. Selling it for 0,- to a shooting buddy is an option...
I will think it over and when I do have a new item, I sure show it.

Jeroen

My 18 thanks you too.

 

[VaRecon]

That 18 is gorgeous.

 

[tom32]

I have both the 3" and 4" 547's. I am not a particularly good shot but both shoot to point of aim for me. I am always astounded at the accuracy of each when I take them out. Most of my shooting is target shooting and these guns will outshoot many of my other S&W revolvers. For some reason I can shoot the 3" better than the 4". It make be the rb grips.

 

[tekarra]

I have a few 547s in 3" and 4" barrels and all shoot to point of aim for me and they are more accurate than my 3" and 4" 65s.

If I had to choose for you, I would keep the 18 and look for a 15 to keep it company. I would also let the 67 go and keep the 686. Only my opinion and good luck on your choice.