February 22, 2017
I bought this on another forum (I'll give you a hint, it also has Wesson in the name). It's one of my "grail guns" or "bucket list" guns. I buy them to shoot, not simply collect so I look for good condition, good value, but not necessarily pristine since I'm going to use them as they were intended. I'm a happy camper with this one after a little concern when it first arrived.
Here is a close up of the ejector. Definitely an expensive revolver to make, which is probably why they only made about 6,000 of them.
Jerry
6 Dans and counting...
February 22, 2017
Yes, 9mm with no moon clips required. It's a complex design and the story behind it, supposedly, is that it was designed for the Palestinian police force, a small number were purchased & then the contract was canceled. It'a S&W K-frame similar to model 13 .357, which was carried by the FBI, with a similar bull barrel. Around 10,000 were made, approximately 6400 w/ 3" barrels & round butt, & the rest were 4" barrels and square butt revolvers. Even though fewer 4" were made, the 3" seem to command a higher price overall. I shot it today for the first time & it is one sweet shooting revolver. My first impression is that a 3", 9mm revolver might just be the perfect revolver.
Jerry
6 Dans and counting...
December 3, 2015
I have harbored an interest in 9mm revolvers for some time. I was going to convert a DW but the High Standard "Porker" I bought as a base for the project turned ut to be too nice to mess with.
I believe the Palestinian police Israeli contract was an IMI produced 9mm revolver modeled after the S&W 1917. It used half moon clips.
I think the S&W 547 was a French police contract. The French switched horses in mid stream and went a different direction. The revolvers found their way to the civilian market where the revolver folks lacked enthusiasm for a 9mm and the 9mm folks felt the same in regards to a 9mm in a revolver.
I think the low production numbers are a result of the canceled contract combined with a less than enthusiastic acceptance on the open market at the time as opposed to the design and production complexity.
Of course as has happened much too frequently in the past, I may be completely in error on the subject.
Drummer, I too have a 547. Actually, I have 2. One is identical to yours and the other was sent back to S&W when new and nickel plated. That one has a box, literature and providence. It left the factory blue but may be one of a kind. I don't think Smith shipped any nickel 547s. You are right, they were a red headed stepchild when released. Many Smith collectors still turn their noses up at them but the 3" heavy barreled K frame guns regardless of cartridge are highly sought now. Glad you finally have your 9mm revolver. I am still going to convert some porkchops to 9mm when I get the time.
December 3, 2015
Ole Dog said
Drummer, I too have a 547. Actually, I have 2. One is identical to yours and the other was sent back to S&W when new and nickel plated. That one has a box, literature and providence. It left the factory blue but may be one of a kind. I don't think Smith shipped any nickel 547s. You are right, they were a red headed stepchild when released. Many Smith collectors still turn their noses up at them but the 3" heavy barreled K frame guns regardless of cartridge are highly sought now. Glad you finally have your 9mm revolver. I am still going to convert some porkchops to 9mm when I get the time.
Hi Ron,
I think you have me confused with jertex. I don't own a 547 but would like to. I have the idea of doing a 9mm with the orphan
HS Sentinel MK 111 I picked up after I decided the MK 11 was just too pristine to mess with. The orphan MK 111 is now whole. Believe it or nt I even found a proper HS MK111 shroud for it. I have not forgot where all the DW 9mm cylinders are hiding if I should get on with the project..
Good to hear from you. Hope the Bonsai is going well. Switched coasts for the winter. Now hanging in Cedar Key.
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