The FORGOTTEN K-FRAME: M547 9mm

[Mad Magyar]

This was the title of a review of the M547 9mm revolver a few years back. “Accurate and well-balanced, the 547 exhibited a notable lack of recoil, muzzle flash and blast for the amount of power it produced. Used with modern +P loads, muzzle energies easily exceeded 400 ft-pds, comparable to many .357 Magnum loads out of a comparable-length barrel.”
Of the 10,270 produced in the early 80’s, 2/3rds were the 3” rd.-butt, the remainder was 4” sq-butt. S&W originally was shopping the revolver to the French govt, but lost out overseas and at home since the shooting public didn’t warm-up to a 9mm defense round. What is quite unusual, besides the unique extractor for the rimless 9mm cases, is the flat-faced hammer that strikes a separate frame-mounted firing pin. Unfortunately, a beefed-up mainspring is accompanied by a heavier than usual DA trigger pull.
After a 2 year search, found a n.i.b. almost in my backyard here in New Mexico. The owner had two; he kept the 3” and was happy to get rid of the other for a “song”.
Out on the range, 7 paces, 124 gr FMJ, utilizing the “failure drill”; the over-all accuracy is slightly better than my 915 autoloader. This will get the BG’s attention fast. I would like to hear comments from owners & future owners of this unique and collectible revolver.

 

[mr.trooper]

Awesome!

no just slap on some Pachmayrs, and get a holster that doesn't induce vomiting, and your all set!

 

[Jamie C.]

Nice gun, Mad.

Anyway you can post a pic of what that ejector looks like? I'm more than a little curious to see how it works. ( Read about 'em, some years ago, but have never actually seen one, or even a diagram of it. )

Too bad there aren't any more 9mm revolvers being made now days than there are.

J.C.

 

[pezo]

And it's blued!! another rare odity with revolver's these days.

 

[Moonclip]

It's not forgotten at all. I have been looking for one for years. Missed on in CA of all places about a year ago in 4" trim for $410, just could not afford it.

I've always been surprised HKS made speedloaders for a gun with such a small number in existance. I've always like the trick with these guns too of carrying spare ammo for them in like a Glock 17 mag and just thumbing the rounds in to the chambers.

It's also weird how yesterdays white elephant becomes todays rarity and sought after piece.

 

[Joe45acp]

I love my 3" round butt 547. It replaced my 3" model 66 on my CCW.

Joe

 

[Mad Magyar]

Jamie, the extractor is built like a tank: the ejector head is high-strength beryllium copper. Outside the ejector head are six long-narrow spring steel "fingers" that pop out to engage the extractor groove of loaded rounds.
Joe45, how about a picture...Love to see it...

 

[Jamie C.]

Thanks for the pic, Mad.

I'd figured it would look something like that, from the descriptions I've read, but I'd never have guessed the star would be that massive.... Certainly an interesting arrangement, to say the least.

I'm betting it must have a pretty stout return spring on the ejector rod, to re-seat the star, against the pressure of those six "fingers".

It also shows why people making revolvers in auto loader calibers just said "screw it" and went to moon clips.... 'cause that whole ejector arrangement has got to be both expensive and time consuming to do.

Anyway, thanks again for the pic and description. They're most educational.


J.C.
P.S. I found a Ruger Speed Six a while ago, in 9mm, that had me drooling.... Too bad the price on it was almost $600....

 

[Bullet Bob]

I had a 4" one several years ago that I could shoot double-action better than anything before or since. Unfortunately, some low-life stole several guns from me in 1995, and it was gone. I did buy a 3" one 4 years ago, it's good, but it's not the same, of course. I have to keep it since my wife bought me an El Paso Saddlery holster for it.

 

[buzz_knox]

I've always wanted one of those but haven't run across one.

 

[Mad Magyar]

Jamie, you're right about the return spring; but functions perfectly.
Not seen the Ruger model. When were they made & do they require moonclips?
Bullet Bob, like your 3" & holster. Shouldn't be too much difference in firing & velocity...
When I really want to be comfortable wearing a sport jacket, I prefer the weight to be distributed across my torso than hanging on my hip..A no-name rig for 4-5" K-frames. Really fits & feels good.

 

[Trebor]

I'd love to find one of the 3" models. I'm keeping my eyes open, but not searching hard cause I don't have the cash right now anyway.

 

[Jamie C.]

Not seen the Ruger model. When were they made & do they require moonclips?

From what information I can find on 'em, the 9mm Speed-Six and 9mm Security-Six were both made from 1980 to 1985. And yes, they both use moon clips.

I wouldn't mind having a 3 inch version of either one...or both, actually...but I've never seen one for sale around here at a reasonable price.


J.C.

 

[Moonclip]

From what information I can find on 'em, the 9mm Speed-Six and 9mm Security-Six were both made from 1980 to 1985. And yes, they both use moon clips.

I wouldn't mind having a 3 inch version of either one...or both, actually...but I've never seen one for sale around here at a reasonable price.


J.C.

The Rugers are 2 3/4" not 3"
The Speed Six came in Blue and SS and the Service Six in just blue according to the blue book. I have only seen 2, 2 3/4" SS speed sixes in 9x19 in my life and I own one of them. They have been tending to get very high asking prices as well as 9x19 Sp101's which are getting pricey. I am not aware of any S&W or Ruger DA revolvers in 9x19 with longer than a 4" barrel or with adj sights which is a shame especially as 9x19 comes in many different bullet weights and velocities and my Ruger will only shoot to POA with heavy 9mm as it must have the sights from the 38/357mag Rugers.

I have read a refrence that claims the early Ruger DA 9x19 revolvers had a ejection system similar to the S&W 547 before the moonclips but I have never seen one or have seen anyone admit to owning one.

 

[BluesBear]

Yes, the very first 9mm Ruger revolvers didn't require clips.

 

[Jamie C.]

The Rugers are 2 3/4" not 3"

Ah well... 2 3/4 is close enough for me. Not gonna quibble over a 1/4 inch.

J.C.

 

[loose cannon]

Yes, the very first 9mm Ruger revolvers didn't require clips.

yep the 1st ruger 9mm revos had a goofy wire arangement around the ejector star.it didnt last long due to unrealiable operation.

then it was moonclips and no look back.the smiths"finger"arangement was far superior.

 

[tgfang]

Jamie C and Trebor

A Security Six and an SP101, both in 9MM, are offered on Gunbroker at present.

Tom

 

[Jamie C.]

A Security Six and an SP101, both in 9MM, are offered on Gunbroker at present.

Tom

Thanks, Tgfang, but alas, there's this minor issue of money.... ( I have none to spare, at the moment. )

Gonna be a whole different story when I finally win that lottery though. Gonna buy 2 of everything.



J.C.

 

[Fingolfin]

Yet another gun that S&W ignores demand for. They remind me of Ford and GM.

 

[BluesBear]

Considering that S&W made over 10,000 Model 547 revolvers over a five year period it's a bit mysterious as to why you so seldom see any for sale.

 

[fulloflead]

This was the title of a review of the M547 9mm revolver a few years back. “Accurate and well-balanced, the 547 exhibited a notable lack of recoil, muzzle flash and blast for the amount of power it produced. Used with modern +P loads, muzzle energies easily exceeded 400 ft-pds, comparable to many .357 Magnum loads out of a comparable-length barrel.”
Of the 10,270 produced in the early 80’s, 2/3rds were the 3” rd.-butt, the remainder was 4” sq-butt. S&W originally was shopping the revolver to the French govt, but lost out overseas and at home since the shooting public didn’t warm-up to a 9mm defense round. What is quite unusual, besides the unique extractor for the rimless 9mm cases, is the flat-faced hammer that strikes a separate frame-mounted firing pin. Unfortunately, a beefed-up mainspring is accompanied by a heavier than usual DA trigger pull.
After a 2 year search, found a n.i.b. almost in my backyard here in New Mexico. The owner had two; he kept the 3” and was happy to get rid of the other for a “song”.
Out on the range, 7 paces, 124 gr FMJ, utilizing the “failure drill”; the over-all accuracy is slightly better than my 915 autoloader. This will get the BG’s attention fast. I would like to hear comments from owners & future owners of this unique and collectible revolver.

Hey, alright! I was hoping to bump into someone who owned another one of these some day.

I have that gun. 4", blue. Like new. Nifty little gun.
I do find it difficult to load both by hand and with the speedloaders because the shoulder where the case meets the bullet catches on the extractor fingers.

Shoots OK; not as good as my K-38 Masterpiece, certainly.

It's peppy! I was shocked at the recoil. I mean, it wasn't a lot; just a bit more than a .38, but it's definately not a .38; moreso with the +P.

If I could reload it faster I'd make it my Nightstand gun. I don't really want to use the heck out of it because it's kind of a collector's item.

 

[Mad Magyar]

Fulloflead, you're right about a quick load with the HKS, but definitely faster than the fingers. I don't think J. Miculek would be using this revolver to challenge his 12 shot (1reload) speed record in 2.99 seconds.

 

[Moonclip]

Ah well... 2 3/4 is close enough for me. Not gonna quibble over a 1/4 inch.

J.C.

I agree with that totally but you would be amazed that there is certain S&W revolver models in which a 3' vs 2 3/4" or 6 1/2' vs 6" can command a substantial price increase, those wacky collectors and all

 

[Moonclip]

Considering that S&W made over 10,000 Model 547 revolvers over a five year period it's a bit mysterious as to why you so seldom see any for sale.

I feel that a good portion of that 10000 went overseas and has never been reimported. I remember reading an acoount of a Brit shooter before they were disallowed handguns reporting having owned one.

I've seen exactly one for sale in my area in the last 10 years or so.