That's typical old(er) M47 behavior.

One big help would be to change the trans fluid, using normal Type F auto transmission fluid (Volvo's recommendation). The synthetics sometimes accentuate that behavior somewhat, rather than make it better.

Try pointing the car down a steep hill after it's all warmed up, and THEN try to get it into 1st at a dead stop. You might as well give up right there... but let it roll and it'll go right in.

The synchros in the M47 need Type F to function under those conditions. Normal 10w30 synthetic oil won't provide what they need. Some other fluids do, but the easiest and most readily available is, for example, Castrol Type F.

Also, you probably have the occasional reverse issue too, but it isn't nearly as bad. The two go hand in hand, and if you look for it, it's there too.

Periodically, the reverse lockout plate under the shift boot needs to get adjusted (8mm bolts). You can tell if that's the case by pulling the reverse ring when you're trying to go into first--but don't dump it into reverse by accident.

Again, typical M47 behavior. You might find some success adjusting the clutch, or replacing the clutch, but the most beneficial change will be the fluid.

And keep it changed at 15-20k intervals.
--
chris herbst, five volvos.