Any Coonan .357 Auto owners?

[g_one]

Just stumbled across something online... apparently it's been around for a long time, but I'm just now hearing of it: the Coonan .357 magnum "1911". It's not -exactly- a 1911 but the similarities are obvious upon looking at it, and many of the parts are interchangeable.

Does anyone own one? Or care to share any experiences? I can see this being a great open carry and range gun, assuming they're reliable. A great alternative to 10mm for those of us who want a 1911 but don't care much for .45 ACP

http://www.coonaninc.com/index.php/cPath,5

 

[bc1023]

I've had one for years. I'm not sure how many parts are interchangable with a 1911. Its quite a bit different.

Its an awesome pistol though.

 

[g_one]

Nice pics, thanks! Do you have a holster for it?

I read that 1911 grips will work on them but it doesn't look like they would; can't find any pics.

 

[bc1023]

There's no way 1911 grips would fit the Coonan. The grip is a good deal longer and wider. I really don't think much of anything is interchangable. The Coonan is sort of its own design. It doesn't even use a barrel link like a 1911 does.

I don't have a holster for it, as I've never carried it. Its too big for me to conceal and at nearly 45oz empty, its pretty heavy too.

 

[Chuck Perry]

Actually, there are a fair number of 1911 parts that are either 100% Coonan compatible, or compatible with a bit of fitting. I believe there is a list of these parts on Coonan's website. The grips are definitely NOT interchangeable.

I had a Model B and regrettably sold it. It was a great pistol. I just recently placed an order for a new Coonan Classic. 1 year out!!! Hopefully it will get done quicker!

 

[bc1023]

I imagine some small parts are compatable.

 

[Plan2Live]

I don't own one but I have a friend who owns one. I have fired it. Recoil is a bit heavier than a 1911 in .45 but still very comfortable to shoot and very accurate. And it's quite the novelty and gets a lot of attention at the range.

 

[orionengnr]

If you do a google search, I seem to recall a number of fairly comprehensive threads on several forums. One of the gentlemen who was involved in the design and execution of the original (mid-1980s) has a long thread wherein he answers a number of questions and shares his knowledge of the design, which includes both the original and the new release...and his knowledge is extensive. If I can find a link, I will update this post.

It is a compelling design. I was looking at them a year or two ago, mostly because I am a 1911 guy and am also a fan of the .357 Mag.

I almost bought an older Model B a bit over a year ago, but after some reading decided that a new model would be a better choice from both a development perspective as well as from a parts/mags/support standpoint.

In the mean time, I am pretty happy with my 10mm DW 1911.

 

[scramasax]

I've been shooting a model B for so long I don't remember. Got to meet with Coonan at a private shoot and see the new one. They've done some small design changes to enhance the pistol. Nothing major just good tweeking. Parts are available but will take a back seat to full gun production for sales for a while. What you definately want is the new magazines. I have never had a problem from any of my originals but they have really improved them.

 

[mitchz]

This is a must have weapon. Very well built,accurate,and feels really good in your hand. The grip is alittle bigger due to the longer .357 compared to the.45 Two years ago there lead time was four months I don't know what it is now. But I'm going to find out. I need to order another and a second barrel. The only problem I had with my first one is the spring was to heavy and it didn't cycle right but the good news is that all 1911 springs fit so you can custom tune to your loads. Someone asked about holsters and almost all 1911 holsters will work.

 

[orionengnr]

If you have one, please give us some details. I have read several posts from people who bought the new ones and were very disappointed with the build quality, fit and finish.

Since the only one I have ever seen in real life was a NNIB 1980s model, I would like to hear more from people who have a "new" model.

 

[Scuba_Steve]

I have the new model and am very happy with it. For me it is really a novelty gun so it only has 400 rounds through it, but it has performed flawlessly. I have no issue with fit and finish.

Now that I have started reloading, it will likely get more use, it is a lot of fun to shoot.

 

[Gunmaster]

I own a coonan and am a dealer for them. Great guns, fun to shoot, but as of recently mine has started developing a slide stop/follower issue. The follower is not hitting the edge of the slide stop to engage properly, so on the last round it will barely touch the notch for the stop to engage (which is bad cause it is starting to mar the notch). This is also causing the slide to get hung up on the follower so it doesn't lock open fully nor close fully on the last round. I haven't had anyone else come to me about this type of problem so it might just be mine. Waiting on a response from Coonan, and other than that last round it functions flawlessly.

Edit: If you go to www.coonaninc.com 's FAQ page it has a list of 1911 parts that will work for Coonan.

Edit 2: Coonan said it was a slide stop issue and they would send a new one out asap.

 

[Skylerbone]

Orion, Kurmudgon on 1911Forum might be the guy for all things Coonan, not sure if he's who you're thinking of. His sig. line reads: "When I die I'm going straight to heaven, 'cause I served my time at Coonan Arms"

Sarge43, owner of The Finer Grain and Sarge's Grips owns a pair of new production Coonans and sells custom stocks for them as well. Great guy to talk to and do business with. I'm sure he could give details or one could search his posts on 1911forum.

 

[orionengnr]

Yep, that's the one I was thinking of.

Thank you.