Coonan or GP-100 .357

[intercooler]

In this case it was an SP-101 which may be slightly less of a tank. Here is the thread if you want to read along but looks totally shot at 2,000 rounds. That's 40 boxes and I bet I have put 3/4 of that through mine already. Maybe I am reading wrong into what is being said in that but one statement reads it will need replaced out.


http://rugerforum.net/ruger-double-action/60459-sp101-endshake-2.html

 

[beag_nut]

Regarding the logic posted in that rugerforum.net : it leaves a lot to be desired. Too much misplaced theory, based on no facts.

And what, pray tell is so desirable about a Coonan? The fact that it will shoot .357? Being a semi-auto, one instantly sacrifices the adaptability of any .357 revolver. One can shoot so many different loads in a revolver .357, which would either never have the energy to work the slide of a semi, or be too powerful for the semi. Or get stuck during chambering.

 

[PO2Hammer]

In this case it was an SP-101 which may be slightly less of a tank.

Yeah, the GP100 is far larger than the SP101. It's like comparing a J frame Smith to an L frame Smith.

 

[intercooler]

In there he talks about the wear piece being larger on the GP-100. If the SP-101 went at 2k rounds double it for a GP-100? Wish someone knew or had some data on it. This was my first revolver so don't know much about what goes.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Here's a better Ruger forum. Do a search for GP100s there.
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/
If GP100s were having problems at 4,000 rounds, it would be front page news on every forum and at every gun store.
If I were you I would worry more about your EAA 10mms.

 

[intercooler]

The 10's have been solid with Nukes. I need to check my end shake because I think I have some on my GP.

 

[TexAg]

I think you're hand wringing over a non-issue. If you read the interwebs too much you'll think every one of your guns is a lemon.

 

[intercooler]

True. I think the part that caught my eye the most was if the pawl didn't engage the notch due to end shake sending the bullet somewhere other than down the pipe. Yea I want to keep my digits a little while longer so yes it does raise a brow.

 

[Certaindeaf]

^ There's a lot of ifs in the world, that's for sure.

 

[intercooler]

No doubt. Supposedly the guy from Iowa is a retired gunsmith who has a book out on revolvers. I do take what he says a little more to heart than someone who tinkers.

 

[orionengnr]

And what, pray tell is so desirable about a Coonan?

Ah, nothing much...except that it is essentially unique in design and execution, and based on the 1911, which is almost enough reason right there. IMHO it is a beautiful design, dang-near masterfully executed.

Anyone who remembers Dirty Harry and his AutoMag can relate on some level. I wanted one for years and years, had a chance to buy one at a semi-reasonable price about ten years ago (.357, ~1200 IIRC). I think I might have even had the money on me at the time, which gives me another reason to kick myself in the pants every time I think about it.

The AutoMag was a unique design, and perhaps somewhat flawed...but the attraction of a semi-auto pistol that fires the .357 (or .44Mag) round is undeniable. There are definitely some engineering challenges involved in making a powerful, rimmed cartridge feed and function in a semi-auto...and the AutoMag suffered through most of them.

The Coonan (in its original iteration) overcame most (but not necessarily all) of those challenges, but suffered some other issues as well. The fact that it is a 1911(-ish) design makes it far more desireable (to me) than the original AutoMags, which look like a stainless Ruger MkII on steroids...not that there is anything wrong with that. the demise of all of the semi-auto Magnums was premature and unfortunate.

I watched as the re-invented Coonan went through its pre-introduction tease, the initial reports, to the current. I looked at a NNIB A model about a year ago, but I am thinking I will go for one of the new ones...when I find one locally that I can actually see before I buy. In the meantime, I read everything I can find.

All of this is a long-winded way of saying that I am very happy that the Coonan has re-emerged, and I look forward to owning one some day. I am hoping that they re-introduce a 4" model, but as is a steel frame, I do not necessarily view it as a carry pistol.

So...I am not selling my K or N-frame S&Ws to finance a Coonan. If you have a Ruger .357 revolver that you like and it serves you well, I would keep it and save up for the Coonan. That is exactly what I am doing.

BTW, I believe I read that once-upon-a-time, the "old" Coonan company experimented with a .41 Mag auto pistol. Now that is something I would really be interested in.

I own a 1911 in 10mm and a 4" S&W N-frame in .41 mag. So is a .357 or .41 Mag semi auto pistol really a step up, or just an interesting diversion?

Only you can answer that question. FWIW, I think it would be a unique and enjoyable ownership experience.

Good luck in your search.
Best, Rich

 

[MachIVshooter]

the demise of all of the semi-auto Magnums was premature and unfortunate.

You mean except for the one that has soldiered on to idol status in pop culture?

(And also happens to be a supremely accurate hunting handgun)

 

[silvermane_1]

little off topic but the AutoMag M-180 didn't use .357 mag or 44 mag ammo, they used .357 amp/jmp, .41amp/jmp and .44amp ammo, and IMHO buy the GP-100 over the Coonan, i have nothing against the Coonan, in fact if i found one at a good price i would jump on with both feet, but the GP-100 is a tank and will outlast your grandkids will a little TLC.

 

[hardluk1]

This seem to easy coonan or gp-100. GP-100 of course. 110gr to to 200gr full house 357 mag or 38 sp. One solid well made revolver.

 

[doc2rn]

For $1350 you can get a DE .357 and a GP 100.

 

[DM~]

I had an Coonan for a time, i ordered it with the 38spl. kit. That way i could shoot full power 357's or 38spl's out of it. It was accurate and reliable.

I sold it to a friend many years ago, and last i asked him, he was still shooting it.

I had two 44 automags and one 357 automag too. Glad to see them gone!

DM

 

[doc2rn]

I think the GP 100s are more than a little stout! I often hear of them called the tank of .357s due to Ruger over building them.

 

[Dain Bramage]

The Coonan is a high quality gun, and oodles of fun to shoot. Given that, it is a semi-automatic, and the limitations on load and bullet profile are true. It's probably not the best choice for your first or only .357 magnum. Having wrung mine out, I would have no problems using it for self-defence or hunting, if I stay within its limitations.

Coonan recommends factory JHPs. I've had zero malfunctions, out of about 500 rounds of full power JHP, TC, RNFP, both factory and reloads.

The only issues occurred when I tried to stretch the envelope with low power reloads and LSWC profile bullets. These failures were expected, but I had to try.

If you want to shoot anything that you can stuff into a cylinder, choose the GP. I have several .357s, including the Coonan and a Ruger Blackhawk, and I like them all.

 

[OilyPablo]

The OP already has the GP.

As I stated, just save for the Coonan. "Problem" solved.

 

[intercooler]

I'm keeping my GP. I will eventually get the Coonan just to tinker with. Maybe one will drop to me on a good deal like the others.