Finally, I got my Coonan

[KimberLover]

My shooting buddy got his Coonan 38/357 after waiting for months. When it arrived it was SS, not the black gun he wanted. He thought after waiting so long to get it he would just bite the bullet and shoot it. He grumbled often about it not being black and that he would order a new one in black. I asked if he wanted too sell the SS Coonan and that I would be interested if the price was right. Well. he finally got his favored black Coonan and that was the last I heard him complain. The two weeks ago he asked if I was interested in the SS Coonan and he gave me a really low price. I immediately took him up on his offer to sell. I have been a 38 super fan for many years now, but that Coonan is the pride of my shooters. I'm going to have to force myself to shoot the 38 supers now. I have been shooting 110 grain reloads in 357 and there is no recoil as the Coonan is a little on the heavy side. It is open sights only and with progressive lenses in my glasses, I thought it would be very inaccurate, but the is not the case. I can shoot this baby with good accuracy and I love it.

 

[1KPerDay]

Loved the coonan I shot. but...

 

[gotboostvr]

I have a Coonan stocking dealer near me. As much as I keep telling myself three 357's and two 1911's are enough (plus many others types/calibers) I really would like to take one of those for a test drive.

 

[1KPerDay]

I was really surprised how much I liked it. No practical reason to want one.... just a nicely crafted piece that is very fun to shoot.

 

[MikeS.]

I have owned one since about 1988 end it has always been a blast to shoot. It is too bad that the magazines for the current production are not 100% compatible with my model. But I do have four magazines for it.

Welcome to the club.

 

[KimberLover]

I to have four mags for my new Coonan.
I'm going to try some 120 grain reloads to see if they cycle the slide.
158 grain has a good bit of recoil and I would like to reduce that recoil for target shooting.
I'm wondering if anyone has come upon a leather holster for the Coonan???

 

[Armed 24/7]

Just go to the Coonan site and they have a big list of holster makers that make compatible holsters.

 

[RecoilRob]

I to have four mags for my new Coonan.
I'm going to try some 120 grain reloads to see if they cycle the slide.
158 grain has a good bit of recoil and I would like to reduce that recoil for target shooting.
I'm wondering if anyone has come upon a leather holster for the Coonan???

Back in the '80's when I first got my Coonan I loaded up a bunch of 158's from 38 Special level to full power 357's to see where the bottom of the operating level might be. Agree for paper punching you don't need basketball sized muzzle flashes and Magnum concussion...fun as they are sometimes. IIRC the +P Special level loads were not quite able to reliably cycle the gun...so you'll need to experiment to find where your particular pistol will function. Of course, reducing the mainspring or hammer spring tension 'should' allow it to function with less powerful ammo, but you'll need to be diligent and not feed it any full power stuff if you've modified it for lighter stuff. They used to offer a 38 Special 'kit'...I think, but that was a long time ago and many beers through the brain so I can't remember.

The Coonan is a magnificent piece and good shooters. Be watchful for slide/frame galling with a brand new gun...grease is your friend at least until it gets well broken in. This was a caution back in their early days and I've no idea if they still use the same alloys that will tend to gall if inadequately lubed...but it's a good idea to grease the rails anyhow just because.