Coonan may not be as familiar in the 1911 world as Colt,Remington, Kimber,Springfield, or Rock Island Armory, but that hasn’t stopped them from thinking outside of the box. This year at SHOT Show Coonan introduced their Model 1911 .357 Magnum Automatic, in both Classic and Compact configurations.
The new Coonan .1911 .357 Magnum on the SHOT Show floor.
Dan Coonan is not new to firearms designs, and has already produced some incredible firearms, but the Coonan 1911 .357 Magnum may just become the company’s flagship production. The .357 Magnum cartridge as been a huge favorite of revolver users for over 50 years. Developed by famed firearms designer Dan Wesson and others in 1934, the .357 Magnum cartridge provided the power and ballistics that were questioned with the .38 caliber rounds.
Gripping the Coonan .357 Magnum was a real treat, despite its heavier stainless steel construction.
The .357 Magnum was such a popular cartridge that Sig Sauer developed their .357 Sigcartridge for semi-auto handguns. That cartridge, a necked-down 9mm, may not have completely taken over the semi-auto handgun world, but it was successful enough that several other major firearm manufacturers have adopted the cartridge and developed their own .357 Sig pistol versions.
The familiar 1911 thumb safety, beaver tail grip, and grip safety are all present; as well as, a skelotonized trigger, and combat-style hammer.
At first I wasn’t sure how the Coonan .357 Magnum would fit in modern-day law enforcement handgun selection. However, after more consideration I realized that there are agencies and individual officers that are carrying Model 1911’s in .45 ACP right now. Having a 1911 pistol in the venerable .357 Magnum may not be so out of the question after all.
If the .357 Sig can carve a spot, than why shouldn’t a semi-auto in the actual .357 Magnum. I think this may just become a very attractive option for officers who demand a Model 1911. The price tag of the Coonan .357 Magnum is a bit steep for department issue, but a large agency order should be able to negotiate a price a little more palatable.
Combining all the standard features of the Model 1911, the Coonan 1911 .357 Magnum also provides some very interesting options as well.
Coonan Classic .357 Magnum Features
Caliber – .357 Magnum/.38 Special
Overall Length – 8.9″
Barrel Length – 5.0″
Height – 5.6″
Width – 1.3″
Weight – 2.63 lbs. (42 oz.) empty; 3.0 lbs. (48 oz.) loaded
Material – Stainless steel
Capacity – 7+1
Sights – Dovetail front & rear, black, fixed
Grips – Smooth black walnut
Action – Recoil operated, linkless barrel, external extractor, pivoting trigger
Includes – Custom carry case; (1) magazine; Lock; .38 Special recoil spring; Owner’s manual
Options – Sight upgrades; Additional magazines; Compensated barrel; 6.0″ barrel; Threaded 5.7″ barrel; Grip options; Multiple DuraCoat finishes; Custom builds available
MSRP – $1495.00.
The Coonan Classic 1911 .357 Magnum.
Coonan Classic Black DuraCoat .357 Magnum Features
Classic Black Upgrades:
Extended Slide Catch and Thumb Lock for One-Hand Operation
Adjustable White Dot Sights
Black aluminum grips
DuraCoat finish
(3) Magazines
MSRP – $1794.99
Coonan Classic Black .357 Magnum.
Coonan Compact .357 Magnum Features
Caliber – .357 Magnum
Overall Length – 7.7″
Barrel Length – 4.0″
Height – 5.4″
Width – 1.3″
Weight – 2.44 lbs. (39 oz.) empty; 2.84 lbs. (45.5 oz.) loaded
Material – Stainless steel
Capacity – 6+1
Extended Slide Catch and Thumb Lock for One-Hand Operation
Sights – Dovetail front & rear, black, fixed white dot
Grips – Smooth black walnut
Action – Recoil operated, linkless barrel, external extractor, pivoting trigger
Includes – Custom carry case; (2) magazines; Lock; Owner’s manual
Options – Multiple DuraCoat finishes; Fixed serrated night sights; Additional magazines; Fully checkered black aluminum grips; Grip options, Barrel options
MSRP – $1535.00.
The Coonan Compact .357 Magnum.
A close-up of the Coonan .357 Magnum.