Sidearms & Scatterguns Coonan .357 1911's

[eli polite]

Educate me on these.. I have quite a few 1911's at this point and the Coonan has been on my radar for a while now but I haven't done much actual research on them.

1- are the y good guns QUALITY
2- do they function properly
3-are they worth the asking price
4- why haven't they become more popular

 

[jbjh]

The Coonan is an odd bird. You'll most likely see the Model B (I remember seeing something other than a B at a gun show once, way back when, but don't remember the designation, and can barely remember the difference).

1- The guns are of very good quality and have nice fit and finish.

2- they do function properly, but, but can be ammo sensitive. As you can imagine, with the length of the cartridge, and the different bullet weight and speeds, there is a smaller window for cycling to happen

3- Their price comes from the fact that they are not mass produced.

4- As for popularity, I don't think I've ever seen a used one for sale, but also can't remember the last time I saw one at the range. Their comparatively larger frames and prices keep them from reaching a wider audience. And don't forget that by the early 90's, higher capacity modern, reliable auto pistols flooded the market.

 

[gatorbait308]

The coonan pistol is a very well made and accurate sidearm. I have the standard B model, never had any problems with it. google it at coonaninc.com

 

[jrassy]

I was fortunate enough to shoot PPC league with Dan Coonan back in the early 90s when he was working very hard on getting his gun running right. He is a guy that lives, breathes, eats and sleeps guns.
Great quality, tight tolerances. Big grip to handle the 357 magnum cartridge. I have shot them many times but I don't own one.

 

[Silversmith]

1- are the y good guns QUALITY

So far as I have seen, yes. And if by chance you do have problems I've many a review citing good customer service in getting it fixed. I have had 1 or 2 FTF's FTE's with my Classic (model name of current production model) but that is during break in shooting.

2- do they function properly

When feed proper ammo, yes. Don't use anything lighter then 125g full power .357. Once broken in 38+p is supposed to be usable (after swapping in the provided lighter spring).

3-are they worth the asking price

Is a Wilson Combat? Depends on your defined uses. Mine is for critter deterrence when out in the wilds just walking. But it's a hoot on the range. Quite literally (and figuratively) "a blast" to shoot, maybe the funnest gun I have. Do a video search for "Coonan ring of fire."

4- why haven't they become more popular

Hardcore JMB .45 acolytes maybe... as in "if it ain't .45 (as JMB {hallowed be thy name} intended) it ain't a 1911." Low production rates maybe? Mine took almost a year from date of order. But they have recently SUBSTANTIALLY increased prod rate. And Coonan just started producing a "Compact" model that is conceivably concealable. I can say as a more or less niche gun it's hard to find OTS holters. And you're not going to see aftermarket magazines.

 

[EddieNFL]

Hardcore JMB .45 acolytes maybe... as in "if it ain't .45 (as JMB {hallowed be thy name} intended) it ain't a 1911."

Goes a bit beyond caliber. Looking at the few photos, barrel, frame, extractor, possibly trigger... I noticed it's not referred to as a "1911" on the website. I have been wanting one for a while now. Considering it's not mass produced the price isn't all that high, IMO.