The MOT is a standard size version of their outstanding .357 Magnum auto. (Photo: Coonan)
Coonan, Inc. is adding a new model pistol to their growing 1911-inspired MOT series with a full-size .45. Chambered for .45 ACP, the latest offering features all the Coonan improvements, just in a more familiar caliber.
Coonan introduced the MOT last fall. Originally chambered for 10mm Auto, Coonan is releasing the MOT in .45 due to outstanding demand and a desire to lead in the .45-caliber market.
“Our gunsmiths and engineers here at Coonan are always exploring new ideas, techniques, and design options, to provide our customers with the best product possible,” said Coonan in the announcement. “Sometimes this exploration leads to shrugged shoulders and a pile of scrap metal, but sometime it leads to beautiful, handcrafted, one of a kind pistols that are just too special to sit in our vault.”
A closeup of the trigger, ejector and other Coonan MOT features. (Photo: Coonan)
The MOT — named after Motley the Coonan shop pup — is a full-size 1911 with a 5-inch barrel. It’s a scaled-down version of the original Coonan pistol. The standard Coonan is a hefty, overbuilt 1911 chambered for .357 Magnum.
It takes extra engineering to make the 1911 pattern work with .357 Mag. Coonan had to redesign the barrel and remove the link to make it strong enough to handle full-power magnum ammunition. They also switched to an enlarged, external extractor for improved reliability.
Because the pistol is so large, Coonan also used extended controls for the slide, safety and magazine release. Another standout change is the trigger. Coonan pistols have a pivoting trigger for a very light and predictable break and positive reset. Coonan is carrying all of these improvements over to the .45.
Like most Coonan pistols the MOT .45 has a solid stainless slide and frame. The frame has a full-length dust cover without an accessory rail for a sleek and timeless look. It also adds extra weight to the front to keep muzzle flip to a minimum.
See Also: Coonan Custom Compact Limited Edition
The 10mm MOT. (Photo: Coonan)
Standard features include straight rear slide serrations, Novak-style sights and a Colt-pattern slide stop. Other parts include a short beavertail grip safety, skeletonized Commander hammer and flat checkered mainspring housing.
Optional extras include machined aluminum grips, adjustable sights and extra magazines. Coonan’s guns are impressively well made and command a price premium, but the MOT isn’t outrageous. The base price is $1,399 buying directly from the Coonan store.
If you’re looking to add a premium 1911 to your collection chambered for the most John Browning of cartridges, check out Coonan’s website.
I own a MOT 10 . It is one of the finest handguns I have ever shot . Customer service at Coonan is fantastic .
BEAUTIFUL MAG 1911S
Beautiful.