We got our first look at the Coonan Compact .357 Magnum 1911s at the SHOT Show today in Vegas. I wish I could have put some rounds through it, but the other people attending the show tend to get nervous about things like that.
The Coonan Compact. We will have a full review of one like this very soon.
The Coonan is the only 1911 style pistol chambered for .357 (that we are aware of) currently in production. To make the .357 cartage fit, the grip frame is a bit longer than a standard 1911. It is not so big that it didn’t fit my hand, but it did feel different. The extra .25 inch is added to an already robust 1911 style grip.
Coonan has promised us a review gun–in fact it is the black Compact you see here. As soon as we get the firing pin back in it, we’ll get a full review. The compact has a 6 + 1 capacity and weighs 39 Oz empty. It is about 7.7 inches long, 5.4 tall and just over an inch wide.
We took a number of photos of the different models and finishes they offer. Be sure to look though them for details.
The Coonan’s start around $1,300 and got up to $2,000 depending on finish, sights and other options.
If you can’t wait for the new review, you can check out our review of a full size Coonan from a few years ago.
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The business end.
This one has a traditional barrel bushing.
They offer all sorts of different finishes. Don’t drop this one in the sand, you will never find it.
This one is purple.
Stainless ones too.
Coonan trigger.
The mag well.
.357 Mag Mag
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It points like a 1911.
One with a muzzle brake. The other looks like it wanted to be threaded.
Don’t drop this one in Victoria’s Secret, you will never find it.
Another view.
Sights.
No barrel bushing on this one.
.357 in the mag.
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I have medium size hands and have shot a lot a rounds through the full size.The grip is a handful. At 65 yards I had no trouble hitting a 8 inch plate and even a 6 inch. I’ll bet this smaller version would be hell of a shooter at a full size chest plate at 40 yards.I would not mine trying one.
I have an older Full Size Coonan .357 B model with a compensator. It is literally a blast to shoot. Massive fireballs and big booms. It is VERY accurate. If the new units are anything like mine, you will not be disappointed.
WOW~!!!
I own 357 Sig and 357 mag. S&W. When I shoot the 357 Mag. I always feel like I’m shooting a round more powerful thatn a 357 Sig. I’ve read the statistcs but the 357 Mag. just seems like a real bad boy.
The Coonan .357 Mag looks like a Stradivarius. I now know what my next purchase will be.
Have 2 full size with .38 springs and special mags. Only thing I don’t like is empties are hard to pick up because they launch like the damn space shuttle and wind up over about 4 shooting lanes at the range, sometimes raining down on fellow shooters. Otherwise, no hangups, smooth as silk with both .357 and .38 plusP
You guys like this thing?
Looks like the bottom of a hockey stick.
I guess there’s all kinds of guns for all kings of people.
I’m guessing this apeals to the old 1911 crowd.
Enjoy.
Don’t see the need for this gun. Why not just get a gun that chambers .357 Sig?
My favorite gun to shoot is my .30 carbine Automag [I have 2 of them] – NOTHING sounds like this bad boy, the action is very smooth, the triggers are in the 3 lb range and it’s unbelievably accurate. I have lots of guns but nothing comes close to the fun of these guys!
jimonthebeach – got to read the Coonan .357 History and track record before you pass this fast and (respectfully) uninformed judgement… I own the full size version for several years – This gun is a pleasure on a different order to shoot and incredibly accurate out-of-the-box to boot. Once broken it (around 300 rounds) its like “butter and ball bearings” – Hard to describe! do consider trying shooting one – you’ll never be the same again…
Hmm, I would rather take a 357 SIG. Several modern auto guns out there that hold TWICE the capacity of this gun, in 357 Sig which is darn equal to a .357 magnum. Shooting a Steyr M1 in 357 Sig is like driving a Porsche compared to the Chevy Suburban that this old design is.
.357 1911? It’s called a 10mm with real ammo.
That’s a handsome pistol, but I still think a .357 caliber semiautomatic is a solution in search of a problem.
Nice looking gun. 38 rounds are plenty 357 not so much. all need ammo if not it’s only a club.
The only thing nicer than a Coonan is Mr Dan Coonan himself.
Sorry dear, i just found something i love more than the kid
I would like to purchase a Camo Digital Tan color with no Bushing and a Muzzle Brake with a Six inch Barrel and a Ten round Magazine with a C-More STS Scope on the rear for sights. For the last two years this is my wish gun but not in California yet.
I have e-mailed Coonan and they have not made this 357 1911 for California yet.
I just put my soul up for sale on ebay in order to raise the money to buy one. My wife wouldn’t let sell the dog.
Then keep the dog and sell the wife! Its for an awesome pistol , man ! ! Lol
Can you shoot .38 through it as well?
Yes, they come with a second lighter spring to be used for .38s.
I own the full size version and it does come with both springs. Just as an aside – while it is not mentioned in the owners’ manual – the standard advice of those familiar with the gun is to put two or three boxes of 357M down the barrel to break it in before trying .38. I spoke to several owners who had similar problems, when new and tight, she just does not cycle right with the 38 ammo. It also helps to hold and shoot it like a Dessert Eagle letting the recoil come back, not up.
Last but not least, it is a beautiful piece of machinery that commands attention as well it should. Like a DE, it is fun to shoot, fun to brag about, and a great conversation starter but I would never try to conceal the beast or use for self-defense (alas, I think a Judge/ne Snake Charmer is the ultimate self-defense weapon, 410 rounds make a lot of noise, at close range they will kill a man but a missed shot will be absorbed by sheetrock and not hurt innocents, and if I am still running the SOB down when I get to the 5th round which is a 45LC, I am probably about to shoot him in the back anyway.)
Why do they ship guns with edges sharp enough to cut yourself on? A former colleague of mine purchased a full sized Coonan in .357 and, while he was unable to admit it, he was disappointed with the fit and finish given what he spend on the pistol. He ended up taking it to a local gun smith to smooth the edges a little. When he got it back it looked much better and, more importantly, ran better as well. My $0.02. –ard
I know what you mean. My Walther PPK/SS is made with the same sharp edges… it’s like handling a bag of razor blades. Not once did I come away from a day at the range after shooting it that my hands weren’t all cut up.
Still, I’d love to try that .357/1911. Looks great in digi-camo.
With average size hands, the width of this gun would concern me. But not enough to NOT buy one!
Beautiful in digital camo! The .357 mag round is a bit much for home defense, and the size is just a bit much for concealed carry, but when you whip that bad boy out and crack a round off, whew!! It is smaller by quite a bit, than my Desert eagle .357 mag. Which is to say, a BEAST! But, the recoil is lessened with that weight and it allows you to get back on target much faster.
Before buying one of these beauties, I would love to take it out to the range and put a magazine or two through it first.
If you live near Minnesota . . . . . Bills gun shop has one available for rental. Its a good spot to try it out. I saw it in the case while I was leaving one day. I haven’t been back to shoot the bad boy though, it is definitely on my to do list.
Larsen has a 357 model 1911.