I was a store a couple weeks ago looked at a NIB Coonan .357 Magnum. Pretty big price tag, so I had them put it away right away. I ended up picking up a 1911.

I have been thinking about the Coonan ever since.

My concern with spending that much on one gun is that it will significantly go down in value or that there is such a small market that I would have a hard time getting rid of it down the road.

Another concern I have is quality. Are they built well enough to hold up for a long time? Or do they need tinkering, like changing the springs every so often.

This wouldn't be a gun that I would run thousands of rounds through, but I would shoot it often enough to enjoy having it.

Any Coonan owners out there have any buyer's remorse?

Thanks in Advance!

Not an owner, but a seller. I've handled Coonan and they are solid guns, made in the USA. Great customer service as well.

I personally would not want one, b/c I dislike the grip and how it feels. It's a tad too big for me. Not sure if they will become collector items, but if you like the grip and having a .38/.357 in a 1911 style weapon go for it.

They are not really more expensive than a nice Colt...

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Jorge

I've never shot one. Never even seen one. But personally think they're overpriced...just another designer 1911-style pistol, except it fires .357 ammo. But it only holds 7 rounds in the magazine. If I was gonna pay that much for a "custom" pistol, I'd want more capacity. I think it's the only pistol the company makes, isn't it? The rest of their stuff is accessories. There's a slew of Coonans for sale online. I just don't see it as anything special.

They do intrigue me because of their rarity, quality, uniqueness, etc., but I'd never own one unless I could by it cheap with the intent of possibly flipping it. Like JJEH, I find the ergonomics don't work for me and I'd worry about its reliability feeding rimmed cartridges.

Never owned one, but did get to shoot one a few years ago. Grip is a little wider than a .45 1911. Weight seemed about the same as a steel framed GVT 1911. Trigger had almost a two stage feel. The gun seemed very well made. Recoil seemed less than with a revolver, but the blast was still there. It fed with no malfunctions. If I remember right, the magazine is designed similar to some .22 rimfire mags, where it staggers the cartridge rims for feeding reliability. I have seen them new for around $1200 - $1300 in the gun shops - about the same price as any quality .45 1911. Don't know about spring longevity, but I think they come with a second spring for using 38 spl. I was thinking about one myself, but never did get one. If you WANT a .357 auto, I would think it a good choice. I think the Desert Eagle, and the old LAR Grizzly where available in .357, but they are much bigger and bulkier handguns.

Larry

Thanks for the replies

The grips are a little big for me. I would want to see if I can get some thinner ones for it like I did my Ruger. I like .357 and I like my 1911. Seems like its a good fit.

From what I'm reading they are reliable and fun. I'm just not sure if I want to spend that much on one gun or get two for about the same amount of money(maybe a little more). If they hold their value well I would lean toward getting one. They look like they are a lot of fun.

My pal has one ,but likes my 38 super Colt better. The Colt 38 Super is more reliable.

Sorry to bump an old thread but it's 2016 and I've gotten bit by a Coonan.

I'm wondering if I should pick one up from my local dealer. I missed the chance to get a base model for $1,250 and the next Classic version they have is has night sights and an extra mag and it's going for $1,409. These still appear to the cheapest Coonan I can find at this time.

Problem is, I just picked up a Desert Eagle 50AE and a S&W500 in March. I need another big bore gun like I need another hole in my head. But hey, I do it but.....it's just the price!!! $1,400 gets me into the Dan Wesson and Kimber range - not to mention other tactical pistols or rifles (Kriss Vector, Uzi Pro, Sig rifles) or a wide array of 10mm pistol....and it's not like I need another big bore pistol.

So, I keep asking myself....is the Coonan worth it? (And, I hate the Maple grips and will need to change it to the black aluminum so add another $100). Can someone snap me out of it!!!

I did get to handle one. It's not Desert Eagle large, but for the price, it's not a very well built gun as far as fit/finish and tightness. And for some reason, even minor options makes the price skyrocket.

I was considering one but ended up with a Delta Elite. The 10MM round is just as powerfull and a Colt 1911 is going to be a lot easier to fix if anything goes wrong. I wouldn't mind picking up a Coonan at some point in time down the road but for the price they charge there are a lot of other really nice guns out there.
If a .357 Magnum auto-loader is what you need than the Coonan looks like the best option in my opinion.

I watched a guy at the range a few years ago "try" and fail to get a full mag through one before failure of some kind. Maybe a non shooter collector would like to pack one in the safe with the other queens...?

Have seen them, have thought about buying one.
As a hardcore- long time 357 shooter, an auto does have some appeal.
Have also heard they have feeding- functioning problems.
Probably wouldn't be in a big hurry to reach for Benjamin's the next time I see one-
But some kind of a trade deal, I'm in!

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

I have handled a couple but never shot one. I always ended up comparing them to my Grizzly L.A.R. The Grizzly has never had any issues with functioning. I usually just shoot .38 Spl +P+ throught it; because I have 5 times more .38 brass than .357 brass.

Quality in comparison seems lacking. Slide fit seemed on par with an 80' Colt, machining and finish slightly better than an AMT. That's pretty good money for a 1911. I can get a really nice .45 1911 for 14 bills, shouldn't the .357 be equally nice.

I'd buy one if I had money burning a hole in my pocket.

https://youtu.be/yWnKh0nekPY

Sent via phone

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MSP - Retired

I bought the compact. It feels better to me. I've shoot about 200 rounds thru it so far & like it alit. I reload & it shoots 158gr & 125 gr bullets fine. It has functioned fine. It recoil like my Sig 10mm. The advantage over the Sig is that when you lose a piece og brass, it's cheaper to replace a 357 than a 10mm

I have no regrets.