Why can't S&W make something like this?

[muddocktor]

Since S&W has a tradition going back to 1935, introducing the 357 Magnum in the Registered Magnum pistol, why can't they come up with something like this to usher the 357 mag to the next century:


That is a semi-auto pistol built somewhat loosely off the 1911 design. The pistol is a Coonan Classic and is chambered in 357 Magnum (not 357 Sig). BTW, it is my pistol; I bought it about a year ago. The pistol is surprisingly comfortable to shoot and the grip is hardly bigger than a regular 45 Auto 1911. And it is a hoot to shoot; giant fireballs with hotter loads. AFAIK, the only 3 semi-auto 357's on the market are the Coonan pair (Classic and new Compact) and the Desert Eagle, which is really heavy. So Smith & Wesson, here is a market gap you can jump in on if you want. If they could keep the cost at around $1000 or so I think they could sell a bunch of these.

 

[Arik]

Because most people don't want it.

 

[BigBill]

Most cant handle a 10mm?

I prefer my 1911's in 45acp it's just not righteous in any other caliber.

Now a s&w 1911 in nickel count me in but I'll be long gone before that happens.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Since S&W has a tradition going back to 1935, introducing the 357 Magnum in the Registered Magnum pistol, why can't they come up with something like this to usher the 357 mag to the next century:


That is a semi-auto pistol built somewhat loosely off the 1911 design. The pistol is a Coonan Classic and is chambered in 357 Magnum (not 357 Sig). BTW, it is my pistol; I bought it about a year ago. The pistol is surprisingly comfortable to shoot and the grip is hardly bigger than a regular 45 Auto 1911. And it is a hoot to shoot; giant fireballs with hotter loads. AFAIK, the only 3 semi-auto 357's on the market are the Coonan pair (Classic and new Compact) and the Desert Eagle, which is really heavy. So Smith & Wesson, here is a market gap you can jump in on if you want. If they could keep the cost at around $1000 or so I think they could sell a bunch of these.

Take no offence at my answer, but, I'm guessing you don't work in a large machine shop.
In order for Smith & Wesson to tool up to produce a new line of guns cost thousands of dollars. Have you ever seen Smith & Wesson? It isn't a mom & pop machine shop.
They have played hunches in the past and lost their shirts. Solid numbers in marketing is where they place their interest in a new gun. Like any business they follow a market trend. Remember when Chrysler came out with the Caravan and the Plymouth Voyager?
It was groundbreaking. People laughed, until they couldn't keep them in their showrooms. How long was it before everyone in the auto industry started producing minivans.
It's the same in the gun business. My point, if there is a large demand, maybe Smith & Wesson will start producing a semi-auto in .357 Magnum. I'm in sales and marketing, could you elaborate on how much is " a bunch"?

 

[williamlayton]

There really is no profit margin in producing a unit that will sell 10,000 pieces at cost that would compete.
Blessings

 

[Combat_Diver]

I've owned two Model B Coonans through the mid 80s til 05'. Hunted with them and carried them openly in KY (before they passed their CHP. Flawless shooting guns and even competed in ISPC with them. I'll love to buy another.


CD

 

[muddocktor]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. And Club Gun Fan, I don't work in a machine shop or really have any experience in manufacturing something like this, so your points are well taken. It is a bit of a niche gun but it is also fun as heck to shoot. Recoil is not as bad as you would think; probably on the same order as a plastic wonder 40 S&W I would imagine. And it will also run 38 Special with a simple recoil spring change too, for the recoil sensitive.

@ Combat Diver, Dan Coonan is making them again, both in full size 5" barrel and a 4" barrel compact.

Now for my next S&W wish. This one would be based off of something they already produce and would simply be running a different (read traditional) barrel instead of the barrels they presently use.

I have always been a big fan of the N Frame 357 Mag; ever since I bought my 5" barrel 27-2 in 1974. I still have that pistol and I love it to death and when I pass it will go to my daughter as it will never be sold. But, what I would like for S&W to produce would be an 8 shot version of it. I know they make a model something like that at present, but it has that ugly squared off barrel on it. I would buy a new, IL equipped 627 or 27, 8 shot cylinder pistol if they went with a traditionally shaped barrel in 5 - 6 1/2" length in a heartbeat. I would appreciate having 2 more rounds before reloading, but it would still keep a more traditional look to it than the present offerings.

On a related note; if they wouldn't make a model such as I describe, do you think that the Performance Center could modify a 4" or 5" 627 of present manufacture and mount a more traditional looking barrel on it? Do they even make such a barrel in stainless? Because I would even go that route in the coming year if that would be possible. I just can't get into the slab sides and the ejector shroud angles up to the muzzle on the present models. I know it's vain, but I want my revolvers to look as good as they shoot.

 

[kaaskop49]

I have seen photos of an 8-shot 27 in 3.5" bbl. One of the collectors on this forum has several. Perhaps he will post that photo again: it is remarkable.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[muddocktor]

I saw a pic of one here the other day, maybe in the N frame beauty contest thread and I drooled. Plus, I found a 4" barrel 627 for sale on GB that has a conventional barrel on it too, but right now I am tapped out for funds. And his starting price was $995 too for a used pistol. But hopefully in the next 12 months I will be able to afford one. I know they are out there and for sale occasionally now at least.

 

[Shall Not Be Infringed]

My dad actually has a Coonan .357. He loves it. It's a hefty piece weighing in at around 3lbs empty, but it's a sweet shooting pistol.

My wife has the L frame 7 round 686+. I wish S&W would make a 6" 686 in an 8 round N frame like the 627.

 

[amazingflapjack]

I have a Taurus M-608, which is the same frame as a M-44 (44Mag) and as such has a cylinder large enough for 8 rounds of .357 in a very heavy frame. I have both guns, and really like them.

 

[S&W SS Revolvers]

I'd like a 6-7 shot .357 Model 65 3" Barrel SS much like the 1993-94 Model 65LS my wife just semi-retired to the safe (w/o lock BTW). It is such a sweet revolver...not a perfect CCW in all cases , yet it fits so many.

S&W in MA we'd buy a couple of em' at least...

 

[JohnSW]

That is a semi-auto pistol built somewhat loosely off the 1911 design.

In their financial documents, S&W states "reduced larger frame polymer pistol sales were partially offset by continued strong sales of our small concealed carry polymer pistols and revolvers."

Sales of their current 1911 models isn't big enough to get a mention, and small is "where the action is".

 

[Muss Muggins]

My dad actually has a Coonan .357. He loves it. It's a hefty piece weighing in at around 3lbs empty, but it's a sweet shooting pistol. . .

^ ^ ^ this is why I wouldn't even consider one. . . .

 

[muddocktor]

It actually weighs right around the same as a 1911 or N frame Smith. Around 42 oz empty and 48 oz locked and loaded.

Now my 44 Mag Desert Eagle on the other hand.......