Coonan 1911?

[2ndAmendmentNut]

Like most of us here I like the 357mag, and again like most of us I really like 1911s. Now I here Coonan is up in business again making their 357mag 1911s. How are these new production 1911s? One reason I really like the 357 is the wide range of bullet/boolit weights it can handle from 95grs~215grs, obviously this is in a revolver, but I am curious as to what sort of boolit weights the Coonans can handle reliably?

[Mk42gunner]

No idea on the new ones. The only one I ever shot, a shipmate had twenty-some years ago. I remember the grip felt a lot longer than the 1911-A1's we had on the ship.

As to boolit weight, I would imagine that as long as the oal allows it to fit in the magazine, it should work.

Robert

[Springfield]

Why don't ya just get a .357 Sig? Same bullet weights, more than likely feed alot better, which was the problem with the original Coonan.

[Combat Diver]

I miss my Coonans. Owned two over the years and sold my last one to pay for medical bills for my son when I was in Iraq in 06'. I bought my first one in 86' with reenlistment bonus and it never missed a lick shooting .38+Ps or .357. It would even feed empty or 148 gr wadcutters seated flush (just won't cycle, unless used a lighter recoil spring). My normal bullets were either 125 JHPs at 1450 fps or 158 LSWC at 1300 fps. These were also my ISPC loads that I shot with it in the early 90s in TN/KY. Also took it to Germany for 3 years and used it bowling pin compitetions there in the late 80s. Used to shoot CCI Blazer ammo when there was snow on the ground so I wouldn't have to chase the brass, LOL. Learned to shoot 100yd standing with it in Germany. Used it as backup when boar hunting in south Texas to my my FAL. Before Kentucky passed their concealed carry, used to open carry it there (carried 125 JHP, 8+1 in the mags and two spare 8 rd mags). I'm diffenitely interested in getting another new one.

not the best pics but here's a few old scans.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/George_shooting_Coonan.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/George_shooting_M64_and_Coonan_on_hip.jpg

[2ndAmendmentNut]

Why don't ya just get a .357 Sig? Same bullet weights, more than likely feed alot better, which was the problem with the original Coonan.

I personally have never seen a 357sig 1911, also I have found the 357mag a lot more conducive to loading with boolits. Sure the 357sig works with boolits, but at least in my experience it was limited to 147gr or lighter bullets/boolits. Also 357mag brass is widely available, and despite what some people say I have never seen a 9mm+P or a 357sig equal a 357mag.

[2ndAmendmentNut]

I assume you have to be careful when loading the magazines, sort of like with a Winchester 1895.

[Combat Diver]

Not really as the magazines are like a 1911s, ie you slide the rounds from the front to back into the magazine. The do not just snap in like on a double column magazine, which can lead to rims locking. The way the magazine is designed on the Coonan it has a long open groove in the side of the mag. The bottom of the follower has a open ring in it which allows a small rod (supplied, or I used to use a static line safety) to depress the follower, rounds would then just be slid in and dropped in without tension. Very easy loading and I never had a single rim lock in 20 years.

[jrw113]

I have put factory ammo with bullet weights from 110 to 180 grns with no issues.

[Intel6]

I have loaded up to 180 gran boolits in my Coonan.

[randyrat]

Where can you find these.. Are they back making FAL receivers also?

[bearcove]

If they do 41 mag again its on my "just buy one" list.

[Combat Diver]

Check out http://www.coonaninc.com/ for dealers and yes they are making FAL recievers.

CD

[bearcove]

Link didn't work for me.

[randyrat]

The link worked for me. Wow, not bad pricing for FAL receivers. I believe they are quality also.
I can't believe a 357 mag auto. I seen it with my own eyes, very cool. A little out of my reach at just over $1,100 though.

[bearcove]

Worked this time