Coonan Inc. .357 mag / .38 Spl. 5” Semi Automatic Pistol & 3 Mags, Extras
SOLD FOR: $2,257.57
LSB#: LSB251130SL063
Make: Coonan Arms Inc.
Model: 357 Magnum Automatic
Serial Number: 1518
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Recoil Operated Tilting-Lock with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked, “COONAN .357 MAGNUM AUTOMATIC”. The right side of the frame is marked, “1518 Coonan Arms, Inc. St. P. MN”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade staked to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels. The grips have light pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are no chips, but the left panel has a crack at the bottom. Overall the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some moderate stubborn lead fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and handling marks throughout. The barrel hood has light spots of patina. The screw heads have strong slots and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good + condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 3x Magazines, keychain tool, and .357 Magnum recoil spring.
Our Assessment: This Coonan .357 Magnum Automatic is a distinctive and ambitious American pistol design, produced by Coonan Arms Inc. as one of the few successful attempts to chamber a true revolver cartridge in a semi-automatic handgun. Built around a modified 1911-style, single-action operating system, the Coonan was engineered to reliably cycle .357 Magnum while also accommodating .38 Special with appropriate springs. The result is a full-size, stainless steel pistol that combines the manual of arms of a classic autoloader with the power and ballistics traditionally associated with revolvers. This example presents with a very strong bore, rated 9 out of 10, showing bright surfaces and sharp rifling with only moderate lead fouling noted. The 5 inch barrel and fixed iron sights provide a familiar sight picture, and the pistol retains the solid, purposeful feel that has become synonymous with the Coonan platform. The action functions correctly, and the pistol includes three magazines along with a dedicated .357 Magnum recoil spring and a keychain tool.
Overall condition is very good plus, with approximately 99 percent of the original stainless finish remaining. Light scratches and handling marks are present, along with minor patina on the barrel hood, all consistent with limited use. The wood grip panels show light wear and a crack at the bottom of the left panel, but remain serviceable and visually appropriate to the pistol. Markings are clear, screw slots are strong, and pins are undamaged. Taken as a whole, this Coonan stands as a compelling example of a rare and innovative semi-automatic design, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate unconventional engineering and the challenge of blending revolver power with autoloading operation. -R.E.