Coonan Inc. .357 Magnum 5” Semi Automatic Pistol & Holster, 5 Mags, Extras
SOLD FOR: $3,075.00
LSB#: LSB250525MC001
Make: Coonan Arms Inc.
Model: 357 Magnum Automatic
Serial Number: B002779
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked, “COONAN .357 MAGNUM AUTOMATIC”. The barrel is marked, “.357 MAG”. The right side of the frame is marked, “B002779 Coonan Arms, Inc. St. Paul, MN U.S.A.”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a red fiber insert fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a fully adjustable square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels. The grips have pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are no cracks but there are a few chips. Overall the grips are in 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. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10. This pistol appears to have only been test fired.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and handling marks throughout. 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: 5x magazines, 3x 357/.38 recoil springs, leather gunbelt and flap holster.
Our Assessment: The Coonan .357 Magnum Automatic is one of the most unique pistols ever produced in the United States, combining the classic ergonomics and design of the M1911 with the powerful .357 Magnum revolver cartridge. Developed in the early 1980s, the Coonan offered shooters the ability to fire a full-power magnum round in a semi-automatic platform, something virtually no other production pistol accomplished successfully. Built with stainless steel construction, a robust recoil system, and extended magazines, the pistol had the punch of a revolver while retaining the fast reload and handling characteristics of an auto. Though never produced in large numbers, the Coonan developed a loyal following among shooters and collectors who appreciated its engineering, novelty, and sheer performance. This example remains in very good overall condition. The stainless steel finish retains about 98% of its original appearance with only light scratches and handling marks. The bore is excellent, bright with sharp rifling and rating 9.5/10, suggesting the pistol was only test-fired. The wood grips show scattered wear, including scratches and small chips, but remain fully serviceable. The pistol is fully functional with crisp mechanical action, and it comes with a generous set of accessories, including five magazines, three extra recoil springs for tuning between .357 Magnum and .38 Special loads, and a leather belt rig with flap holster. These extras significantly add to its appeal, especially since original Coonan magazines are highly sought after.
For collectors and shooters alike, the Coonan .357 Magnum Automatic is a standout firearm. Its limited production, specialized engineering, and unusual chambering make it a conversation piece in any collection. For shooters, it delivers the hard-hitting ballistics of a magnum revolver in a package that is easier to reload and manage for follow-up shots. For collectors, it represents a bold experiment in American pistol design that succeeded on its own terms but remains scarce due to low production numbers. This well-kept example with accessories would be an excellent acquisition for anyone interested in unique handguns, 1911-based designs, or magnum-caliber pistols. -R.E.
