Designed and developed by gun designer Dan Coonan, and eventually produced by the Minnesota firm bearing his name, the Coonan pistols were chambered for the .357 Mag. cartridge. First the Model A, followed by an upgraded Model B, quickly gained a following for this well-made pistol. The Coonan Compact pistol is a somewhat smaller and easier to carry version of the full-size Coonan Classic. At 39 ozs. and measuring 7.7"x5.4", it is still a pretty hefty pistol likely to find use more as a sportsman’s gun, or even as a home-defense pistol, than as a concealment piece. Learn more in this NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by Joseph Kurtenbach.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Coonan Inc.
Model: Coonan Compact
Action: recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol
Caliber: .357 Mag.
Slide: stainless steel
Frame: stainless steel
Sights: three-dot; drift adjustable rear, dovetailed and pinned post front
Magazine: detachable box; six-round capacity
Barrel: 4”
Rifling: six-groove, 1:16” RH twist
Trigger: 4-lb., 7-oz. pull
Weight: 39 ozs.
Accessories: owner’s manual, loading tool, spare magazine, ear plugs, trigger lock, zippered case
MSRP: $1,535
For more on the Coonan Compact pistol, please enjoy the following articles:
Review: Coonan Compact
Review: Coonan Compact .357 Mag. Pistol
NRA Gun of the Week: Coonan Compact Pistol
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Gun of the Week: Savage Arms Axis 2 Pro Western
Savage Arms has a whole new line of Axis rifles to suit the needs of a new generation of hunters and shooters, all loaded with premium features, and we took a closer look at the company's Axis 2 Pro Western.
Bookshelf: Rifle Cartridges for the Hunter
Richard Mann's latest book offers all the color of hunting stories with plenty of practical information, to boot.
The Armed Citizen® March 27, 2026
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
Statements to Members Regarding Indemnification
A statement to members regarding indemnification insurance for directors and officers of the National Rifle Association of America.
Review: Colt Enhanced Patrol Rifle II Pro
For many AR-15 enthusiasts, the Colt 6920 remains the benchmark for a solidly built rifle. The company's new Enhanced Patrol Rifle II Pro builds on that legacy with a number of welcome updates.
Winchester Ammunition: More Than Just Ammo
Winchester Ammunition has proven its commitment to the community through several initiatives that show the company is dedicated to making more than just ammunition.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
