NRA Gun of the Week: Coonan Compact Pistol

by
posted on January 16, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

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

Latest

Walther Ends Ppk Production F
Walther Ends Ppk Production F

Walther Arms Suspends Production Of PPK Line

Walther Arms announced a suspension of its PPK, PPK/S and PP production lines, as the company plans what it calls a "multi-year modernization journey."

Rifleman Review: Colt Viper

As part of Colt's continued expansion of its second-generation "snake guns," the Viper revolver offers a compact, carry-ready variant that offers magnum power in a strong steel-frame format.

Benelli's M4 EXT: More Of A Good Thing

For the first time, with its M4 EXT, Benelli USA is offering a version of its M4 semi-automatic shotgun that has the same features found on its military and law-enforcement models.

Review: Steiner Predator: 4S 4-16X 44 mm

The benefit of a lightweight rifle is lost the moment you top it with a clunky, overweight optic, particularly a lengthy one. To that end, we are starting to see an emphasis on riflescopes that are less cumbersome when mounted, such as Steiner’s Predator 4S.

A Carry-Ready Classic: Outfitting A Ruger Speed-Six Revolver

Already a fan of Ruger’s long-discontinued double-action Security-Six, Police Service-Six and Speed-Six revolvers, I simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity to acquire one of the latter in 9 mm Luger when an unfired, 42-year-old example turned up at a gun show.

Old Glory Bank Sponsors 2025 National Youth Shooting Sports Conference

Old Glory Bank, which provides banking services to NRA-affiliated clubs and associations, served as the presenting sponsor for the National Youth Shooting Sports Conference in October.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.