Coonan Arms Model B .357 Magnum 5 Inch Stainless Semi Automatic Pistol, Manufactured 1985–1994
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $2,926.00
The Coonan Arms Model B represents one of the more unusual developments in American semi automatic pistol design, combining the familiar appearance and controls of the Colt 1911 with the powerful .357 Magnum revolver cartridge. Manufactured in St. Paul, Minnesota, between 1985 and 1994, the Model B refined the original Coonan design with a linkless barrel system and stainless steel construction. This example features a 5 inch barrel, original brushed and matte stainless finish, and smooth walnut grips. Remaining in Fine condition with approximately 96 percent of its original finish, it is accompanied by a spare .357 Magnum barrel, three magazines, and its serial matching factory packaging.
Identification
MMA#: 260709HT009
Make: Coonan Arms Inc.
Model: .357 Magnum Model B
Serial Number: B8023
Year of Manufacture: 1985–1994 Production Period
Place of Manufacture: St. Paul, Minnesota
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single Action Semi Automatic Pistol Fed by Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 5 Inches
Construction: Stainless Steel
Sights / Optics
The front sight is a ramped blade fixed to the forward portion of the slide.
The rear sight is a square notch design dovetailed into the slide and secured with a screw.
Grip Configuration & Condition
The grips are two piece smooth walnut panels.
Both panels exhibit handling and storage marks, including scattered rubs and light draglines.
There are no chips or cracks.
Overall grip condition: Fine.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Brushed and Matte Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
This pistol retains approximately 96 percent of its original metal finish.
Scattered handling and storage marks are present throughout, along with light scuffs and scratches.
The top of the slide and underside of the dust cover exhibit light rubbing and draglines.
Some discoloration and minor pinprick erosion are present on the chamber, visible through the ejection port.
The markings remain clear and legible.
Overall condition: Fine.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: The installed barrel has a bright bore with sharp rifling and no observed erosion. In the original evaluator’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Spare Barrel: An additional .357 Magnum barrel is included. Its bore is bright with sharp rifling and some stubborn fouling, but no observed erosion. The spare barrel rates 9.5 out of 10.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly during mechanical evaluation.
The pistol was not test fired.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
Included are:
Serial matching factory Styrofoam box
Serial matching outer cardboard sleeve
Spare .357 Magnum barrel
Three 7 round magazines
Our Assessment
The Coonan Arms Model B occupies a distinctive place in American handgun history as one of the few commercially produced semi automatic pistols designed specifically around the rimmed .357 Magnum cartridge. Developed by Dan Coonan, the original Coonan pistol adapted the general appearance, grip angle, and controls of the Colt 1911 to accommodate a cartridge traditionally associated with revolvers. The result was an unusually large and powerful semi automatic handgun that stood apart from conventional 9mm and .45 ACP designs.
Introduced as a refinement of the earlier Model A, the Model B incorporated several mechanical changes, most notably a linkless barrel system. Rather than employing the traditional swinging barrel link found in the original 1911 design, the Model B uses a camming surface beneath the barrel to control locking and unlocking during operation. This arrangement distinguished the Coonan mechanically while retaining much of the familiar 1911 inspired layout.
This example was manufactured during the Model B’s 1985–1994 production period in St. Paul, Minnesota. Its original brushed and matte stainless finish remains approximately 96 percent intact, with scattered handling marks and minor surface wear. The smooth walnut grips remain in Fine condition, while the installed barrel retains a bright bore with sharp rifling and no observed erosion.
Of particular interest is the accompanying spare .357 Magnum barrel, which also retains a strong bore, along with three 7 round magazines and serial matching factory packaging. These accessories provide additional completeness to an already uncommon pistol configuration.
For collectors of unusual American handguns and 1911 inspired designs, the Coonan Model B represents an interesting departure from conventional semi automatic pistol engineering. Its combination of .357 Magnum chambering, stainless steel construction, distinctive linkless barrel system, and original factory accessories makes this a noteworthy example of an ambitious American handgun design.
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