FAL Receiver

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question you don't see answered here? Send us an email on our contact page, or email us at questions@coonaninc.com

Q: Will the new magazine fit my Coonan Arms model B?
A:  It may or may not fit, some modification to the Mag well may be required.

Q: What type of night sights are available on the pistol?
A: Tritium night sights with genuine Trijicon lamps.

Q: Why do I want a .357 Magnum Automatic?                                                                                                  A: Ballistic versatility, speed, and comfort! Bullets are available in a vast selection of weights and styles, and for the hand loaders, brass is commonly available. This makes the .357 Magnum Automatic very popular with hunters, target shooters, recreational shooters, and some law enforcement and military entities.

Q: What is the difference between .357 Sig and .357 Magnum ammunition?                                                   A: Quoted from Yahoo Answers:“357 Sig set out to match ONE specific loading of 357 magnum in a relatively short barrel, and came close. However, you move beyond that one loading and the 357 Sig cannot compete any more, especially with heavy bullets of 140 grains and beyond".                                               See the full response ...here

Q: How much bigger than a standard 1911 is the Coonan .357 Magnum Automatic?                                         A:  Click ...here to see photos comparing the size of a Coonan .357 Magnum Automatic with a Colt MK IV Series 80 1911 pistol.  

Q: Is the Coonan .357 Magnum Automatic hard to shoot?                                                                                   A: See what you think ...here.                        

Q: Will I be able to shoot .38 Special ammunition?                                                                                           A: We are testing the pistols with a variety of ammunition. Some types of .38 Special ammunition will be able to be cycled simply by changing the recoil spring. The newly designed magazine will accept either .357 Magnum or .38 Special cartridges.  No spacer will be required. 

Q: Is this an actual 1911 design?                                                                                                                      A: Yes, with a few improvements inspired by John Browning's 1935 Hi-Power. The extractor is an external design, like a Browning Hi-Power. The barrel is linkless  and the trigger is pivoting; both features are similar to the Browning Hi-Power.

Q: What is the current lead time for delivery?                                                                                                       A: 8 to 12 weeks as of 7-29-2010.                      

Q: How many parts are interchangeable between the .357 Magnum Automatic and a standard 1911?             A: There are 18 parts that are direct replacements:

  • Hammer & Pin
  • Hammer Strut & Pin
  • Sear, & Pin
  • Sear Spring
  • Disconnector & Pin
  • Thumb Safety
  • Plunger Tube, Pins (Front & Rear), and Spring
  • Barrel Bushing
  • Recoil Plug
  • Grip Screws
  • Grip Bushings                                                                                                                                           

There are 6 parts that require some modification:

  • Firing Pin Stop
  • Grip Safety
  • Recoil Spring
  • Ejector
  • Recoil Spring Tube
  • Sights

Please Note: This firearm is NOT for beginners! If you are looking for your first firearm, don’t buy this one.

Due to the wide variety of ammunition available in the .357 Magnum caliber, we recommend using Federal or Magtech 125 or 158 grain JACKETED ammunition. Other ammunition can be used, but some setup of the firearm might be required.