Some historical reviews of the Coonan Model B
Gun News October 1989 New: The Coonan Shorty
The gun is compact and easy to hide. We were holding the prototype from Coonan. Nobody has a name for it yet. The guys in the shop just call it, "Shorty". An autoloading .357 Magnum is always impressive because it lacks a barrel/cylinder gap to cause velocity loss. We ran the Coonan through its paces with a P.A.C.T. Chronograph. We recorded federal 158 grain JHP loads at 1275 feet per second. That is impressive. Recoil was acceptable and easy to control because the Coonan fills the hand with nice grip. Our prototype was so new it didn't have sights, and we couldn't make any measurements. The standard gun is almost equal to a standard government .45 Auto. You can use that to compare. We know from experience that accuracy with any Coonan is far beyond what we expect and suspect the short version would fall into same league.
The short version would be one hell of a concealable gun for law enforcement, and afford incredible firepower if you can do without the trendy double action trigger mechanism. To a real experienced shooter, double action is easy to do without. We thought recoil would be a serious problem, but the grip design and characteristics of the gun kept the recoil well within limits any shooter can handle. The Coonan "Shorty" is a real gem if you can get your hands on one.
Guns and Ammo February 1986 Coonan The Mighty!
The .357 Magnum comes into its own in this improved, stainless self-loader. By Jan Libourel
In the Coonan Arms stainless steel auto pistol, the .357 Magnum cartridge develops velocities far higher than those obtainable from revolver of similar size, giving it terrific smashing power! The author fired the Coonan for accuracy and functioning with 10 different .357 loads. The Coonan handled bullet weights from 110 to 180 grains with equal aplomb. Properly lubricated, it proved very reliable. To load a full seven rounds into the magazine you must use a pin or nail to depress the follower.
Guns Magazine December 1983 .357 Magnumatics
Combat Handguns June 1983 The All-New Coonan Pistol, A .357 Magnum Fury
The Coonan .357 Magnum was modeled after the Colt 1911. Note the same clean lines, and functioning was flawless. Building a pistol to handle this hot revolver cartridge, Coonan guaranteed dependability by adopting the time-honored Colt Model 1911 design. The author firing the Coonan found the recoil dampened by shifting weight to the muzzle end of the weapon. fast recovery makes this pistol ideal for competition. Firing the Coonan. Distance about thirty yards, Target is a steel plate over 1/2" thick. Author discovered .357 Magnum slammed plate off the top of the wood block, while .38 Special only gave them a good shove.