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

Chiappa Rhino 60 DS revolver in 10 mm Gun of the Week
Chiappa Rhino 60 DS revolver in 10 mm Gun of the Week

Gun of the Week: Chiappa Rhino 60 DS Revolver in 10 mm

Chiappa has launched a large-frame version of its unique revolver, including one chambered in 10 mm.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 20, 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.

Review: Bergara B14 Stoke Rifle

Fit, comfort and precision for those that seek top-shelf performance—but need a step-stool to get there…

NFA Sales Up 121 Percent In January

Following the implementation of $0 tax stamps as of January 1, NFA sales skyrocketed in January, leading many to dub 2026 as the "Year of the Suppressor."

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson CSX E-Series

Smith & Wesson's pocket 9 mm gets some upgrades.

The Hush-Points: Hi-Point Introduces Centerfire Pistol & Rimfire Suppressors

Long-known for making affordable guns, Hi-Point Firearms has branched out this year to make affordable suppressors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.