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.