[michigan0626]

On the coonan inc webpage the are going to be offering a .357 barrel and magazines for all the old coonan classics they produced several years back. If you were to purchase the barrel and magazines, what would it take to put it on a currently produced 1911. If it takes modifying the frame, would it be easier on a 10mm 1911 since the round is longer?

Any chance it simply be as easy as just dropping it in?

[NGIB]

I seriously doubt you could retrofit a modern 1911 to .357 nor would I want to try. You certainly are fascinated with the Coonan's though. From what I remember reading about them, they were extremely finicky ammo wise, mags were not that reliable, and very pricey.

Personally, if I want to shoot .357 - I'll stick with my revolvers...

[michigan0626]

Originally Posted by NGIB

I seriously doubt you could retrofit a modern 1911 to .357 nor would I want to try. You certainly are fascinated with the Coonan's though. From what I remember reading about them, they were extremely finicky ammo wise, mags were not that reliable, and very pricey.

Personally, if I want to shoot .357 - I'll stick with my revolvers...

I like things that are unique, I also like things that are timeless and classic.

[stalkingbear]

It would be a LOT more trouble than it's worth and cost prohibitive to attempt converting a "regular" 1911 frame to accept .357 magnum cartridges. The rim will give you trouble in addition to the length. The OAL for .357 is 1.590 and OAL for .45 is 1.275. The OAL for 10mm is 1.260.

Let me put it this way-the ONLY way I'd even attempt to do something like that is NO guarantees and paid hourly with no limit. Why not just convert a .45 1911 to .460 Rowland or something like that? I have 1 and it's a blast to shoot!

[michigan0626]

Originally Posted by stalkingbear

It would be a LOT more trouble than it's worth and cost prohibitive to attempt converting a "regular" 1911 frame to accept .357 magnum cartridges. The rim will give you trouble in addition to the length. The OAL for .357 is 1.590 and OAL for .45 is 1.275. The OAL for 10mm is 1.260.

Let me put it this way-the ONLY way I'd even attempt to do something like that is NO guarantees and paid hourly with no limit. Why not just convert a .45 1911 to .460 Rowland or something like that? I have 1 and it's a blast to shoot!

Thats why I asked the question. I didnt know.

[JonM]

the only reliable auto-loader in rimmed cartridges like .357 .44 is the desert eagles. but they are huge guns and pricey for what they are.

[N.D.]

If you want .357 mag. or better Power, and you do not want to lose the .357 / 9MM magazine capacity, try converting a 1911 clone that's chambered in either
9MM/.38 super to 9X23MM (brass is designed for 50,000psi max psi) 9X23MM max power loads will exceed the .357 mag. and regular production ammo while not as common as 9MM Luger, (by any stretch) in stores will easily = .357mag. revolver performance, inch for inch of barrel length which the .357 Sig cannot do (it always is a little behind the .357 mag. after you start hitting 4" and up of Bar. length but it is the nxt closest to the .357 Mag. factory loaded ammo.

Note:
I hear that if one is a re loader and one has a .38 super chambered pistol then one could just buy the starline super comp brass and reload the .38 super beyond it's design parameters, but personally I don't re load, so I'll be going this conversion route, myself.
As far as I know all you'll need is either a new conversion barrel fitted or you can just have the .38/9MM barrel fitment checked and if found to be properly fitted then you can have the smith chamber ream it, function check your piece, use 10/11 round .38S mags and then your good to Go!

N.D.