Behlert used the Seecamp double action system and for the life of me I don't know why, they were horrible. The double action pull was extremely heavy and all of the added parts ruined the preexisting single action pull. I've had a couple of ODI Viking Combats, the only factory built 1911 to come with the Seecamp DA, they both sucked. I've also had several Behlert 1911s, the guy was a genius and knew how to set up a 1911 action, wish he was still around to ask why he got into the Seecamp DA biz.
Coonan .45 Auto, available 2016
- Thread starter Sevens
- Start date
bbqncigars
New member
I love my Coonan Classic, but wouldn't touch one in .45acp. In a rimmed magnum, youbetcha.
Aguila Blanca
Staff
This doesn't look at all like a Seecamp conversion to me:
And it shouldn't, because it isn't. Nor is it a double action conversion at all. That is Behlert's pivoting trigger, it uses the pivoting trigger to create leverage against what amounts to a shortened, flat, stock trigger to substantially decrease trigger pull weight while not compromising hammer-sear engagement as you might with a very light action job. From what I've read, this conversion could give a 2.5lb trigger pull from an action set up at 4lbs. The patent describes it better than I can - http://www.google.com/patents/US4691461.
Interestingly, I ran across the Delta in the pictures you used in this auction from earlier this year- http://www.gunauction.com/buy/13234102. In the description the owner talks about the work done by Austin Behlert:
"Many many years ago when Austin Behlert had his Custom Gun Shop on "the Boulevard" in Kenilworth, NJ, I purchased from him a New Colt Delta Elite in 10mm. I was going to use this gun in IPSC and wanted a superior trigger pull, adjustable sights and accuracy job. I actually wanted the same Seecamp Double action conversion he had installed in my Mini Bobcat. However, at the time, Austin had just perfected his Pivoting Trigger System.(Note the trigger on the picture). He strongly suggested that I have this trigger installed instead as it allowed cocked and locked carry and a crisp, light feeling trigger pull for every round fired. One did not argue with Austin when it came to anything involving a firearm. Thus, I had my Delta upgraded with his Pivoting Trigger System. He is the ONLY gunsmith to use and install this trigger system. It was his design. The trigger provides a very crisp and perceptually light trigger pull without compromising the safety of the firearm. This Gun also has Millet, adjustable sights and a funneled magazine well which Austin Installed. I don't remember what other magic he did, but the reliability and accuracy of this pistol is extraordinary. As it turns out, I never did use this pistol in competition (Austin also built me a competition .45 Acp Government and this is just the sweetest pistol I have ever owned)."
Jim Watson
New member
Cohan still lists the Rogers Mechanical Trigger System. $351 on your gun.
https://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=7&f=137&t=946315
https://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=7&f=137&t=946315
I can clear up some of the questions.
The frame is a standard 1911 size. It does have the full length dust cover like the 357 however.
It will accept standard magazines from most manufacturers.
Cartridge feeding should be less dependent on magazines due to the longer feed ramp built into the barrel.
It will accept slides from other sources if an owner wants to build with one. So if someone really wants the internal extractor it can be done that way. Personally I can't see why anyone would, but to each their own.
The frame, trigger, trigger bar, barrel and the grip safety are Coonan.
It requires a Coonan external extractor for a Coonan slide, internal for other slides, of course.
Everything else can fit regular 1911's.
Grips are 1911 compatible.
I'll go out on a limb and say that it should be one of the more accurate 45 pistols, out of the box, that will be available because of the linkless barrel/frame combination.
The barrel goes back to battery in a repeatable manner, against the inside of the slide.
Barrel, slide and sights become a unit. After that it's all about the person squeezing, pulling, jerking, whatever, the trigger.
No other calibers under consideration at this time that I am privy to.
Recoil "seems" more mild than a regular 1911, but after years of shooting the 357mag I may not be the one to ask about that.
It's built mostly of 17-4 stainless steel, like it's big brother.
Customer support should be the same as now. I believe they pay shipping on their products both ways if it requires repair.
The frame is a standard 1911 size. It does have the full length dust cover like the 357 however.
It will accept standard magazines from most manufacturers.
Cartridge feeding should be less dependent on magazines due to the longer feed ramp built into the barrel.
It will accept slides from other sources if an owner wants to build with one. So if someone really wants the internal extractor it can be done that way. Personally I can't see why anyone would, but to each their own.
The frame, trigger, trigger bar, barrel and the grip safety are Coonan.
It requires a Coonan external extractor for a Coonan slide, internal for other slides, of course.
Everything else can fit regular 1911's.
Grips are 1911 compatible.
I'll go out on a limb and say that it should be one of the more accurate 45 pistols, out of the box, that will be available because of the linkless barrel/frame combination.
The barrel goes back to battery in a repeatable manner, against the inside of the slide.
Barrel, slide and sights become a unit. After that it's all about the person squeezing, pulling, jerking, whatever, the trigger.
No other calibers under consideration at this time that I am privy to.
Recoil "seems" more mild than a regular 1911, but after years of shooting the 357mag I may not be the one to ask about that.
It's built mostly of 17-4 stainless steel, like it's big brother.
Customer support should be the same as now. I believe they pay shipping on their products both ways if it requires repair.
While an interesting move for Coonan, I really see this as a very small potential item, one intended more as a high quality item aimed at a very specific portion of the market, and thats just fine if thats what they are seeking, just a different flavor for the Coonan's fan base. If they are intending on actually competing this newish .45 they are going to be going up against stiff competition from Ruger and SA, who already are producing superb all steel 1911's in the $600.00 - $900.00 range plus the best customer service in the industry, not a recipe for success for a brand new $1400.00 range hybrid 1911.
Creek Henry
New member
Yep... They should have done. 327 and 45LC 
Stevie-Ray
New member
Well, I wouldn't give it even a second look. Now the .357, OTOH, always wanted one. Had it been coming in .45 Colt, it might warrant a look-see, or even 10mm, as it seems a Coonan would be plenty strong for these.
I'll stick to my 1911s for .45 ACP.
I'll stick to my 1911s for .45 ACP.
I love my Coonan! I feel its a great gun but I will not be buying one in 45acp. I can get many well made 1911s. What the Coonan has is the fact its a 357 magnum! Take that away and its just another gun.
I still am hopping they come out with a 357 magnum semi-auto carbine.
p.s. mine feeds 38+p very well and will feed 38 special (not wad cutters) if they are 158 grain or heavier bullets.
I still am hopping they come out with a 357 magnum semi-auto carbine.
p.s. mine feeds 38+p very well and will feed 38 special (not wad cutters) if they are 158 grain or heavier bullets.
Coonan should consider building a pistol in .41 Remington Magnum. Since we have one of the best auto pistols already (10mm Auto) they could build the .41 easily.
If they want to make a big "splash" they could chamber it for the .50 GI and really infuse the round with new life.
Why not?
If they want to make a big "splash" they could chamber it for the .50 GI and really infuse the round with new life.
Why not?
On their website you can find a list of authorized dealers. There are also many, MANY options on Gunbroker (brand new pistols) and it looks like supply has caught up with demand.
I've had an awful lot of fun with mine, and the log says I've ran over 3,000 through it in the four years since I got it... and I bought mine used. It will malf on occasion in the hands of someone new or someone that doesn't hold it in the way it prefers to be held -- but this pistol literally never fails to feed, fire, extract and eject when I am shooting it. It's extremely reliable and definitely fun to shoot.
I've had an awful lot of fun with mine, and the log says I've ran over 3,000 through it in the four years since I got it... and I bought mine used. It will malf on occasion in the hands of someone new or someone that doesn't hold it in the way it prefers to be held -- but this pistol literally never fails to feed, fire, extract and eject when I am shooting it. It's extremely reliable and definitely fun to shoot.
nstoolman1
New member
When I move out of state this year I will definitely look into buying one. It will look nice next to the Coonan I own already.
As for the cost. If the CMP is going to be charging $1000 plus for a colt it is not unreasonable to spent a little more for a different .45.
Jmho.
As for the cost. If the CMP is going to be charging $1000 plus for a colt it is not unreasonable to spent a little more for a different .45.
Jmho.
LockedBreech
New member
$1375 MSRP means a street price of around $1100-1200. Putting it squarely against some of Colt's and Springfield's nicer offerings and near Dan Wesson territory. Hostile waters indeed.