Are there any better alternatives?
solarpimp,
I own a Coonan 357 B.
Its fun to shoot.
Some 357 loads belch out a significant fireball,
so overcast days at the range are fun.
Its quite accurate, I've used it to shoot bowling pins.
You do feel the pressure when firing but the recoil is not bad.
The inside has few machine marks, it almost seems polished inside.
I'm not sure if the new Coonans are finished as well.
The grip is bigger to accommodate the length of the 357 round.
View attachment 35729
If your looking to add something to your collection that is fun to shoot and makes a good conversation piece it fits the bill. Another alternative is a 4"S&W 500 mag. A ton of fun to shoot if you like a little recoil. the 500 is cheaper and they cost about the same to shoot, actually the Coonan might cost more to shoot because you will burn more ammo in it.
I love my 500 but not eveybody feels the same about shooting it
The ammo is pricey. Around a buck twenty a round. And it's not found everywhere.I also have entertained the DE in .50. I once owned one in .44 Mag. I just would think, because I don't know for sure, that the DE .50AE ammo would cost a lot compared to the .357Mag. I also would enjoy a .500 Mag but think the .460 is tons more versatile as it shoots the .454 Casull and the .45 LC. Screw it, I'll just get one of each...eventually!
The ammo is pricey. Around a buck twenty a round. And it's not found everywhere.