Coonan Inc., announced the company will start building 1911 pistols chambered for the traditional caliber: .45 ACP.

Coonan made its name in manufacturing 1911-style pistols chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. When the .357 Magnum guns were re-introduced, they generated a fair amount of excitement by the shooting public. Since then, the company expanded the line to include a compact version of the pistol and a model with a compensated barrel.

The new .45 ACP handguns will feature “Coonan Difference Improvements” that consist of:

• a linkless barrel
• an external extractor
• a pivoting trigger

The company states it has gone with these changes to increase accuracy and improve reliability in the platform. For example, Coonan states the linkless barrel reduces feeding problems while the external extractor improves both cycling and ejection.

The guns will have a 5″ barrel and smooth walnut grips. Standard sights will be Novak-style. These guns will not have an accessory rail. A single 7-round magazine will ship with each firearm.

The suggested retail price of these new pistols is expected to start at $1,375. Custom options will, of course, drive that price up. Among the options available are night sights, different grips and additional 7- and 8-round magazines.

The company is currently taking pre-orders on the pistols. The company is offering a $500 voucher for anyone jumping in early with a pre-order. The shipment is expected to start in the second quarter of 2016.