The Desert Eagle is gas operated. This in turn helps tame the recoil since some of the gas is used to cycle the action, and load another round. Most including me will say that the Desert Eagle kicks a lot less in any given caliber then in a revolver in the same caliber. Due to being gas operated, and the weight of the gun, along with the big grip.
If a gas port is clogged then it is most likely the user shooting lead rounds instead of jacketed. Lead rounds in these guns are a no no.
It does take a hot round to cycle the action properly. I think most hang ups are caused by people using light loads, or loads that barely cycle the action.
Can't help you with the action job, except to ask why you think it needs one?
I shoot the Model VII 50 A.E., and have never had no problems. A fellow co-worker owns a Model VII 44 Magnum, and he says at least once every two magazines of ammo it stove pipes. I forget if he said these were with handloads, or factory loads.
The light frames are just for easier packing.
I've read a lot of comments about Desert Eagles being jam-o-matics, and such. Most comming from people who have never owned, or fired them. Just taking info from others second hand. I believe over half the problems are the user's error in one form, or another (ex:A bad hold, light handloads). Others knock it because they don't have a use for one themselves, therefore why would anyone else want to bother owning one. I personally don't have a use for many type of firearms, and calibers, but I still believe they should be available!
