Desert Eagle .50AE for your 50th birthday!
I have shot a full magazine from the .50AE Desert Eagle
and
I have shot a full cylinder from a .460 S&W
I dont own either.
I had more fun shooting the Desert Eagle, although some of that might have been because of the targets. I was shooting full pop cans with the Desert Eagle and just paper with the S&W.
When it comes down to it. I think I would chose the Desert Eagle for a couple reasons...
#1 It's your 50th birthday, gotta get a .50!
#2 I enjoyed the recoil and feel of the gun better than the S&W. The feeling of that huge slide working after each shot was more progressive and impressively satisfying to me than the instant full force impact of the S&W and it's shock from the muzzle break.
I think I would enjoy putting more rounds through the .50AE on a regular basis than the .460
The Desert Eagle is the most powerful semi auto handgun ever. The .460 S&W shoots the fastest handgun cartridge ever. Both are very impressive.
The Desert Eagle has a very nice trigger, and so does the .460 S&W.
I guess the best advice I can give is to go with your gut feeling. Mine says to go with the DE
A note on the DE's recoil: it's less intense than the .460 because like I said, it's more progressive due to the semi auto operation, but it still gives you a nice punch! I found with somewhat relaxed arms, a firm grip, and proper trigger control, the gun would bend my elbows to about a 45 degree angle upon recoil. I just cant put into words how hugely satisfying the big progressive recoil of the DE in .50AE is. If things go my way financially, I might look more seriously at buying one in the future. Just for fun of course
Also, while the S&W may be a target grade missile launcher, I didnt miss a single can with the iron sights at about 17 yards with the DE.
As to the DE's reliability. The one I shot functioned perfectly, and the owner stated that he'd put about 200 rounds through it, and it's never failed him. I would imagine that with full power loads and a clean and properly lubed gun, you would have the same experience.
I know one thing for sure. Which ever one you end up with, you'll be glad you did