Questions on the Desert Eagle

N

Nightcrawler

New member
Okay, I'll admit. I think this gun is cool. It looks cool. I've handled them in gun stores. Despite the weight, they FEEL cool. Maybe not ideal for home defense (due to the fact that you can't use reduced power loads, I don't think, although many people use .357 and .44 Mag leverguns for home defense, and the increased muzzle velocity from the longer barrel probably equates to the same penetration as a full-power load out of a revolver), but it scores high in my own personal Cool Points.

Couple questions.

Reliability: I know it's gas operated. I tend to clean guns after every shooting session anyway, having learned to shoot on a dirty gun like the M16. Can I expect the same level of crud in the Desert Eage?

The Caliber Change: I know it requires a new barrel/slide, but do you need different magazines for .357/.44/.50?

Recoil: I would suspect that with 4lbs of weight, the recoil of even heavy .44 and .357 loads are quite docile, compared to a lighter revolver. Am I right?



If I could afford one, I'd probably get the .357 or the .44 at first, just because they'd be easier to shoot and .50AE ammo is so flipping expensive. I'd get the caliber conversions later on. I love versatility like that.


Before anyone says "Don't get a Desert Eagle, get a Glock 20." I've been over this before, guys, I don't WANT a Glock. I'm not interested in a concealed carry gun at all right now. Here in MI, you require 8 hours of training classes before you can get a permit. There's nowhere in the area offering such classes, and if there was, I can't afford them at this time. Okay?

Okay. :D
 
My brother had a DE in 44 Mag. The gas system does get filthy.
Dont know about mags/conversions, etc.,
You are correct about the recoil being less in a DE than the lighter revolvers, hot loads that are kinda fierce out of my Redhawk, are suprisingly docile out of the DE.
The thing that I didnt like about the DE is, you cant shoot lead reloads out of it (for very long), cause it plugs up the gas system.
If I were to buy a DE for myself, (probly wouldnt), it'd be the 50 AE.
 
Desert Eagle .50

If I *did* get a Desert Eagle .50, that'd settle my "testosterone requirement" for handguns and I could settle for a 9x19mm for a more conventional handgun. I mean, if any of my friends turned around, pulled out a .45 or .357 at the range, and said, "You call that little 9mm pea shooter a gun? This is a gun!", I could turn around and whip out my DE/50 and and retort, "No, THIS is a GUN!" LOL
 
I went the Mark V11 route in .41 mag. I then got the .44 mag barrel and conversion. DEs like hot loads because of the gas system. I clean mine quickly and easily with solvent and compressed air. These pistols are noted for their acuracy.
Best buy right now is the Mark V11 through CDNN for $699. Some barrels that are regularly $419 are available for $89.
A gently but kick a** pistol and I got the allow frame which was a listed premium in the Blue Book.:)
mac
 
Or you can get the whole set (minus .440 Corbon) :

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1: The gas system does get very dirty past 50 rounds.
2: Mags do need to be changed. CDNN sells them for cheap.
3: Considerably less recoil than my SRH (before scoping it) in .44mag.

If you do get one, get a Mk XIX (or a .50AE Mk VII). All you will have to change is the barrel, recoil springs, and mags. The slide is the same for all calibers.
 
All good advice above....I have had 2 DE's- both Mark XIX models, the first was a U.S. version bought it as a 44mag (then bought the 50AE barrel and clip), the new one I have is a 50AE made in Israel (comes in the plastic box vs cardboard)....had to add the Hogue grips- which are now optional (the standard grips are plastic garbage).

Overall, I love DE's- the new one gave me a few stove piping problems at first, sent it back to MR (service department is great, they gave me free adjustable sights for my trouble).

They do get "very" dirty, but it comes with the pleasure of owning such an incredible gun.

Oh, and I still want a Ti Gold 50AE....I'll get it eventually.


JG
 
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Dang, forgot to mention that the bolt in the slide has to be swapped out for .357mag for that caliber also for the Mk XIX. That's what that little thing below the .357mag magazine in the pictured case is. ,44mag and .50AE are the same casehead diameter.
 
I had a .50AE but other then the cool factor, it was useless. My .44 MAG revolvers were much more accurate for big bore pistols. The ammo is very expensive unless you reload. It felt very clunky in my hands. I sold it and haven't missed it all. Wel... ok I do miss the looks of people at the range when I pulled it out of the case :)

Recoil isn't very bad due to the weight.
 
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