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Thoughts on The Desert Eagle
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I've been seriously thinking on buying a Desert Eagle In .44 Magnum. Has anyone had any experiance with any of the Desert Eagle Models? If you have how do they perform and how bad is the recoil compared to the conventional .44 Magnum Revolver?
 
Posts: 188 | Location: Ohio | Registered: 24 September 2002Reply With Quote
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I've used the DE in every caliber they make (working as a range officer at one of the local indoor ranges) and I think you will find that the felt recoil is less then with a revolver, due to the extra weight of the DE. They are a fairly large handgun, designed for people with big hands. i've not seen any failures that were'nt operator/ammunition based. Oh yeah, stick with jacketed bullets, they don't care for cast. Fouls up the gas system. FWIW - Dan
 
Posts: 5285 | Location: Alberta | Registered: 05 October 2001Reply With Quote
<harleytwo>
posted
I have a desert eagle that allows simple interchange between 44 magnum and 50 A.E. calibers. I shot the 44 for years before buying the 50 A.E. conversion from Magnum Research and have had no problems, other than with just one magazine (50 A.E.) occassionally not holding the slide open after the last shot. The 44 is a pussy cat to shoot and I agree with Dan that the weight and gas operation give it the edge over a revolver. The 50 A.E. is the one to go for as far as I'm concerned...big boom and major blast! I don't find the recoil that bad although it can snap back in your hand quite sharply and I've had friends that didn't want to shoot it twice (wimps!). They say it has 60% more stopping power than the 44 mag. and frankly, when you squeeze the trigger it's not hard to believe. If your recoil shy it may not be the best choice...or if you want a gun that's cheap to shoot better take a pass. On the positive side, these guns always get a lot of attention for the way they look and perform, and FWIW, I really enjoy mine. Hope this helps.
 
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This Gun Will Be Used For Personnal Protection And I want Something that will only take one shot to drop the threat. So I might think about buying the .50 AE conversion parts.

[ 03-09-2003, 04:50: Message edited by: TrapShooter ]
 
Posts: 188 | Location: Ohio | Registered: 24 September 2002Reply With Quote
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I currently own a DE MK IV. I it was made in Israel, if that tells you how old it is. I have tried many revolvers, and other DE guns.

The DE has significantly less felt recoil than other 44mag guns. It is as accurate as I am. The original magazine spring failed a few years ago. Bought a new one. Everything functions flawlessly (with the right ammo and magazines). DO NOT USE CAST BULLETS in DE guns.

Conversion to other calibers:
I didn�t buy a conversion for my gun when I had a chance. They don�t make my model any more. I have looked for a 357 conversion, but I have not found one. I guess I should have purchased one when I had a chance.

Maybe I am recoil shy, but I prefer my DE to any and all revolvers in 44 I have tried. I also find the 50AE also to be to much. I love my gun.

That being said, I am not sure I would buy a 44 for protection or hunting harsh environments. If you look at marshal�s statistics the 44 falls below the 44, the 357, the 9mm and the 45acp. My DE shoots BLINDING FLAMES when I shoot it at night. This is not conducive for a quick follow up shot. The gun is very heavy. You don�t notice it at the range, but the weight adds up when you carry it all day.
 
Posts: 600 | Registered: 16 December 2002Reply With Quote
<harleytwo>
posted
ddunn is correct about the weight...these mothers are heavy, however, that is a large part of their recoil absorbtion and subsequent ability to get back on target quickly...two very important considerations in certain critical situations. I don't really see a point in the .357 or now defunct .41 mag. in this weapon, as I don't consider these calibers justify the pistol weight. This is another reason to go 50 A.E. in my opinion. The muzzle flash is considerable in the .44 mag and MAJOR in the 50 A.E. ,if that is an issue. I guess my attitude is, if either giving away your position or temporary loss of night vision is a problem then don't use these calibers (or a .357 magnum, which is just as bad). But if you use the 50 A.E. correctly, you shouldn't need to shoot again anyway!
 
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I really don't see a DE as a combat handgun. It is extremely well made, beefy and reliable, but it's also extremely big & heavy, not given to easy carry. It rides in the trunk and is shot at the range or in the feild, akin to a rifle. I much prefer my .44 revolvers for all kinds of carry. If carry does not matter at all (I stress ALL) the DE can do it. While a very fine firearm I feel there are much better choices for a defensive handgun. (Glock/Sig/Ruger/S&W/Beretta=10mm=.45=.40=.357 Sig/Mag)
 
Posts: 4394 | Location: USA | Registered: 17 December 2001Reply With Quote
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Does anyone know if Magnum Research is Trying to build the DE in .480 Ruger? Do you all think the action could possibly withstand the pressures of the .475 Linebaugh ? [Big Grin] [Eek!]
 
Posts: 188 | Location: Ohio | Registered: 24 September 2002Reply With Quote
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If you are looking for two legged protection there are much better guns out there. My 357 get the nod if needed. It has had the highest stopping power for years. Even higher than the 44 magnum. A revolver in 44 caliber is easier to carry if you want protection against bears, mt lions, etc.

As for the 480 it rim is bigger than the 44 so some work would have to be done on the bolt face to make it work.

Desert Eagle are cool but for some jobs they are just not as practical as others. I guess thats why they make a bunch of different guns.

Hcliff

[ 12-17-2002, 19:27: Message edited by: Hcliff ]
 
Posts: 305 | Location: Green Bay, WI | Registered: 09 September 2002Reply With Quote
<glock20rocks>
posted
VERY cool gun; but go for the .50 [Smile]
The recoil is very mild (for the power anyway), and it makes a pretty good deer gun.

These things are a literal blast to shoot, too!

Always fun to go to the local indoor range and empty a clip next to a guy shooting a .22 or 9mm!

They are NOT suited to self-defense, though.

I haven't shoot the .44 Mag DE, but have heard the recoil is very mild in it. If you don't like recoil, grab the .44. Just watch what ammo you shoot (jacketed bullets only!)...
 
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quote:
Originally posted by RemingtonMan7:
This Gun Will Be Used For Personnal Protection And I want Something that will only take one shot to drop the treat. So I might think about buying the .50 AE conversion parts. If you buy the .44 pistol can you get the .357 parts to work on it???

It is just ridiculous to use that massive Desert Eagle for “personal protection” on purpose. If somebody breaks into my house to surprise me, I will grab anything available to defend myself. To choose a gun for personal protection in mind, I would opt for a light weight handgun, preferable a 357 Magnum revolver. Good luck.
 
Posts: 1002 | Location: Midwest USA | Registered: 01 September 2001Reply With Quote
<Buliwyf>
posted
TrapShooter:

I agree completely with TheeBadOne and Mingo. I can not imagine selecting the Desert Eagle intentionally for personel defense. If you simply want one for the experience that's fine. But, the Desert Eagle is bigger than an eagle. You would be better off with a pistol grip shotgun.

The Desert Eagle is a fine firearm, but it's at the bottom of the list for personal defense.

B
 
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Picture of BER007
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For home protection's gun you will better serve by a Baby Eagle if you like this brand.

I agree with other posts the Desert eagle is not a good choice for home protection's gun.

But the Desert Eagle is one of the most accurate and reliable gun I own.
 
Posts: 831 | Location: BELGIUM | Registered: 23 May 2002Reply With Quote
<harleytwo>
posted
I completely agree with the above posts and would grab my sig228 over my D.E. if confronting a human intruder in my home. But, I have to admit the muzzle of a 50 A.E. staring at a bad guy would certainly get his attention!
 
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Sure you could use the Desert Eagle for home protection; when the clip runs out you just club the guy up-side the head! If 8 rounds of 50AE don't stop them the smack to the head sure will.
 
Posts: 86 | Location: California | Registered: 05 December 2002Reply With Quote
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Picture of Jiri
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I know some people which had a DE .50AE for self defense, but they sold it and buy .45ACPs. They sad .50AE is "slow to operate", try some follow up shots, they like 12 or 14 magazine capacity .45ACP better than 8 rounds of .50AE. I belive .45ACP is choice for self defense.
 
Posts: 2123 | Location: Czech Republic | Registered: 22 May 2002Reply With Quote
<X-Ring>
posted
Two differnt friends have DE's
Nicks is a 44mag which I hate! The trigger on this gun is a POS, but he bought it used, and I think someone has screwed with it and messed it up bad. One shot is a hair trigger the next you about have to hit it with a hammer to get it off.

Now Daves 50AE Desert Eagle [Eek!] That's one fine piece of firearm there boy! It's got a clean crisp trigger pull, and shoots very well.

The only thing I really don't care for is the nose heavieness of both guns, but I'm sure with shooting time you get used to it and it is no longer a problem.
X-Ring AKA Scooter
 
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Trapshooter,

The LAR Grizzly is a 1911 style pistol available in 45 win mag. No funky gas operation, traditional 1911 feel and function, and everything I've heard suggests they are well built and reliable.

I had an AMT automag in that caliber, in my opinion it is an optimum caliber for the carry piece that needs some extra ooomph. It is about halfway between a 45 super (gag!) and a 454 Casull. Factory ammo still available in two (2) configurations from winchester, along with brass from them and starline. Bullets of course are standard 45 caliber.

A word on the AMT automags, as a collection piece, I am sorry I got rid of mine, but as a reliable tool for day-to-day use, I wouldn't have faith in it. They had 45 win mag, 10mm, 10mm mag, 9mm mag, 50AE, 30 carbine, 22 mag and who knows what else. If you come across one, they are more valuable as parts guns than anything else.

Another thing to check on are the Coonan 357s, they are kind of like a 1911 frame with a browning hi-po slide, at least to my inexperienced self. Probably too valuable to carry daily, Coonan is no longer around either. But nice pistols.
 
Posts: 1646 | Location: Euless, TX | Registered: 22 May 2002Reply With Quote
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I'm grabbing my de to make any intruder blind, deaf,dumb, and bleeding profusely
if that aint workin I got 2 30 round mags of 9mm to cleanup with
 
Posts: 28 | Location: phoenix az | Registered: 21 February 2003Reply With Quote
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All seriousness aside,
Unless you live in a cabin in the woods, I couldn't think of a worse choice for a home defense gun than either the 44 or the 50 DE. Think about either of those bullets after passing through, or missing an intruder, where would the bullets end up? Way too much penetration...you don't want to kill your neighbors.
I strongly recommend that you look into a 357, 45, 40 or even a 38 with the right loads for 2 legged intruders. I also recommend that you shoot the heck out of it to get good with it.

regards,
Graycg
 
Posts: 692 | Location: Fairfax County Virginia | Registered: 07 February 2003Reply With Quote
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My buddy has the aluminum lower frame 44. with steel upper, and its a nice pistol. but it cant shoot for crap, we missed a plate with it at 20 ft. the sights arn't the best, but it was also heavly used before we got it.
 
Posts: 675 | Location: anchorage | Registered: 17 February 2002Reply With Quote
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Picture of BER007
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quote:
Originally posted by Dark Paladin:
My buddy has the aluminum lower frame 44. with steel upper, and its a nice pistol. but it cant shoot for crap, we missed a plate with it at 20 ft. the sights arn't the best, but it was also heavly used before we got it.

If he isn't happy of the standard sight, he can decide to put a red dot. i have install it one my DE .50 AE, I shoot very well with it.
 
Posts: 831 | Location: BELGIUM | Registered: 23 May 2002Reply With Quote
<socal hunter>
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I have the 50 AE. It is expensive to shoot. The recoil is big. i love to shoot it. It always brings a crowd. The 440 corbon was last offered last year. The brass is hard to find i was told. It never sold well. Does anyone have theirs scoped? With what?
 
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I've shot them in the .44 Magnum and an older one in .41 Magnum. The 41 Magnum recoiled about like a 9mm. The .44 was a bit more an finicky about ammo - it would fail to cycle on occasion with Winchester 240g ammo.

As others have mentioned it's really a horrible choice for defense. They are incredibly heavy and most .44 or .50 AE ammo is going to be a danger to overpenetrate. I don't know how much exposure you've had to handguns - but it's definately a mistake to just think bigger is better. Some people think that pulling a gun like this will "intimidate" a perpetrator. Relying on that type of logic is a good way to get killed in a confrontation.

You would be far better off buying a 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 Auto in an autoloader or a .357 Magnum in a revolver.

If I were ever in a gunfight - I'd much rather hit the perp with a .380 Auto than miss him with a .50 AE.
 
Posts: 498 | Location: Georgia | Registered: 13 January 2002Reply With Quote
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the 440 corbon was discontinued,about 100 complete pistols produced plus some barrels.
I happen to own one,a necked down 50 ae round,you use 50 ae brass to form the cases.
corbon has ammo available.
the 440 has velocity around 2000 fps and is a hunting round.
 
Posts: 28 | Location: phoenix az | Registered: 21 February 2003Reply With Quote
<su35>
posted
I always thought of them as a great boat anchor.
 
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When I say Personnal Protection I mean against Black bear, Wild boar, etc...as a side arm just incase my rifle is out of hand, BUT I might look at getting the .357 components for home protection. But I think the revolver would be the better choice.

[ 03-09-2003, 04:52: Message edited by: TrapShooter ]
 
Posts: 188 | Location: Ohio | Registered: 24 September 2002Reply With Quote
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Trap shooter, you think right! I kind of got in late on this late but here goes. i have shot all models of the DE, a good friend of mine worked at magnum for over a year when I was in school in MN. They are still made in Isreal. M.R. dosen't build any of the guns they sell other than their rifles, they only service them. They are not something to be carried in a holster. They are not only super heavy, but bulky as heck too. Although these guns are neat to play with they are not practical at all, unless you carry it as a primary hunting weapon like a rifle. Personally I would rather carry a light, handy rifle. The DE also has more parts in it than any gun I have ever worked on, and they do break. There are over 20 parts in the hammer group alone. This gun does malfunction quite often and requires meticulous cleaning. If kept clean they are reasonably reliable...

I'll make you a few suggestions. If you are interested in a revolver check out my .454 wolverine post or look at a smith mountain gun or many others. If you are an auto guy check out a .460 rowland conversion for a 1911. You will have the best auto ever made with the ballistics of a .44. Check out www.wildwestguns.com, we Alaskans have the personal defense from animals pretty much covered. Jim West carries a .460 rowland all summer while guiding fisherman, works good on king salmonWink

my 2 cents
Aaron
 
Posts: 79 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 20 February 2003Reply With Quote
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