Any .50 DE owners on here?

[TheHighRoadDude]

Just curious what you guys thought about them. I could be in a position to possibly get one. The model is the 24k plated version. I know they are mainly a WOW gun...and don't serve a great deal of purpose. But every time I see a picture of one they are so show stopping. I picture myself pulling it out of a range bag, or walking up with it holster'd and everyone going ***? is that chunk of metal!?!?

What are your guys thoughts? Are they reliable at all? Or truly a novelty item?

Also, any good places to get ammo? The 50AE seems like it may be hard to come by...

 

[Fishbed77]

What are your guys thoughts?

Honestly, you don't want to hear my thoughts.

 

[PatrolmanCSI]

It's Fun!



The Dude Abides

 

[PatrolmanCSI]

Here's a better photo, with more correct color.



The Dude Abides

 

[Sam1911]

Not sure I could quite buy a gold plated one. Maybe if the price was REALLY good, and I could use that finish to talk the owner down. Sheesh.

On the other hand, they are a really interesting firearm (not many gas-op handguns, for sure!) and many reports indicate that they're very VERY accurate. I would plan to reload for it as factory ammo is stupid expensive, and the inability to use cast bullets is a downer.

The hype around them is really unfortunate. It is a shame that the outrageous, flamboyant, "fanboi," "Deagle" fog is so prevalent. One should not have to shy away from buying an interesting, quality firearm simply to avoid the social stigma associated with it ... but when they come gold plated, and even gold TIGER STRIPED, well ... it can't be helped.

 

[jibbs]

I own one, have put a lot of rounds through it. The WOW factor wears off pretty fast. I would agree with everything that Sam1911 had to say both pro and con about the gun. For the money, you can get the WOW gun.

I mean, a 454 Casull has more power than a 50AE, why not get the holy grail of power with the S&W 500. I shoot my S&W 500 out to 100 yards with iron sights routinely, plus it can throw loads from mild to wild, light to titanic, and probably more important than that can shoot lead. FYI, gas operating systems don't like lead so much.

It is inevitable when talking about these guns, people wanna know where the deals on ammo are. And then people quickly figure out that most people who shoot big bore mags do not buy factory ammo, they load their own. That's how I make it affordable. I load for 50AE, S&W 500, s&W 460, 454 Casull, 45 Colt, and 45-70. Those are just the most cost effective per piece rounds I reload for. But in the long run you will notice that since you own the equipment already, it is pretty easy to just move over to other calibers.

Heres a pic of my 2 50's.

 

[Bush Pilot]

If you buy one you'll have to spring for a floor length leather coat and wide brim hat (with feather) to complete the package. You would be the center of attention at the range without question.

 

[Loosedhorse]

The model is the 24k plated version.

Oh, you'll take (even more) ribbing for that!

I've had a plain one for over 20 years now, and it's fun, but...plain.

Enjoy, and don't look back!

 

[MachIVshooter]

I had one, sold it when I was in a rough spot becuase keeping my home was more important.

Mine was the brushed hard chrome .50. Powerful, superbly accurate, fairly pleasant to shoot. I was pushing 325 grainers to 1,540 FPS for 1,712 ft/lbs. for hunting. This load was hard on brass, though. Mine was topped with a Burris 1.4-4x scope.

Scope was off in this pic, but.....



I'll probably buy another some day, in black chrome or satin nickel.

However, I wouldn't even consider a gold one. The finish isn't durable, and I'm not a Gangsta'.

 

[TheHighRoadDude]

I hate that I keep hearing about the 24k finish not being very durable. Thats my main concern...

But I wonder how much shooting it would truly take to wear it off?

 

[Action_Can_Do]

I have one. Mine required some serious load work to get it shooting properly. The handloads I started with, though nowhere near light, weren't sufficiently high pressure to reliably work the action. They would cause the slide to lock in a way that required the gun to be disassembled right on the spot. That was a real PITA. Also, the fact that the gun would fire a round or two and then lock up out of battery, but look like it had cycled properly made me nervous, especially because the gun has no firing pin safety. I was very concerned about having an out-of-battery firing.
Once I figured out that you pretty much always have to use max pressure loads in the gun, it fired much more reliably. If you reload, this is something to be aware of. If you don't, it isn't a problem, unless you find some light factory 50ae ammo.

 

[MachIVshooter]

But I wonder how much shooting it would truly take to wear it off?

The ones I've seen that had much use at all showed noticeable signs of wear.

The brushed hard chrome is by far the most durable finish, and hides minor scratches well.

 

[OARNGESI]

The 14k finish isnt warranteed because its meant for mostly display
you can get ammo really isnt that expensive when compared to other calibers
theres a learning curve to shooting it itll jam if you cant control the recoil
there really enjoyable
every time i pull mine out at the renge if others are around some one always leans over with the same question is that the 50?
Mines just the base black
there also really simple to take down and clean
get the gold if its a deal you can always redo the finish later

 

[NG VI]

The black chrome looks SICK!!!


But if you've got a good price on it and you want it, go for it. Ultimately what's most important, that some nerds scream DEAGLE!!! when they see it, or that you buy and get to shoot a unique gun you are really interested in?