Desert Eagle - never thought I'd be asking..

[absolute0]

I've never given them much notice, as my taste in guns tends to run much more toward the traditional. I try hard not to buy guns impulsively but rather to decide what I want, research thoroughly and then pounce on a good deal when it comes up.

There's a pretty nice one available locally in 44 Mag for $650 that's calling to me for some reason. I've already got a couple 44's so I'm not new to the caliber but I'm reluctant to plunk down that kind of cash on something I haven't given much thought to. Heck, I could buy that nice model 29-2 I've been lusting after.

Those who have them, what do you think?

 

[BloodyRAzorBlades]

I had a 44 Desert Eagle, it was ok but it was to heavy to shoot and carry around. If i was you i would go with 29-2.

p.s i sold my desert eagle off for a Kimber 45 if that says anything.

 

[Rembrandt]

There's a pretty nice one available locally in 44 Mag for $650

I assume that's a used one...probably as low a price as you'll find. If you decide it's not for you, shouldn't have difficulty getting what you paid back out of it.

They are not for everyone, excellent construction, design, and quality. Down side is the grip size, many find this too large....but hey, what do you expect with a round the size of a 44 mag, it's not going to feel like a 45 or 9mm. Grip issues can be improved with checkering front strap or useing rubber Houge grips.

Very mild recoil compared to 44 mag revolvers, gas operation and total gun weight tames the recoil making it a joy to shoot. Accuracy is on par with any revolver, have taken Antelope at 200 yards with mine.

I love mine, have used it extensively hunting and plinking....no regrets here.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I'm going to make your decision a little bit easier. Which generation is it? If it is a Mk I or Mk VII, it will be more difficult to find parts for and you are stuck with .44 mag (unless you get lucky enough to find a .41 mag barrel, mag and bolt.). If it is the MK XIX, it can be converted to .50 AE with only a barrel and magazine. .357 mag with barrel, mag and bolt change. MK XIX barrels can be had in all 3 calibers in 6" or 10" (not sure if you can still get 14"). The distinction between models is easy to make: the MK I and VII have a 3/8" dovetail on the barrel; the MK XIX has a standard Weaver/M1913 picatinny (7/8").

$650 is a great price, regardless of model, but IMO the MK XIX is much more desirable due to it's being a convertible modular platform.

The action and weight of the Desert Eagle make the .44 mag's recoil almost non-existent. You can fire truly full-house loads all day in comfort. The .50 AE, while considerably above the .44 in both energy and recoil, is still completely manageable. One-handed firing the .50 takes some practice to master, but can be done if you have relatively strong wrists (limp-wristing the DE will cause it to jam)

PS- the Ealge is one of the most accurate handguns available. From a bagged rest, I have managed 2-9/16" 5-shot groups @ 100 yards with my .50 (it's the 6" model topped with a burris 1.5-4x scope). This was done using 325 grain speers JHP's handloaded to 1520 FPS.