Desert Eagle Question...

[Stinkyshoe]

This is a subjective question, but is there a practical reason to own and shoot a DE 44mag or 50AE. Besides the the "Oh neat" factor, what would a practical reason be for owning one of these? (I saw one at a show, and need someone to talk me down)

 

[ZeroX]

Some might say that it could be used for hunting but others would say they'd rather have a beefy revolver.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

It's a lot of dang fun!

 

[Stinkyshoe]

I have seen spare barrels for sale for these and wondered if they'd make a good long range pistol. This is just me, but I tend to put them more in the 'toy' category(not to take myself too seriously) because it wouldn't be a practical "weapon" for defense like a Glock or 1911 because of its size. Maybe there would be a special scenario that it would function really well in. It was developed by the Isreali Military right? Tactically speaking, what would its advantage be?(The reason I ask is because when considering a purchase, the item has to fill a number of criteria to be a must have)

 

[mbartel]

Consider these points before you buy.....

1. You will have to shoot full power loads all the time. Can't just go out and do some fun casual low cost plinking with cheap mid-power lead bullet loads. you have to shoot expensive factory jacketed loads, or the equivalant in a handload, just to cycle the action.
2. You will not like the way the gas system gets fouled with powder residue, and has to be cleaned regularly, to avoid unreliable functioning.
3. If you reload, you will be trying to find all the brass that gets thrown all over the ground, or if indoors, it gets thrown against the wall and bounces out into the shooting lanes.
4. If you don't reload, it gets real expensive to shoot it much, and you will have to shoot it a lot if you want to master it.
5. An improper grip will contribute to functioning problems. The recoil of the .44 is not too bad, but the .50 will punish you for a less than perfect grip.
6. This is a very intense, narrowly focused weapon....yeah it has a WAY COOL factor built in...but....it's like the georgous babe you lust after.....somewhere, there is a guy that has to put up with her crap!!!!!

 

[spacemanspiff]

if i'm gonna spend over $1000 on any gun, its gonna be on something that i can shoot the bejesus outta without putting myself in the poor house.

 

[PO2Hammer]

mbartel nailed it.
I had one in .357 and had exactly the same experience.
Loads had to be FULL power, winchester's 110 jhp's which are not quite max would not cycle it.
Cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning.
It was very accurate. I had a Trijicon Reflex II on mine and it gave groups of three inches or less at 50 yards all day long. Mine was a Mark XIX, the Mark VII's were not as accurate with there three piece barrel, but they were a little slimmer.
I think .44 Rem. Mag. is the ideal caliber for the DE, it's just too big for a .357, and there were difficulties with .50AE.
They truley are fun, as long as you bring a cleaning kit to the range.
If you have that kind of scratch, spend it on a Freedom Arms revolver.
I traded my DE in on a F/A model 97 .357 and I'm not regretting it.

 

[Rembrandt]

Extremely accurate at long distances...have taken Antelope and Deer out to 200 yards with this one. Use hot loads and jacketed ammo...never had a problem with cleaning issues that others have mentioned. Can get 3"+ groups at 200 yards. Great piece of equipment.

 

[Jake]

Practical reasons

- Long range silhouette shooting. (Which if I recall correctly, was the original idea for the gun.)

- Hunting


Non-practical reasons

- Pure, raw, stupid fun. I've had a 50AE for about 2 or 3 years and I still love it. Yes they are expensive, require a lot of cleaning, can kill your ammo budget and can be problematic if not maintained and shot properly. But mine has never failed to put a big stupid grin on my face when I take her to the range.

 

[hcker2000]

I'v wanted one of these sence I have ever seen them. I'm sure I will never have enough money for one though. If you do by one you should by the all black with gold accent peices and send me a picture so I can look at it then cry because I can't buy one.

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

Jake, your "non-practical" reasons for owning this gun make the best argument for owning any gun that I've heard yet.

 

[ChevellRCR]

I have two 50s and a 44. All of them the XIX. I hope to one day get a 357. I have never had a problem with cleaning it. I fire as many rounds as I want and then clean it when I get home. To me the recoil of the 44 feels like a 357 Mag revolver and the 50 feels like my 44 super redhawk. The DE pistols are very accurate and are a great hunting pistol. I know people that only deer hunt with DEs. If you want good information you should stop by the Desert Eagle Forum.

http://p088.ezboard.com/bthedeserteagle