Desert Eagle Reliability

[The Dutchman]

I was at the range today firing my new Springfield GI .45, since I was inspired by a thread today discussing the Desert Eagle(.44mag) I decided to test fire one myself. It shot nice, low recoil and accurate, however after about 12 rounds every other round started jamming!!! I literally had to force the slide shut to fire the gun almost every single time. Has anyone else experienced this? My dad wanted to buy one for home defense and now I am not so sure that would be a wise decision. Was this one just used and worn out or does this happen often with you guys? Thanks for your imput

Sean

 

[GregGry]

The gun probably needed some cleaning, and possibly parts replacement. I fired off the same DE you did, and minus one stove pipe jam, it was fine. I blame the jam on the ammo, I sure as hell wasn't limp wristing it. Also, I would like to know why you would use a DE for home defense. Its heavy, recoil is enough to make a follow up shot impossible, the muzzle flash will blind you at night, and over penetration might be an issue. If I really wanted something to protect my house with, I would just use a pistol grip shotgun. Less risk of hitting the neighbor next door, you don't have to have great aim, and your not spending 1,000 for it.

 

[Black Majik]

I've had good experiences shooting Desert Eagles. The one I shot was both reliable and I actually shot it quite well in .44 mag.

So much fun

 

[mec]

A .357 I checked out needed a fairly sharp pressure curve. It worked fine with factory loads but wouldn't quite cycle my fairly heavy 296/ 158 loads.

 

[Ridgeway]

Mine has been 100% reliable after I found ammo that it likes.
Ammo plays a huge part, as does cleaning- a dirty desert eagle is a fickle desert eagle.


That said, why on earth would you want to use a DE, in any caliber, for home defense? It's big, bulky, heavy, low capacity, big recoil, big muzzle flash, slow follow up shots, serious risk of over penetration...seems to me most anything would be a better choice...no?

[sarcasm]
edit- I suppose it would be a good choice, if you just wanted to pistol whip the intruder
[sarcasm]

 

[The Dutchman]

Thanks guys, my dad and I ( I brought him along to the range too) were able to double tap pretty accurately that being the first 10 rounds that didn't jam. I suppose what my dad was thinking about was the idea of one shot stopping power. I also think that a 870 shotgun equiped with a surefire light forend would be more efficient in both price and use. My guess is that he just wants an excuse to tell my mom so he can get one

 

[Ridgeway]

Thanks guys, my dad and I ( I brought him along to the range too) were able to double tap pretty accurately that being the first 10 rounds that didn't jam. I suppose what my dad was thinking about was the idea of one shot stopping power. I also think that a 870 shotgun equiped with a surefire light forend would be more efficient in both price and use. My guess is that he just wants an excuse to tell my mom so he can get one

a hit with a .22LR beats a miss with a .44 mag

then you have to look @ other issues: do you really want to fire a .44 mag in doors w/o hearing protection? 9mm would be detrimental enough imo


one shot stopping power with a handgun round?
doesn't exist as far as I'm concerned, except perhaps with a .500 mag, .50 AE, or .440 corbon...but even still...shot placement is your key...
again a .22 to the head beats a .44 to the shoulder

 

[GregGry]

a hit with a .22LR beats a miss with a .44 mag

Yeah my thoughts exactly. Its not a home defense weapon by any means. The noise level was enough to make my ears ring with ear plugs in, I can only imagine what it would be like in a house. You get one shot off, then stumble around blind and deaf. I will say it again, get a shot gun for home defense. I know you can't put it under your pillow at night, but atleast you can sleep well knowing that you have it close by.

 

[litework]

As mec and Ridgeway pointed out, the Desert Eagle is ammo critical. Once you find something it likes, it should run well.

I could definitely see the benefits of having a Desert Eagle .357 magnum as a self defense weapon, especially if you want a gun to defend yourself against people and/or animals. The Desert Eagle will generally have less recoil than a revolver using the same cartridges. I owned a DE in .357 magnum, and it really tames the recoil allowing much faster follow up shots.