Eightball
Member
Just kinda curious if anyone knows anything about them/uses/owns one. The design seems like it'd be kinda nifty, and it could be fun to own something just a little bit different than the berrettas/glocks/1911s.
Anyone?
Anyone?
IMI Jericho?
- Thread starter Eightball
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Manedwolf
member
Supposed to be pretty decent. Lousy marketing to pick that name, IMO!
Why would you name a gun after something that fell apart after a loud noise?
Why would you name a gun after something that fell apart after a loud noise?
Eightball
Member
Ironically enough. Hadn't thought about the name thing. When you say "pretty decent"--how decent is that?
1 old 0311
member
IMI makes quality stuff. I would try one if the price was right, and it was the 9mm. They also made them in .41AE.
I had the 941FB in 9mm. It was very reliable, and shot reasonably well. I felt it was excessively heavy, and somewhat crudely fit and finished. These pistols of course began their lives as Israeli service weapons, and make perfect sense for their intended purpose. I'm not a big fan, but then again most people seem to have a much higher opinion of the gun than I do. I also understand that the later weapons were a bit more refined.
HMMurdock
Member
An associate of mine used to carry one and has since traded it to another associate of mine for a Glock just because he got bored with it. Neither one regrets the trade, but the glock owner is now getting rid of the glock --he gets bored easily. The current baby eagle (IMI Jericho) owner is happy as a lamb.
I shot it a lot when the first guy had it and they are very fine weapons. In my opinion, they don't quite stack up to Sig-Sauers or Hks (meaning they are not perfect)
but I would happily carry one any day of the week for defense or any theorhetical combat scenario. It was reliable as anything I've ever shot and it was accurate enough. They are a bit cumbersome and heavy, but I personally like my firearms that way.
I'd compare it to a slightly heftier Beretta 92 in my personal experience. Not exactly a match pistol, but very reliable and comfortable. Not to mention sexy.
In short, if you're looking for a unique, great sidearm and don't mind the weight of them then you're set. Recoil is a dream because of the weight, too... My opinion: buy the hell out of it if you can afford it.
TRL
I shot it a lot when the first guy had it and they are very fine weapons. In my opinion, they don't quite stack up to Sig-Sauers or Hks (meaning they are not perfect)
but I would happily carry one any day of the week for defense or any theorhetical combat scenario. It was reliable as anything I've ever shot and it was accurate enough. They are a bit cumbersome and heavy, but I personally like my firearms that way.I'd compare it to a slightly heftier Beretta 92 in my personal experience. Not exactly a match pistol, but very reliable and comfortable. Not to mention sexy.
In short, if you're looking for a unique, great sidearm and don't mind the weight of them then you're set. Recoil is a dream because of the weight, too... My opinion: buy the hell out of it if you can afford it.
TRL
dleong
Member
I purchased a 40S&W Jericho/"Baby Eagle" back in 2004. There were some problems initially: the hammer would occasionally decock to the halfway "safety notch" position when the trigger was pulled reeeeeally slowly, and the sights were waaaay off (the pistol shot about 4" right and 6" high at 25 yards from a rest).
The windage was corrected by drifting the rear sight over to the left a fair bit, but the elevation problem remains (hopefully to be corrected with the impending acquisition of an adjustable rear sight). The hammer problem was fixed by Magnum Research (who are fortunately located right here in the Twin Cities) under the warranty.
Other than that, the J/BE is a dream to shoot. It groups very tightly with my handloads at 25 yards, so the gun is inherently accurate. As someone else has mentioned, the sheer heft of the gun soaks up recoil very nicely, though I did install a Wolff 22 lb. recoil spring intended for the CZ 75B (the spring is a drop-in fit).
The machine work on my J/BE was exemplary; there were absolutely no burrs or rough machine marks on any of the metal parts, inside and out. I do not know if it is a trait of all Js/BEs, but my particular one came out of the box with a superbly smooth trigger that broke at a tad under 3 lbs. The one thing that did surprise me, though, was the fact that the barrel had conventional "land and grooves" rifling instead of the much-touted polygonal rifling.
Here is a thumbnail of my J/BE; just click on it for the full-size version:
The windage was corrected by drifting the rear sight over to the left a fair bit, but the elevation problem remains (hopefully to be corrected with the impending acquisition of an adjustable rear sight). The hammer problem was fixed by Magnum Research (who are fortunately located right here in the Twin Cities) under the warranty.
Other than that, the J/BE is a dream to shoot. It groups very tightly with my handloads at 25 yards, so the gun is inherently accurate. As someone else has mentioned, the sheer heft of the gun soaks up recoil very nicely, though I did install a Wolff 22 lb. recoil spring intended for the CZ 75B (the spring is a drop-in fit).
The machine work on my J/BE was exemplary; there were absolutely no burrs or rough machine marks on any of the metal parts, inside and out. I do not know if it is a trait of all Js/BEs, but my particular one came out of the box with a superbly smooth trigger that broke at a tad under 3 lbs. The one thing that did surprise me, though, was the fact that the barrel had conventional "land and grooves" rifling instead of the much-touted polygonal rifling.
Here is a thumbnail of my J/BE; just click on it for the full-size version:
Thefabulousfink
Member
These are imported by Magnum Research under the name Baby Eagle
http://www.magnumresearch.com/Baby_Eagle.asp
I have a Full-Size one in .40 and I love it (very reliable). Internally they are a near clone of the CZ-75 which is often praised. They are a steel gun and as such are heavier than polymer guns and their larg frame makes them heavier then many other steel guns. This extra weight makes them a little harder to carry, but allows them to manage recoil very well.
I love mine and I am considering bying a second one with the semi-compact frame for ccw. I would highly suggest trying one out, you will not be dissapointed.
Edit: As to fit & finish: I can't speak for the IMI imports, but the Magnum Research (Made by IMI) guns have a Very good finish that had held up to several years of holster wear, use, and camping. The slide to frame fit could be a little tighter if this was a custom gun, but for a production gun that sells NIB for $400 is above PAR.
http://www.magnumresearch.com/Baby_Eagle.asp
I have a Full-Size one in .40 and I love it (very reliable). Internally they are a near clone of the CZ-75 which is often praised. They are a steel gun and as such are heavier than polymer guns and their larg frame makes them heavier then many other steel guns. This extra weight makes them a little harder to carry, but allows them to manage recoil very well.
I love mine and I am considering bying a second one with the semi-compact frame for ccw. I would highly suggest trying one out, you will not be dissapointed.
Edit: As to fit & finish: I can't speak for the IMI imports, but the Magnum Research (Made by IMI) guns have a Very good finish that had held up to several years of holster wear, use, and camping. The slide to frame fit could be a little tighter if this was a custom gun, but for a production gun that sells NIB for $400 is above PAR.
TimboKhan
Member
I shot my ex brother-in-laws 9mm baby eagle a few years back and I remember liking it. I can't say I have ever really thought about buying one, but I thought it was a fine pistol and told him so. If you want something different and can find one at a good price, I can't think of any reason not to try it out.
I keep reading that many people suggest a CZ-75 over the Baby Eagle because it's essentially the "same" gun for a lower price. My NIB Baby Eagle cost less than I was quoted to order a CZ-75 variant and have it shipped to my dealer. I don't think I got an exceptionally good deal, so maybe it was just a case of not paying extra for the FFL transfer and overnight shipping.
But yeah..... it's a heavy gun. A very well finished and attractive heavy gun. When I get more space and tools I will attempt to polish the internals and replace some springs to help smooth the DA trigger, which is my only complaint. It is rather stiff unless being fired from the half cock position, but I don't know if that's how these pistols were meant to be carried. My front sight is drifted slightly off center from the factory but it shoots dead on at 25 yards if I can do my part.
Aftermarket accessories are nearly non-existant. Many cross platform parts or holsters seem to work but the gun is rarely listed as a specific model for compatability. I'd like to get an inexpensive holster for range use if anyone knows one with a good fit.
But yeah..... it's a heavy gun. A very well finished and attractive heavy gun. When I get more space and tools I will attempt to polish the internals and replace some springs to help smooth the DA trigger, which is my only complaint. It is rather stiff unless being fired from the half cock position, but I don't know if that's how these pistols were meant to be carried. My front sight is drifted slightly off center from the factory but it shoots dead on at 25 yards if I can do my part.
Aftermarket accessories are nearly non-existant. Many cross platform parts or holsters seem to work but the gun is rarely listed as a specific model for compatability. I'd like to get an inexpensive holster for range use if anyone knows one with a good fit.
Eightball
Member
They can be had for NIB $400, everyone says? Is this "if the dealer's got it", or ordered from MR/IMI? If that's about the price it is, then I may well order one come christmas time.
How much are additional mags? I would only have about 3--one in gun, 2 loaded already.
How much are additional mags? I would only have about 3--one in gun, 2 loaded already.
Desk Jockey
Member
Prices I see at dealers here are in the $429-$469 range for the black steel guns. I think I paid $25 at Sportsman's Warehouse for a new factory magazine for my BE 45.
MachIVshooter
Member
$15-$40 in 9mm, depending on manufacture. The BE uses the same mags as the CZ and Tanfoglio 75's (Tanfoglio more or less makes the BE, IMI finishes it.
As for aftermarket parts, internals are identical to the Tanfoglio TZ's in 9mm/.40. The are SA match triggers and sears, several different hammers, grips, etc. One should note that installing the SA components will make the BE's decocker useless, though it will still function as a safety (the trigger will still drop the hammer, but the firing pin is retracted).
TimboKhan
Member
If your just talking about something to keep it on your hip, then I would go with one of the $14.95 nylon specials. I wouldn't wear one for daily carry or anything, but for something to keep your gun in at the range, they work just fine. They are sort of a "one size fits all within this range of gun sizes" sort of proposition, but I can't imagine you would be all that unhappy about fit.
some years ago I had the IMI kit the Jehrico 941, with both the 9mm and 41 AE mags, barrels, two boxes of ammo, a briefcase size box... pretty neat but
the gun was almost useless in 41 AE
as that ammo was quasi-mythical then, I can't imagine finding it now. 
I shot it once in 41AE - lots of kick, but in 9mm this gun was awesome, it was heavy, perhaps too heavy, but that kept recoil way down, very accurate easy to shoot gun. I liked it a lot but I eventually parted with it, was interested in the 45acp Baby Eagle for a while but never bit...
IMI is a quality company and the gun is typically Israeli...tough and no nonsense
CDNN has babyeagle mags
the gun was almost useless in 41 AE
as that ammo was quasi-mythical then, I can't imagine finding it now. I shot it once in 41AE - lots of kick, but in 9mm this gun was awesome, it was heavy, perhaps too heavy, but that kept recoil way down, very accurate easy to shoot gun. I liked it a lot but I eventually parted with it, was interested in the 45acp Baby Eagle for a while but never bit...IMI is a quality company and the gun is typically Israeli...tough and no nonsense
CDNN has babyeagle mags
MIL-DOT
member
a few years ago, a good buddy got one chambered in .40 for his son at a local gunshow for a little over $300. when they showed it to me, i fell in love with it. fast forward a few years.... the father and son are regulars at our weekly paintball game, and on a whim, i ask the son if he'd be intested in selling it, and he says he'd take $200 !! it was still virtually NIB, with less than a box run through it. needless to say i jumped quick. though i haven't put but a few rounds through it myself, i really love this gun,and partly for the same reason you're considering one : 'cause it ain't a glock/sig/1911/HK/ etc.
also,recently while sitting in cuts-r-us waiting to get a haircut, i ran into one of the guys from our best local gunshop, and he said the jericho/baby eagles have gotten more desirable and are seeing a substantial price increase.if you can get a deal on one, i'd say jump on it, i think you'll be happy.
P.S. i got an extra mag from CDNN a while back, but oddly, it doesn't lock the slide back after the last round like the original mag does.
also,recently while sitting in cuts-r-us waiting to get a haircut, i ran into one of the guys from our best local gunshop, and he said the jericho/baby eagles have gotten more desirable and are seeing a substantial price increase.if you can get a deal on one, i'd say jump on it, i think you'll be happy.
P.S. i got an extra mag from CDNN a while back, but oddly, it doesn't lock the slide back after the last round like the original mag does.
Good quality CZ75 clone. Very interesting to the CZ collector in the .41AE.
They are great guns...i also like the look of them (especially in stainless) My friend bought one after he bought a Ruger 90
It had some extractor problem and ruger did nothing to it once, and put some kind of glue or something in it the second time. decided to ditch it
it was labeled as the "uzi eagle" unlike the jericho, baby eagle, etc. 40S&W semi compact which isnt compact at all ha
id definetely consider it over the cz. even though for a 100 bucks more it doesn't get you anything more. If you can get a stainless model around 420, hop on it
he sold it recently to buy a beretta 92FS, it didn't make sense to me since the pistol was really nice but it was a preference thing i guess
i wish i took it up when he sold it
heres me shooting it
him shooting in a weird stance
It had some extractor problem and ruger did nothing to it once, and put some kind of glue or something in it the second time. decided to ditch it
it was labeled as the "uzi eagle" unlike the jericho, baby eagle, etc. 40S&W semi compact which isnt compact at all ha
id definetely consider it over the cz. even though for a 100 bucks more it doesn't get you anything more. If you can get a stainless model around 420, hop on it
he sold it recently to buy a beretta 92FS, it didn't make sense to me since the pistol was really nice but it was a preference thing i guess
i wish i took it up when he sold it
heres me shooting it
him shooting in a weird stance
Lucky 7
Member
Great gun! Carry and use mine regularly. A bit undersprung IMHO (16# recoil spring is best overall performance) and holsters can be difficult to come by. Anyone would be well served with this weapon.
Regards,
-L7
Regards,
-L7
Lucky 7
Member
I've had HOT rounds make the gun studder-step back into battery and recoil was a bit much for an all-steel 9x19 (surplus and Hydra-Shok 124 gr +P+) with the standard 14# spring. Tried the 18# and low velocity/practice ammo (WWB 100rd boxes and range reloads) sluggishly cycled the slide, kept brass close and had the recoil of a .22 (great spring power if one were only going to use hot SD ammo outta it). 16# was the last I tried and it worked perfectly with all the aforementioned rounds.
Replaced the standard 14# recoil spring in my BE and CZ75 and haven't had any trouble yet.
Regards and Semper Fi!
-L7
Replaced the standard 14# recoil spring in my BE and CZ75 and haven't had any trouble yet.
Regards and Semper Fi!
-L7
Desk Jockey
Member
L7, where did get your springs for the BE?
I wanted to get a 'calibration pack' from Wolff, but they don't list anything for the BE.
I wanted to get a 'calibration pack' from Wolff, but they don't list anything for the BE.
dleong
Member
Desk Jockey,
Wolff recoil springs intended for the CZ 75 will fit and function in the full-size BE with no modifications.
I have a 22 lb. Wolff CZ 75 recoil spring in my 40S&W BE; recoil is wonderfully dampened (not reduced), and empty brass falls about 4 feet away.
Wolff recoil springs intended for the CZ 75 will fit and function in the full-size BE with no modifications.
I have a 22 lb. Wolff CZ 75 recoil spring in my 40S&W BE; recoil is wonderfully dampened (not reduced), and empty brass falls about 4 feet away.
Lucky 7
Member
+1 to what dleong said.
CZ-75 springs work fine as wine for the BE.
Regards,
L7
CZ-75 springs work fine as wine for the BE.
Regards,
L7
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