Desert Eagle .50ae

[splithoof]

I've got the .50AE chrome w/comp made by IMI in Israel. Like others, I acquired it from a gent who fired only a couple of mags through it, and then put it away for a long time. The first time I used it I knew immediately why; the recoil, flash, and sting are substantial for a handgun, and I'm someone who also uses some old elephant guns on occasion.
I suggest you reload for this pistol, which will give better result when practicing due to loads that still cycle the action without as much punishment. Others have suggested using a .44 Magnum barrel for practice as well; that is good advice.
I don't consider it a "range toy", but more of a specialized hunting weapon. With practice it makes a dandy pistol for hogs, deer, and black bear at closer ranges.
For this it has been plenty powerful, and has never cost me more than a single round per animal.
When you finally get the model you want, find a good holster maker; heavy Kydex works very well. Then start practicing with your own reloads. Have fun!

[Spyder]

It is only a good pistol on Counter Strike. It is an overpriced novelty range toy.
For that kind of money you can get a nice gun that you will love to shoot.

Resist the urge to buy novelty guns.

I hunted bear with mine, and a buddy kills a lot of pigs and deer with his. Neither of us have had any issues, and we both love to shoot them.

Guess it's just a piece of novelty junk and not good for anything though.

[Robotron2k84]

Can the DE be used to hunt? Sure, why not. Is it wise to do so? That's a question for the ages.

When hunting bear, I would hope you have a BUG at the ready. The thought of a 400 lb sow charging at 30 mph as having to wield a DE and hope it doesn't FTF is a daunting thought.

I travel up to Alaska fairly regularly and the only bear gun that goes with me is my Ruger Redhawk with hard cast bullets. I've been surprised a few times on trails, especially during the salmon runs and while never having to draw, want the gun to go bang if I ever have to use it.

The DE stays home.

[JTROKS]

Can the DE be used to hunt? Sure, why not. Is it wise to do so? That's a question for the ages.

When hunting bear, I would hope you have a BUG at the ready. The thought of a 400 lb sow charging at 30 mph as having to wield a DE and hope it doesn't FTF is a daunting thought.

I travel up to Alaska fairly regularly and the only bear gun that goes with me is my Ruger Redhawk with hard cast bullets. I've been surprised a few times on trails, especially during the salmon runs and while never having to draw, want the gun to go bang if I ever have to use it.

The DE stays home.

I may not use the DEagle as a bear protection gun, but I wouldn't hesitate to hunt deer and feral hogs with it. My DEagle is reliable with 180 grain to 300 grain soft points and JHPs. Well I have to test it out again since I changed the extractor spring.

[Batman]

I've got a DE in .44 that was Cali-legal. First thing I did was order the free state block from Numrich. Best $20 I spent!! I also went the opposite direction and got a .357 Magnum conversion. I tried getting a .50, although since my press can't handle .50DE, it would be an expensive caliber! As others have said, no limp wristing unless you want failure to cycle problems!

As to value, in .44 I picked up my DE for about $1200 used. With the ammo, in .50, and in matte chrome, I'd guess the value to be more like around $1700~1800, but I can also see the shop asking $2100~2200 to try to make more profit.

[osis32]

I did not know you could convert a .44 down to .357. now it's much more enticing.

[Robotron2k84]

You can convert it to .357, but I've never seen any shop other than MRI themselves carry the barrel. You also need a smaller bolt and different mags. Buying it all from MRI will set you back about $900.

Which also reminded me that MRI also has a new NiBor bolt, and was wondering if anyone has tried that, and if it performs any better than the standard bolt:

http://www.magnumresearch.com/Gun-Parts/Magnum-Research-14-Bolt-4450-Nickel-Boron-BOLT4450NB.asp

[osis32]

well that's a buzz kill.

[Robotron2k84]

Yup, and the gun gets even more picky about which factory ammo has enough energy to cycle the slide. It's not a very popular option, even though you can buy a new DE in .357 if you really want it. Just not in California.

[stilly]

You can convert it to .357, but I've never seen any shop other than MRI themselves carry the barrel. You also need a smaller bolt and different mags. Buying it all from MRI will set you back about $900.

Which also reminded me that MRI also has a new NiBor bolt, and was wondering if anyone has tried that, and if it performs any better than the standard bolt:

http://www.magnumresearch.com/Gun-Pa...BOLT4450NB.asp

I think you are overpriced by a couple hundred for the basic black set. Chrome or other finish you are still a tad high.

The BOLT for the .357 is $217, the Barrel will run about $420 and any additional mags are about $35 or so each.

I find used mags and ebay from time to time, I picked up a 50 for about $42 with shipping.

I also have found weird kits that contain a barrel AND two mags, but I do not know if they also contain a bolt for .357 mag, prolly not.

But so what, you buy it as a .44 mag, have a LOT of fun with it, but your parts on sale here and there. Ebay and gun broker have good buys from time to time.

I have never had any real desire to migrate to .357 mag since I love the .44 so much, but I would consider it for economy's sake.

[Robotron2k84]

Not to be pedantic, but here's what I got from the MRI site:

Basic black .357 with bolt and 2 mags: $729.24 + $18 S/H, total $747.24

Brushed chrome .357 with bolt and 2 mags: $817.00 + $18 S/H, total $835.00

Brushed chrome .357 with bolt and 2 chrome mags: $855.00 + $18 S/H, total $873

If you select the gold finish barrel, add another $65 or so

MRI sells the same as I've quoted at a small discount in their conversion kit, or what they call clam packs. Except they don't do it for .357. Since the .357 barrel is a hard to find part, saying around $900 is not an exaggeration, and the majority of the DEs sold in CA are likely chromed. I would want my barrel to match the frame.

I, personally, don't spend money on eBay items or through PayPal due to their anti-gun stance and general left-leaning political speech. Obviously, that's not everyone's view.

[hunterb]

I hunted bear with mine, and a buddy kills a lot of pigs and deer with his. Neither of us have had any issues, and we both love to shoot them.

Guess it's just a piece of novelty junk and not good for anything though.

You can hunt with a sharp stick That doesn't make it the ideal tool, (or even a good tool), to use.

[Batman]

I guess I was REALLY lucky! I found the .357 conversion on BackPage and got it for around $300!!