Desert Eagle Questions

[Dimitri A.]

Can someone explain to me exactly what the differences are between the CA, and non-CA compliant Desert Eagle besides the cosmetic differences i.e. weaver vs picatinny style rail? Any mechanical differences?

Been contemplating getting one mostly just for the cool factor, but may use it on occasion for handgun hunting. Just trying to figure out if I should try fo get a Mk19 or hold out and try to find an older Mk1 or Mk7.

Also, any worthwhile things to upgrade? If I get a CA model, I will likely upgrade it with the non-CA barrel with picatinny rail for better optics mounting options.

[P08]

One substantial difference is that the DE44 has a firing pin blocking mechanism that non ca versions lack. Fortunately you entirely remove this feature by swapping out a few parts. By removing it, it also makes subsequent dissembling easier.

[Fatcat]

The replacement parts would be the firing pin and firing pin stop. It’s shame to spend more money to “correct” the issue on a $2k+ handgun.

https://shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com/firearm-parts/magnum-research-24-firing-pin-stop-de01029bl.asp

https://shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com/firearm-parts/magnum-research-20-firing-pin-de01003.asp

At a minimum, I wound get a set of recoil springs (there’s 4 of them). Kahr sells a maintenance kit which includes the recoil springs. Don’t cry when you see the price.

https://shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com/gun-maintenance/magnum-research-9-44-spring-tune-up-kit-dep211bl.asp

Numerich Arms used to sell the individual recoil springs but I think not anymore.


and magazine springs. Cheap.

https://shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com/gun-maintenance/magnum-research-44-magazine-spring-dep250703.asp

[Dimitri A.]

What version do you guys have. I have been debating between the MK 7 and Mk 19. I’m not too concerned with caliber conversions as I’m only interested in the .44. I am concerned with spare parts for maintenance though. Are the piston, bolts, ejectors, extractors etc the same between the two versions?

[TKM]

I've only played with MK 19s in 44 and 50.

The 50 is the better of the two. I've never seen a bad 50 load.

You have to use very hot 44 loads to ensure proper feeding.

Unfortunately, this is one of those situations where you have to be able to take it to give it.

It's a lot like one handing a 3.5 inch 12 Ga.

[Mtndewking]

Yes. Desert eagles are picky eaters. They actually include a list of brands of the ammo the guns can safely and reliably shoot with the new models.

The MK7 models accept the more common longer 10 in. Barrels. Mk19 10 in. Barrels are super rare.

[Mtndewking]

As usual, do not be lured by pro-mags and their prices. Couldn't get them to work. Factory mags only

[Mtndewking]

OP, here is a link to the list

http://zvis.com/dep/depmrra.shtml

[Walther_Guy]

If you're mostly interested in a .44, I'd hold out for the Mk 7. I picked up my first DE 10 years ago this summer and it was a used Mk 19 CA version. After fiddling with taking out the bolt the first time, I decided I was never doing that again. In addition to being a huge pain in the ***** to remove, the spring for the firing pin stop (CA version only part) is extremely tiny and if it gets away from you, good luck finding it.

I sold that DE and have acquired 4 more since, none of which are the CA version. I don't miss it much either.

Re ammo: I've never had any feeding issues with Hornady. Though admittedly I don't fire them much these days due to the current cost of ammo.

[Dimitri A.]

If you're mostly interested in a .44, I'd hold out for the Mk 7. I picked up my first DE 10 years ago this summer and it was a used Mk 19 CA version. After fiddling with taking out the bolt the first time, I decided I was never doing that again. In addition to being a huge pain in the ***** to remove, the spring for the firing pin stop (CA version only part) is extremely tiny and if it gets away from you, good luck finding it.

I sold that DE and have acquired 4 more since, none of which are the CA version. I don't miss it much either.

Re ammo: I've never had any feeding issues with Hornady. Though admittedly I don't fire them much these days due to the current cost of ammo.

That’s the route I am going to go. I spoke with Magnum Research this morning. They confirmed that all of the internal parts are the same between the mark 7 and mark 19. Said the only thing I’d need to change is the complete upper if I want to go from .44 to .50 cal. I prefer having the older one without all the CA specific nonsense.

[Walther_Guy]

That is definitely another option albeit a rather pricey one. You could order a complete upper directly from Magnum Research. I'm guessing it would run you anywhere from $1000 to $1500 depending on the finish you want. They are very good though. I requested a .50AE 6" Polished Chrome barrel with integral muzzle break for my 44 Polished Chrome DE and they got it to me in 6 months. Couldn't find one for sale anywhere. Not too bad considering how backlogged they were and probably still are. 50AE is where the DE really shines. You shouldn't have any jamming issues with that round. I've used several different brands and never had an issue.

I don't buy them because I want to hunt with them. I'm fascinated by all the different finishes and calibers they come in, and how much fun they are to target shoot. Not to mention they tend to make a great conversation piece!

[Xtracrispy]

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

I have a 4-digit Mk I in .357. Unless you're prepared to do a little gunsmithing when required, I'd recommend a newer version. Some parts are not forward compatible. As an example, the link between the recoil spring guide rods on my Mk I cracked. The current guide rod link doesn't fit the Mk I. Fortunately, Magnum Research bent over backwards to make me a new link that does fit.

I will say that shooting it is nothing but fun - it requires full power 158 grain loads, but makes shooting those loads feel like shooting a 1911 with hardball.