Desert Eagle 357 question

[Asmodeous]

I was considering buying a Desert Eagle because of the versatility in the type of ammo. I was hoping I could fire .38 special with the 357 model. I know you can't use .38 special in these because I called and asked if I could and they told me it would break the gun. What I wasn't able to get from them was a good explination as to why. It seemed like the tech guy didn't really know why the gun couldn't handle .38 special. All he said was that it was a gas driven system and .38 special wont work. I happen to know that .38 specials have gun powder in them just like 357 does. Besides the physical dimensions of the ammo is there any real reason the .38 special wont work ? Maybe not enough bang in the gun powder to fully actuate the mechanical system ?

[Plisk]

The physical dimensions of the ammo is the real reason! It doesn't fit!

[Oldnoob]

Well the bullet "physical dimensions" of 38sp and 357mag are the same, but the cartridge is slightly shorter. DE is a semi auto pistol, so I would "guess" the barrel chamber will not fit.

Like a 9x19mm pistol trying to chamber a 9x18mm.

[Asmodeous]

Thats what I thought. I was wondering if a custom mag could relocate the round to the proper position but then I realized that the firing pin wouldn't be able to strike the primer...

I would think they could come up with a modification for the gun that would allow it to shoot .38 special but they wouldn't want to do it because its not a magnum round and doesn't fit with their image. I haven't taken one apart but I imagine that it should be possible.

[CAL.BAR]

Versatility of ammo is the one reason NOT to buy a DE. Not only are they extremely large and unwieldy, they are very picky about ammo. No lead nose (FMJ only) otherwise the gas feed tube off the barel may clog. No light load etc. etc.

Look for a Coonan .357 They look like a large 1911Colt and you can get separate recoil springs etc to use .38 (yes Coonan is not on the list and you have to PPT it, but. . . hey - you can shoot .38 with it and you can't with the DE.)

[Rekrab]

The Desert Eagle is just too picky about light loads. I have to buy very specific ammo to get my DE to cycle, anything slightly light will not cycle the action. Considering the power and dimensional differences between .38 and .357 I guarantee you couldn't get it to cycle.

If you're going to get a DE, either PPT a .50 or buy a .44mag and the .50 barrel so you can have "versatility."

[Asmodeous]

Right, but the DE will shoot .44 mag and 50.

[ponderosa]

I could be way wrong, but since we're talking rimmed cartridges (which headspace on the rim while the 9mm example above headspace on the case neck) my guess is that a 38 special will chamber, even fire in a 357 DE, but not produce enough gas to cycle the action.

I'm no expert, ymmv.

[Plisk]

Right, but the DE will shoot .44 mag or 50.

Fix'd it for you.

[NRA UR2]

357 Desert Eagle

The physical dimensions of the ammo is the real reason! It doesn't fit!

Ditto!!! I have two Desert Eagles, a 44 and a 50, and of course you can't put a 44 Special in a 44 magnum pistol. When fired the shorter 44 Special would blowout causing you and the firearm to become damaged or injured.


NRA Benefactor from Ohio

[NRA UR2]

Danger

The physical dimensions of the ammo is the real reason! It doesn't fit!

Actually it will fit, but very very loosely causing a blowout/bulged case, and most noticeable would be the lead depositsin and around the forcing cone.

[Rekrab]

Right, but the DE will shoot .44 mag and 50.

Note that it will require the correct barrel to shoot the .50, you can't put .50AE into a .44MAG Desert Eagle and shoot. The .44 to .50 conversion is the easiest to do because it's just a magazine and barrel swap. If you get a .357 to start(Not on the list by the way, you can only PPT them) you would need to buy a new bolt, spring, magazine and barrel to shoot .44 or .50AE.

A Desert Eagle is far from a "versatile weapon." It requires high powered ammo (I've had a hell of a time finding FMJ ammo for mine, WWB won't cycle reliably) and you can't go cheap. If you roll your own it gets a lot more attractive though.

[Plisk]

Actually it will fit, but very very loosely causing a blowout/bulged case, and most noticeable would be the lead depositsin and around the forcing cone.

I didn't mean square-peg-round-hole doesn't fit. I meant doesn't fit, as in it wasn't designed for it.

[Asmodeous]

I know you have to swap the barrel in order to switch between 44 and 50. The nice thing about the XIX is that it can fire all 3 using the same base chassis. That is what I find so appealing about the gun.

If there is another gun out there that is as versatile then the XIX please enlighten me.

[Rekrab]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to talk you out of buying a Desert Eagle, but guns that can be easily swapped into other calibers aren't that uncommon. I believe several models of Sigs can be swapped form 9mm to .40S&W to .357 sig.

Also remember, each caliber swap will cost you almost as much as a new gun from a lesser brand.

I suppose if you objective is a big *** gun that can handle three big *** calibers the DE is a good way to go provided your pockets are adequately deep. I love mine, but it's more of a range toy than anything else. It's too heavy for regular carry and its expensive diet makes it painful to plink.