New Desert Eagles

[AirCav]

Was curious about purchasing a New Eagle Watched a few videos with range time a couple guys had troubles with them one on feeding the other breaking a gas piston, How bad OR good are they these days? Possibly early production problems that got ironed out or issues still? Anyone with experience?

[Capybara]

Novelty guns are exactly that. Terrible investment, not just financially but most people buy one and sell it immediately, it's the most turned over handgun on the market and that should tell you something. I guess if you have money to burn? Is your handgun collection totally complete and you are bored and just lookin for a fun gun? I've shot them but have never owned one so I can't report on reliability. To me, the DE is a gun you rent at Battlefield Vegas, not a gun you own but YMMV. Having worked in Hollywood I feel the same way about almost all movie guns, they are chosen for how they photograph, not how they shoot and are to own long term.

[splithoof]

Novelty guns are exactly that. Terrible investment, not just financially but most people buy one and sell it immediately, it's the most turned over handgun on the market and that should tell you something. I guess if you have money to burn? Is your handgun collection totally complete and you are bored and just lookin for a fun gun? I've shot them but have never owned one so I can't report on reliability. To me, the DE is a gun you rent at Battlefield Vegas, not a gun you own but YMMV. Having worked in Hollywood I feel the same way about almost all movie guns, they are chosen for how they photograph, not how they shoot and are to own long term.

To each their own.
I used to think the same about the Desert Eagle pistols, until someone gifted me an IMI version made in Israel, .50AE caliber. It was not a weapon I would have purchased on my own, it was nearly the complete opposite of my way of looking at working sidearms. In fact, I refer to it as my “Pimp” gun, as it’s finished in bright stainless. As is common, the pistol came with two boxes of factory IMI ammunition, with only seven rounds being used. I shot it, and started reloading for it as well. So far, 100% functional, despite the ergonomics I don’t care for (safety lever on slide). Not taking it on my next African safari, but might use it as a backup for bear hunting in Alaska. Yes it is huge. Yes it weighs a lot. Yes it is loud. Yes it is reasonably accurate.
I’d advise anyone looking to buy one to first rent/try first.

[AirCav]

To each their own.
I used to think the same about the Desert Eagle pistols, until someone gifted me an IMI version made in Israel, .50AE caliber. It was not a weapon I would have purchased on my own, it was nearly the complete opposite of my way of looking at working sidearms. In fact, I refer to it as my “Pimp” gun, as it’s finished in bright stainless. As is common, the pistol came with two boxes of factory IMI ammunition, with only seven rounds being used. I shot it, and started reloading for it as well. So far, 100% functional, despite the ergonomics I don’t care for (safety lever on slide). Not taking it on my next African safari, but might use it as a backup for bear hunting in Alaska. Yes it is huge. Yes it weighs a lot. Yes it is loud. Yes it is reasonably accurate.
I’d advise anyone looking to buy one to first rent/try first.

Thanks .. You gave me some reliability feed back by having more than a few minutes experience and not noting any concerns i outlined in my first post....

Probably very few people on earth have a direct need for a DE .. My gun safe is probably 98% stocked over the need threshold

[mitch1]

Mk7 owner here with the bain and davis barrel. .41 mag case necked to .357. I only have 3 mags and want more. try and find DE .41 mags

[splithoof]

Thanks .. You gave me some reliability feed back by having more than a few minutes experience and not noting any concerns i outlined in my first post....

Probably very few people on earth have a direct need for a DE .. My gun safe is probably 98% stocked over the need threshold

You are most welcome.
Most of my experience with the DE has been with my own, an original IMI version. If I was going to buy another one, I’d be interested in the .44 Rem Mag version. Much cheaper to load for, more options in factory ammunition for those who don’t roll their own. I’ve heard that they require a “break-in” period, and knowing that the major components are steel, that sounds about right. At this time there might be one local to me; now I have a good excuse to check it out. Not sure of the caliber though, I’ll find out.

[splithoof]

IMG_3060.jpg It’s large for sure. Not my first choice as a BBQ holster gun, but would get points as a table piece during those BBQ tri-tip dinners we host. When fired off my shooting sticks, as a hunting arm it’s manageable. Not looking to mount an optic on it (although it has some anchor slots on top) because at that point I’d need to flashing a sling to carry it while hunting. I’d find it fun to use on Zebra though.

[splithoof]

Probably very few people on earth have a direct need for a DE .. My gun safe is probably 98% stocked over the need threshold

We could say that about a lot of things in life. But then, why live? My philosophy is that as long as one has no debt that they cannot manage, has taken care of family and personal obligations, and is otherwise a good citizen, why not have a few “things” they may simply want for the sake of owning? I’d say our family collection is easily in that same boat as your’s, but that’s OK. Some things are just fun.

[Batman]

I've got a MkXIX in both .44 and .357. It likes hot ammo and heavy bullets. Light bullets will give you problems, pure and simple. 240gn .44 Magnum or 158 grains of .357 Magnum with full power loads and it runs like a clock. It does need cleaning after every session, and don't overlook cleaning out the carbon on the front of the slide. Left-handed shooters will have issues with the slide stop being pushed up during recoil. Otherwise, it's a fun range gun, and the recoil is manageable by most. When you shoot it, expect people to look, possibly come over, and ask what you're shooting. And THAT'S the real reason why you bought it!

[Spyder]

I wish I hadn't sold mine 20 years ago but...bills when much less wise about money. I hunted bear with it, shot if as much as I could afford, and don't recall ever having any issues. I'd love to replace it with a ridiculous tiger stripe gold plated one in 50ae if I ever come across a used one at below new prices I'll likely impulse buy it on the spot.

[Capybara]

Not looking for an investment,... I have a stock trading account for that. .... I want to shoot my own high power .44 / .357 semi auto but want it to be fully functional.
Holes in my collection? .... Yes also eyeballing the Nemo arms Watchman .300 mag just because I can...... .. But this would be the wrong forum for that experience

Fair enough, if you want one, you want one. I had to look up the Nemo Arms, that's a pretty cool rifle, .300 Winmag puts big holes in things

[b18bturboek9]

I got mine at a good price under market value from a buddy of mine moving out of California so it was worth it to me but the .50AE is a novelty while having the .50 and the .44 mag barrel/mags makes it cheaper to shoot since I can find .44 mag ammo in a lot more stores and since its heavy the recoil isn't bad also. It's more of a range toy, but to be honest unless you're shooting 1,000's of rounds through it then as long as it doesn't hurt your wallet buy one. Plus, if you don't like or want to sell it, you're at least getting some decent money towards whatever you decide to purchase. Shooting a .44 mag Desert Eagle vs a .44 mag Revolver I'd go Desert Eagle almost every time. Less recoil, semi auto and I get a better grip when shooting.