Deseart Eagle Question/Advise/Help

[atoyf]

Hello,

I'm new to this site and guns in general.
I'd like to buy Deseart eagle as my first gun.
Why? No particular reason.

I like the way gun looks, it's big and loud. Most of the reviews i've read are positive, with the exception of ammo prices.

What will I be using the gun for? Occasional range shooting, may be in the far furture, i might even take it for hunting.

Now, questions:
If i buy online directly from - i will know that the gun is new, free of defects, original, etc:

http://www.magnumresearch.com/Browse.asp?Category=Desert+Eagle:Mark+XIX

Since, i'm new to the guns and can't tell much if something is not right, i'm sceptical in trusting local armories 100%, however, i'd buy locally only because i will be able to get local support in case of something isn't right - any thoughts?

On this page:

http://www.magnumresearch.com/Browse.asp?Category=Desert+Eagle:Mark+XIX

There is DE by itself for $1249, 50AE.
And there is also some kit:
6-Inch Mark XIX Component System Package

Why would i want to buy that system package instead of just gun by itself?
Whats the difference between 6" and 10" barrels?
If i buy locally, the gun will be "California version" with safety crap that supposdely causes problems. How can i buy this gun as it showed on the magnum research page?

I'll come up with more questions, but for now any input and help would be greatly appriciated!

Thanks much!

[ohsmily]

First of all, it is advice, not advise.
Second, it is DESERT eagle not DESEART eagle.

Third (and most substantively) you can't purchase the 50AE model new in CA. It is not on the approved handgun list. You would have to buy the 44 magnum Mark XIX model and then buy the 50 cal conversion kit. Or, if you can find a 50 cal one currently for sale by a private owner in CA, you can purchase that one if you meet for a face to face transfer.

Lastly, don't get the desert eagle unless you have your bases covered in other areas (like useable defensive handgun(s)). You aren't going to be getting good handgun training with the eagle, mainly because of the volume of ammunition you need to shoot to become a proficient practical shooter.
Having said that, if all you do is target shoot at the range, and don't care to practice defensive shooting in practical scenarios (which is fine), then by all means get the eagle. It is a big, fun, novelty gun.

[Omega13device]

It's a lot of fun to shoot a DE .50 but I would not start with that one. Two reasons. One, that is a very powerful pistol and you should learn the basics of pistol shooting and how guns work before you get into something like that. Two, because the ammo is so expensive you probably won't shoot it that much. It's not much fun to have a gun that you never shoot. I would recommend starting off with something like 9mm, which is relatively cheap and easy on the hands so you can go through a hundred rounds in a practice session without getting beat up by the gun or breaking your bank account.

Before you buy anything take an NRA-approved safety course so you can learn to shoot safely. We don't want you to become a statistic.

[soopafly]

Hello,

I'm new to this site and guns in general.
I'd like to buy Deseart eagle as my first gun.

I own a DE 50. I would advise against the DE as your first handgun.

[fendter]

De

I agree with the posters above. I started out with a 9mm as my first firearm 15 years ago. I worked myself up to an AK47. Then I had this carzy idea to live in CA and sold my AK to a buddy of mine, but kept the 9mm.

I currently own a DE44 and a S&W500 revolver. I wouldn't recommend buying a bigbore gun as your first firearm. Just like stated in previous posts. Learn how to shoot first. Just buy a used beater 9mm and the DE, but get familiar first with firearms. Also, alternatively many gun ranges rent the DE. Try it out first and see if you can shoot it right and if you enjoy it. It is not a good gun for carry or home defense, but I must say it is on accurate gun. I just love mine. No problem hitting the bullseye at 25 ft. Can't say that I can match that with my 9mm.

[fendter]

De

Forgot to add: The DE will run you about $1,150 + tax and reg. fees. It will be roughly $1,300. Then you have to buy the 50 AE barrel and magazine. Best case it will be around $350 for both. So you are looking at around $1,600 or more to get started.

Some die hard 1911 fans on this page will tell you rightfully what kind of great 1911 you can get in that price range. And the 1911 will have more utility than the DE.

[AS45-70]

I will have to agree with the other posts, the DE is not a "first gun".

Rent a few different guns at the local range and buy the one you liked to shoot the most.

I would say learning the basics of shooting should be your first priority, start with a 22 pistol or something with minimal recoil. It would be more benifical to learn proper technique than to buy a hand cannon...that will come later

[chickenfried]

As others have said I wouldn't buy one for a first gun. Shooting an expensive caliber with a lot of recoil means you probably won't practice as much as you should.

A friend bought some ammo at miwall yesterday $25 for 20 rounds!! Average price of range time is around $12, $3 for targets, let's say 2 boxes of ammo $50. $65 a range trip just to shoot 40 rounds + you just spent a boat load of money already on the gun.

On the other hand the heart wants what it wants. If you're aware of the drawbacks of the Desert Eagle for a first gun and you still want it. I say go for it . I got a 1911 for my first gun, which some people wouldn't have advised. But it got me hooked and I'm glad I bought it.

[chickenfried]

Oh yeah! Please unless you're a drug dealer and/or pimp abstain from purchasing the gold tiger striped DE.

[grammaton76]

Actually, while I would not personally recommend it, I would say that starting on a DE isn't QUITE so bad as some folks here are making it sound.

For starters, you HAVE to buy it in 44 magnum, unless you get a private party transfer. Chambered in 44, the recoil isn't THAT bad. And in fact, with the Hogue grips installed and while running 44 magnum, for some reason my ex liked it more than all my other handguns.

44 magnum reloads aren't too expensive, either. The range I go to has them for $14.50/50 if I recall.

Now, of course you're going to want the 50cal. And there's nothing wrong with that, but economics dictate you won't be shooting it a lot. That's what you have the 44 magnum for.

You could also step down one and get the 357 magnum barrel, which should lighten up the recoil even more.

I'll state that my first real handgun practice was with a 45 - a wise woman told me that if I started on a 45, that's what I'd judge recoil by. I could go up to a 44 without flinching much, and a 9mm would be nothing. On the other hand, if I started on a 9mm, I'd always view everything else as having too much "kick". Looking at other casual shooters (folks who work at it can obviously retrain themselves), I believe her statements had a lot of merit. If you get used to the 44, you'll consider a 45 to be light.

Side note, to everyone who keeps saying the DE is entirely useless except as a novelty gun - you're wrong. It's great at de-conditioning flinch reflexes on lighter calibers, and it's just plain fun. I wouldn't grab it first for a home defense gun, but shooting with one has made me a much better shooter.

[zefflyn]

Welcome to CalGuns!

[atoyf]

Great input guys!

Just to let you know that money isn't an issue - just because i won't be shooting very often, so i can afford the best toys. I need something to get me hooked on this sport (on top of being generally interested), then i can experiment with different calibers (but it's just me).

I do not want to start from a small gun by any means, however i agree with an idea of starting from a mid-sized gun.

I also don't see how Mark XIX .44 can be much different from .50, so i can sure thing start from .44 and if i want to i can upgrade to .50 later on.

What would be the range i should go to try out different guns? Do i have to have safety certificate to try out different guns? Where do i get one so i can shoot different guns?

Thanks!!!

[grammaton76]

I also don't see how Mark XIX .44 can be much different from .50, so i can sure thing start from .44 and if i want to i can upgrade to .50 later on.

It's a LOT different. Just look at the weight (in grains) of the bullet, and the amount of powder. The recoil on the 50 is considerably higher than the 44 magnum. Now, that having been said, it's fun to shoot in 44 - you might want to get the Hogue finger-grooved grips, though.

What would be the range i should go to try out different guns? Do i have to have safety certificate to try out different guns? Where do i get one so i can shoot different guns?

I think most indoor shooting ranges have rental handguns. I haven't ever heard of one making you get a safety certificate in order to rent one, though. If you're in the San Diego area, Iron Sights up in Oceanside has a very nice selection and they don't charge you an arm and a leg to rent them. They also have the DE in both 44 and 50.

[fendter]

De

Just make sure they will allow single shooters at your range. Mine won't let you shot by yourself if you don't bring your own gun as well. It for insurance purposes.

[ianS]

Definately try before you buy. I've shot the .44 Mag versions on two occasions. They were abused rentals and I was shooting their reloads and I had lots of feed problems with it. I've heard they're fairly reliable if kept clean and shot with "healthy" loads. I'm not a beginner shooter by any means (I don't have limp wrist problems with any Glocks up to 10mm) but you do need a good grip and stiff wrist so the DE will cycle reliably.

If a DE will get you interested in shooting by all means I guess. But there's nothing wrong with a good 9mm, .40, .45, .357 SIG, or a 10mm for plinking or esp. defensive use. I've never heard of even the toughest real life operator (SWAT, SEAL, MEU, or Delta) considering a DE or .44 Mag as a viable sidearm. There's no shame in admitting a DE in .44 Mag or .50 is too much gun for a first. Really......


edit:
One option you might consider is a S&W or Ruger .44 Mag with a 6 in. barrel. You can shoot .44 Mag and the milder .44 Spl as well.