DE .50AE legal status?

[tenox]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum so hello to everyone.

I own few handguns already. For a next one I'm thinking of buying Desert Eagle in .50AE.

The other day I went in to a "reputable" gun store in Northern California. They told me that it's illegal not only to sell but also to USE DE .50AE in California. I further discussed of the DOJ requirements and that that I would like to buy .44 model and a .50AE barrel. He told me that it's possible to buy it this way, however as soon as I put .50AE barrel in a new DE this is a felony.

Can someone elaborate on this? I appreciate any info.

Thanks!
a

[rromeo]

Wrong. The .50 Desert Eagle is legal to own and shoot. Only the .44 is on the roster, so you have to buy that then convert it or buy a .50 through a private instate sale.

[tenox]

Wrong. The .50 Desert Eagle is legal to own and shoot. Only the .44 is on the roster, so you have to buy that then convert it or buy a .50 through a private instate sale.

And this is what I've thought and read on this very forum before. I just wanted to double check.

Thanks for answer!

[rromeo]

.50 BMG rifles are restricted items, and some people think that anything .50 cal is included in that.

[Lil Bawbee]

I have an israeli de in .44 mag for sale... Just saying

[robcoe]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum so hello to everyone.

I own few handguns already. For a next one I'm thinking of buying Desert Eagle in .50AE.

The other day I went in to a "reputable" gun store in Northern California. They told me that it's illegal not only to sell but also to USE DE .50AE in California. I further discussed of the DOJ requirements and that that I would like to buy .44 model and a .50AE barrel. He told me that it's possible to buy it this way, however as soon as I put .50AE barrel in a new DE this is a felony.

Can someone elaborate on this? I appreciate any info.

Thanks!
a

There are only 2 .50 cal bans in california, one is statewide on the sale of .50BMG shoulder weapons, the other is LA(city or county, I forget, probably city) has a ban on the sale of all .50 cal ammo.

Otherwise, your good to go if you can find the gun for sale, I think the .44 magum version is available on roster, and the .50 slide and barrel fit on the same frame. And yes, as long as you don't make an assault weapon or other banned weapon(see flowcharts at the top of the page) you can modify your gun however you like after you buy it.

[IVC]

Just remember that the CA version is a slightly *different* gun from the standard version. The CA version comes with the magazine disconnect safety - you cannot drop the hammer without inserting magazine. The SSE route probably makes most sense, particularly since it's hard to get by DE44CA (recently reintroduced after a year or two of being off roster), and it's even harder to get various conversions. If you use SSE, you not only get the caliber you want, but also the finish you want.

[Apocalypsenerd]

Not sure how practical the DE .50AE is either. What do you want a 5 pound handgun for?

[mdimeo]

Not sure how practical the DE .50AE is either. What do you want a 5 pound handgun for?

You know how people are always excited about their dime-sized groups? With a .50AE, you can do that with just one shot

[erik_26]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum so hello to everyone.

First, Welcome to Calguns!

I own few handguns already. For a next one I'm thinking of buying Desert Eagle in .50AE.

Nice. Sounds like that would be a fun gun to get.

The other day I went in to a "reputable" gun store in Northern California. They told me that it's illegal not only to sell but also to USE DE .50AE in California. I further discussed of the DOJ requirements and that that I would like to buy .44 model and a .50AE barrel. He told me that it's possible to buy it this way, however as soon as I put .50AE barrel in a new DE this is a felony.

Can someone elaborate on this? I appreciate any info.

Thanks!
a

Ok, the first rules about gun stores is, they are often very misinformed. They tend to make things up or spread rumors.

Politely ask to see documentation on their statement. Ask for the Penal Code that states the law.

If they become belligerent, time to find a new store.

You will not be able to buy a new Desert Eagle in .50AE because of the California Roster (maybe that will change in the future).

You can buy one from someone in California through a PPT. You might have a hard time finding a seller.

And you could also buy the .44 mag version and convert (as you mentioned).


Don't trust gun shops with what is legal and not. Not even all police officers are current with gun laws.

Spend some time on here and on the wiki page to learn the laws. Read them for yourself.

[CrazyPhuD]

You can most definitely SSE a 50AE DE if that's what you want. You just need to find a better dealer to work with.

[tenpercentfirearms]

SSEing a DE .50 as soon as you can fix the magazine into place. It has a 6" barrel and the OAL is over 10.5".

[CSACANNONEER]

The shop doesn't sound that reputable to me. You might think about finding a new shop that is up on the laws surrounding their business. You can buy, manufacture, own, posses and shoot a .50 DE if you really want to but, I suggest doing some real research about the gun first. There are reasons that everyone isn't shooting them. They are nothing more than novelty guns that are hard to work on or clean. Look into getting a gun to shoot before getting one just to collect. Talk with those who have owned them and find out why they got rid of them.

[JeremyKX]

I think I saw a thread somewhere in commercial section that EBR works has one or two in stock.

[tenox]

Many thanks for all the answers. Can someone advice on what is the benefit of buying SSE in this case?

Is it just that I can order the .50AE model and not .44 + .50AE barrel and magazine, or are there any benefits?

Thanks