*crickets*

[Algaroth]

Anyone still come here?

I just bought a Desert Eagle, and I'm just dyin' to talk about it!

[SAWMAN]

.....we're still here. Standing by to hear all 'bout your DE(pic's too).

I have one of the older mods in .44 mag. It has taken it's share(and then some) of deer,bear,moose,hogs,yotes,and other critters that are in the unmentionable catagory.

After 15+ years of ownership,it's still going strong.

[bac1023]

OK, let's talk DE's...

I just took mine to the range this weekend after not firing it for quite a while. I fired 20 rounds of 325gr through it. The Desert Eagle is a very accurate pistol and recoil is not too bad due to the guns weight. The way I look at it is if your going to get a DE, get the 50AE. You can always get a 44 barrel later.

Here it is.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/bac1023/000_0329.jpg

[SAWMAN]

.....I got my DE,the .50 wasn't even dreamed of yet. The .357 was heavy for the power so I figured that might as well have the .44 Mag. Had a buddy that got the .357mag at 'bout the same time as I got mine. Immediately thereafter the Coonan's came out and he traded his DE for a Coonan. What a major FUBAR. His Coonan was never reliable.

I immediately started loading for my DE. The hotter the better. It shot(and still shoots) very well with the 265 Hornadys. I put that round completely through several black bear at close range. It also took down several wounded moose.

The only thing that I have added is a set of Millett sights and a Hogue grip. I carry it in a Bianchi Ranger chest rig. It is quiet and fast. Just the thing for "fighting" pissed off boar hogs on their turf.

When hunting,I always carry a Stony Point Monopod. If given time,it is an excellent shooting rest when adjusted properly.

Hope that the rest of you are enjoying your DE's as much as I am mine. It's agreat shooter. -----pruhdlr

[sgalbra76]

I've been thinking of getting one in .44mag. How's the grip size in comparison to service pistols. Every time I go to a gun show I never see any to try out. Is the grip size small enough to wear gloves with in the winter? How about the weight in comparison to say a 5" .44mag revolver? Thanks.

[Algaroth]

Ah, there you guys are. I knew you'd show up sooner or later.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/Algaroth/deagle001.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/Algaroth/deagle003.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/Algaroth/deagle005.jpg

1986 Desert Eagle Mark VII, in .44 Magnum. Very first year they produced the .44 models. The .50 wasn't even thought of yet.

I bought it from a coworker, who has had it since it was brand new, 21 years ago. He's fired less than 200 rounds through it in its entire life, so the gun is in 95% perfect condition. The best part is I paid $600 for it.

I shot it on Sunday. I bought some cheap 240gr Atlanta Arms & Ammo factory reloads to try her out. Well, it wouldn't cycle hardly at all. It even had trouble ejecting the brass, and the recoil was almost nonexistent. At the very first shot, I was like 'wow, that's not bad at all', but then I soon realized it wasn't functioning properly. I started to get worried, like it was my shooting technique, a problem with the gun, or if it was just the ammo.

The guy gave me 8 rounds of Hornady HPs with the gun, so I decided to shoot those, to try some different ammo. I won't need those, because this isn't a self-defense pistol, and I don't hunt.

WOW - that is what a Desert Eagle is all about. The recoil was still very manageable because of the gun's mass, but it had the powerful kick I was expecting. It's a complete monster to shoot, and I love it. Big, loud, and ballsy - that's what makes it great. It cycled and functioned perfectly with the Hornadys. I won't be buying that AAA garbage anymore.

So I learned a lesson - Desert Eagles need quite a bit of gas to cycle the massive slide. Once you have the right ammo, it's a fantastic firearm. A great demonstration of raw power. I love this gun.

One problem with it - the rear sight is finger loose. I can slide it back and forth with ease. I'm gonna have the gunsmith repair it, because I don't want to risk screwing something up on this fantastic machine. Other than that, the gun is problem-free, and an absolute thrill to fire.

[SAWMAN]

The DE's are quite a bit heavier than most all other pistols. IIRC they are somewhere around 70+ oz. They are simply big,meaty,weapons. They gotta be to be able to handle(and tame)the fairly stout recoil.

The grip is somewhat larger than even the Glock 20/21. I wear gloves when hunting or shooting at the range simply to help in the control and to aid in fast follow up shots. I swear by Mechanix Wear brand. They are thin so you can feel the trigger and they wear good. Look for the sales at the big chain auto parts stores. I would think that the big insulated winter style gloves would make the DE near impossible to hang on to.

That is simply a FANTASTIC looking DE you got there Al. I would have to disagree with the MKVII label though. With the teardrop safety and the single grooved slide release I would say the the weapon is a MKI. In any event,you got a great weapon for a even greater price.

The DE's have a very stiff recoil spring(s) and they must be fed a steady diet of the high power/full power loads. No Blazer and the like.

They also seem to only work using the OEM DE mags. Check at the gun shows and you can find them for under the retail price of $45ish.

I would highly reccommend the Millett sights for your DE's even if they will only see range time. Also,adjust the trigger(not on MKI's) for the very best in accuracy.

Good luck with your new weapons gentlemen........and enjoy the DE expierance. ----pruhdlr
Edited to add: Hogue grips will really help tame the recoil of your DE's also. Have had them on mine for a long while and love 'em.

[bac1023]

Originally posted by Algaroth
Ah, there you guys are. I knew you'd show up sooner or later.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/Algaroth/deagle001.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/Algaroth/deagle003.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/Algaroth/deagle005.jpg

1986 Desert Eagle Mark VII, in .44 Magnum. Very first year they produced the .44 models. The .50 wasn't even thought of yet.

I bought it from a coworker, who has had it since it was brand new, 21 years ago. He's fired less than 200 rounds through it in its entire life, so the gun is in 95% perfect condition. The best part is I paid $600 for it.

I shot it on Sunday. I bought some cheap 240gr Atlanta Arms & Ammo factory reloads to try her out. Well, it wouldn't cycle hardly at all. It even had trouble ejecting the brass, and the recoil was almost nonexistent. At the very first shot, I was like 'wow, that's not bad at all', but then I soon realized it wasn't functioning properly. I started to get worried, like it was my shooting technique, a problem with the gun, or if it was just the ammo.

The guy gave me 8 rounds of Hornady HPs with the gun, so I decided to shoot those, to try some different ammo. I won't need those, because this isn't a self-defense pistol, and I don't hunt.

WOW - that is what a Desert Eagle is all about. The recoil was still very manageable because of the gun's mass, but it had the powerful kick I was expecting. It's a complete monster to shoot, and I love it. Big, loud, and ballsy - that's what makes it great. It cycled and functioned perfectly with the Hornadys. I won't be buying that AAA garbage anymore.

So I learned a lesson - Desert Eagles need quite a bit of gas to cycle the massive slide. Once you have the right ammo, it's a fantastic firearm. A great demonstration of raw power. I love this gun.

One problem with it - the rear sight is finger loose. I can slide it back and forth with ease. I'm gonna have the gunsmith repair it, because I don't want to risk screwing something up on this fantastic machine. Other than that, the gun is problem-free, and an absolute thrill to fire.
It looks great.

I realize many bought them befor ethe 50AE was available, but if anyone were to make a choice now, I suggest going with the 50AE. Recoil is worse than the 44mag version, but its manageable.

[SAWMAN]

bac1023, When I got my DE I was already loading for the .44mag and still am. Actually I reload for 5 of them,which includes rifle and pistol. I have entertained thoughts about having a DE chambered in .50 but would have to set up for that. Dies,shell holder,brass,bullets,and probably powder would be an addition to my already "well stocked"(that's not the term my wife uses) reloading room.

I also already have two different .454 Casull's that I reload for,plus a .50 Beowulf. I have all the power that I need to tackle the stuff that claws,gores,cuts,and bites. If the circumstances were different and I was a new(first time) DE buyer,I would surely opt for the .50A&E chambering.

ALgaroth, Would be interested in what the ser# of your DE is.(Fill in the last two digits with a XX for security reasons please)Mine is 323XX. -----pruhdlr

[Algaroth]

Ah, I stand corrected - it is indeed a Mark I, not a Mark VII. My apologies, folks.

Either way - it's a fantastic pistol, and I love it.

The serial number is 318XX on mine, SAWMAN.

[SAWMAN]

My DE was imported May '88.

I bought it in early '91,used,but in as good as condition as yours seems to be. At the time I had my FFL and I bought it at a gun show in Maine. IIRC the price was 700'ish.

It has been a good "friend" and protector,while working as a guide in Maine. Tracking the bear that my sports just couldn't seem to arrow correctly(moose also).

A couple years after I bought it I got a target trigger group from DE. I'm not sure that they even offer it anymore. Now my MKI has an ajustable trigger and I have it set down to 4 pounds (or so).

When at the range,everybody wants to shoot it. Most people are surprised at the mild recoil of my fuller than full power handloads.

Al,your pistol is the first DE that I have come accross with a serno lower than mine.

Enjoy those DE's gentlemen.----pruhdlr

[Algaroth]

Originally posted by SAWMAN
Al,your pistol is the first DE that I have come accross with a serno lower than mine.

:supergrin:

I wouldn't doubt it. When they first came out with the .44s in 1986, the guy saw the brand new ad in the magazine, and just HAD to go get one.

The stamping on the mag is '2-86', also. The only mag he's had for it.

[eddief4]

:drool: SWEET :drool:

[customG29]

:hearts: I love my DE got it about a year ago. I have his lil bro in 45. The baby eagle's a good shooting gun to, Anybody have one? I think im gonna have him chromed to match his big brother. Well here's tha family.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u32/customG29/MAGNUMRESEARCH-1.jpg
:supergrin: Not to many people around here is there

[SAWMAN]

I still feel as I always have,that the MR/IMI stuff is under advertised. The owners pass the "good" news on to others but allot of shooters and hunters have never so much as seen one up close.

I have a close friend that carries a Baby Eagle for his CCW. Has for years,and absolutely loves it. I shoot it every time we spend range time together.

My DE has a couple of thousand rds thru it. I put in allot of practice at the range and at my hunting club. It is shot mostly over a Pole Cat(Stoney Point)shooting stick. For me,this is realistic.

For the people that need DE mags,make sure to keep your eyes open at the gunshows. I picked up 2 mags for my .44 for $30(total)at the last show. Most dealers have had them so long that they are anxious to get rid of them.

[customG29]

Not to many gun shows around here. I ordered my mags from MR for $75 a peace but thats for all chrome. I wish I cold find mags that cheap. lol

[Algaroth]

CustomG29, that is an astonishing collection. Man, chrome Desert Eagles look better and better every time I see one. That's a beautiful pistol.

EDIT: I just noticed... on the side of your gun, it says 'ISRAEL WEAPON INDUSTRIES', as opposed to Israel Military Industries... what's the story behind that?

[Algaroth]

Originally posted by SAWMAN
For the people that need DE mags,make sure to keep your eyes open at the gunshows. I picked up 2 mags for my .44 for $30(total)at the last show. Most dealers have had them so long that they are anxious to get rid of them.

Yeah I'm interested in another mag or two for my .44, but everyone I've seen have been outrageously expensive, for some reason.

[SAWMAN]

.....price for the .44 and the .50 mags are $45. I have seen a bunch of them for <$35. If you see a DE in a pawn shop,sometimes they will have several mags with the weapon that they are willing to part with. Also keep your eye on Midway,Brownell's,Sportsmans Guide, TAPCO,and the like. They will drop the price to the $35(or so) mentioned because of the overstock thing.

Just make sure that you obtain OEM mags as the other(el cheapo) mags have function/reliability problems. Especially if used for hunting animals that could hurt you.

The DE's, after being actually made and assembled in Israel, were made in Saco,Maine by Saco Defense. IIRC that time frame was in the mid 90's.This,would be my guess as to the different wording on the weapons themselves. How long they were made and/or assembled in Maine,I don't know. If they still are,I don't know.

I have always heard that the true Israelie made weapons were "better". I have never seen "proof" of this though. Even the later day DE's have never had issues as long as the end user has had their fair share of common sense.

Keep it clean. Don't limp wrist. Use only OEM parts. ONLY(!) shoot jacketed bullets. ONLY(!) shoot high powered loads. No pistol was designed to replace a rifle. Know your weapon. Practice,practice,practice.

Good Shootin"