I know nothing about them, but they are COOL! I now have the opportunity to pick up a used .44 mag in blue.  What should I look for on it? Whats a fair price? Any good web site (besides here) to get info on it?
Thanks in advance...

how good it is depends on what you want to use it for...

it is not a carry pistol... WAY too huge...

not a home defense gun... way too powerful due to the fact you cannot use low power loads... unless you plan on shooting thru your neighbors house too.

the are not all that common, so accessories typically have to be ordered and waited on...

customer service is good...

cant use low power practice ammo cuz it wont cycle the slide...

they are very expensive...

fun to shoot but you have to use the full power ammo... so ammo is not cheap.

you cant use lead ammo... will clog the gas system...

all in all they are cool to look at but are strictly a movie gun.. and tend to be VERY expensinve... usually over 1000$... for that kinda cash you can get two or three equally cool guns...

basically the only guys buying them are the ones suffering from "Big Gun Little Dick" syndrome...

I know its not for carry...it would be just for fun and adding to the collection...
Price is about $500 and it would only be shot for fun a couple of times a year so buying ammo is not that big a problem...

if all they want for it is 500 I would very serisouly ask whats wrong with it.  Used the retail for twice that. Have a Gunsmith check it out... could just be a waste of 500$ or you could have an excellent deal on your hands there.

44 ammo is cheap. Get into 50AE or 440 CORBON and you can complain about the prices. $500 sounds like a good deal, see pics and shoot it first. Many of these are not preperly taken care of. Check out this site for more info:

DE Forums

Quoted: how good it is depends on what you want to use it for... it is not a carry pistol... WAY too huge... not a home defense gun... way too powerful due to the fact you cannot use low power loads... unless you plan on shooting thru your neighbors house too. the are not all that common, so accessories typically have to be ordered and waited on... customer service is good... cant use low power practice ammo cuz it wont cycle the slide... they are very expensive... fun to shoot but you have to use the full power ammo... so ammo is not cheap. you cant use lead ammo... will clog the gas system... all in all they are cool to look at but are strictly a movie gun.. and tend to be VERY expensinve... usually over 1000$... for that kinda cash you can get two or three equally cool guns... basically the only guys buying them are the ones suffering from "Big Gun Little Dick" syndrome...

You can buy a good one for $850 at a gun shop.  They're lots of fun and it's all in the technique.  I've owned 50AE's, 44mag's, and 357 Desert Eagles.  My favorite is the 44 as it's cheaper than the 50 and a little less of a chore to shoot.  The 357 is a wimpy round for such a design.

As for "Big Gun Little Dick" syndrome...I'll have to disagree....

Just ask your mom!

I say for $500, buy it.  If it doesn' work right you can always sell it.  I haven't heard of too many DE's that have problems.  I got my 44 DE for $600 used and it works very well.

Quoted: Quoted: how good it is depends on what you want to use it for... it is not a carry pistol... WAY too huge... not a home defense gun... way too powerful due to the fact you cannot use low power loads... unless you plan on shooting thru your neighbors house too. the are not all that common, so accessories typically have to be ordered and waited on... customer service is good... cant use low power practice ammo cuz it wont cycle the slide... they are very expensive... fun to shoot but you have to use the full power ammo... so ammo is not cheap. you cant use lead ammo... will clog the gas system... all in all they are cool to look at but are strictly a movie gun.. and tend to be VERY expensinve... usually over 1000$... for that kinda cash you can get two or three equally cool guns... basically the only guys buying them are the ones suffering from "Big Gun Little Dick" syndrome... You can buy a good one for $850 at a gun shop.  They're lots of fun and it's all in the technique.  I've owned 50AE's, 44mag's, and 357 Desert Eagles.  My favorite is the 44 as it's cheaper than the 50 and a little less of a chore to shoot.  The 357 is a wimpy round for such a design. As for "Big Gun Little Dick" syndrome...I'll have to disagree.... Just ask your mom!

Okay... I asked her... and Im confused... you consider 3 inches something to brag about?

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: how good it is depends on what you want to use it for... it is not a carry pistol... WAY too huge... not a home defense gun... way too powerful due to the fact you cannot use low power loads... unless you plan on shooting thru your neighbors house too. the are not all that common, so accessories typically have to be ordered and waited on... customer service is good... cant use low power practice ammo cuz it wont cycle the slide... they are very expensive... fun to shoot but you have to use the full power ammo... so ammo is not cheap. you cant use lead ammo... will clog the gas system... all in all they are cool to look at but are strictly a movie gun.. and tend to be VERY expensinve... usually over 1000$... for that kinda cash you can get two or three equally cool guns... basically the only guys buying them are the ones suffering from "Big Gun Little Dick" syndrome... You can buy a good one for $850 at a gun shop.  They're lots of fun and it's all in the technique.  I've owned 50AE's, 44mag's, and 357 Desert Eagles.  My favorite is the 44 as it's cheaper than the 50 and a little less of a chore to shoot.  The 357 is a wimpy round for such a design. As for "Big Gun Little Dick" syndrome...I'll have to disagree.... Just ask your mom! Okay... I asked her... and Im confused... you consider 3 inches something to brag about?

in diameter...give her some credit, she's trying not to hurt your feelings!

Quoted: fun to shoot but you have to use the full power ammo... so ammo is not cheap. you cant use lead ammo... will clog the gas system...

Learn to reload. If you reload using jacket bullets, it is not that expensive to shoot, probably about an extra 2cents because you have to really loaded at near the recommended max.

I agree with Bear I've shot the 44, shitty trigger, not very accurate, and the ammo issues, I'll take my 629 Smith any day over the movie gun.

As for your 3 inches diameter, you can rub the hell out of the side of a tuna can, to bad you can't hit the bottom   HA.

Quoted: I agree with Bear I've shot the 44, shitty trigger, not very accurate, and the ammo issues, I'll take my 629 Smith any day over the movie gun. As for your 3 inches diameter, you can rub the hell out of the side of a tuna can, to bad you can't hit the bottom   HA.

I disagree.  Maybe it depends on the individual pistol.  I have a Ruger 44 mag 8.5 inch barrel that is the second most accurate pistol I own (I have quite a few).  It is second to the DE in 44MAG.  The DE is truley incredible in my experience.  Mine is an VII circa 1987.

I think most people with DE experience would tell you that they are incredibly accurate.  Maybe some people get a bad one here or there, but I think that happens with all guns.

People think the DE is inaccurate because they can't shoot one for one reason or another. Hands are too small, they flinch anticipating the recoil or simply cannot hold up the gun's weight. These are some of the most accurate handguns out there. That is what they were MADE to do, shoot targets, not as a military weapon.

As for the trigger-it is ADJUSTABLE. Don't like it, change it.

Quoted: People think the DE is inaccurate because they can't shoot one for one reason or another. Hands are too small, they flinch anticipating the recoil or simply cannot hold up the gun's weight. These are some of the most accurate handguns out there. That is what they were MADE to do, shoot targets, not as a military weapon. As for the trigger-it is ADJUSTABLE. Don't like it, change it.

I agree 100%.  It's OBVIOUS the Desert Eagle isn't made for combat.  It's a finicky gun that needs the right technique to shoot.  It's wicked accurate in my experience and a the shooter can't deny the fun in shooting a semiautomatic 44mag pistol.  It isn't for everyone, especially those with small hands...but you know what they say about that.

Quoted: <center><table width=85% border=0><tr><td width=100% class=textBody><hr height=1px color=black noshade>Quoted: <center><table width=85% border=0><tr><td width=100% class=textBody><hr height=1px color=black noshade>Quoted: <center><table width=85% border=0><tr><td width=100% class=textBody><hr height=1px color=black noshade>Quoted: how good it is depends on what you want to use it for... it is not a carry pistol... WAY too huge... not a home defense gun... way too powerful due to the fact you cannot use low power loads... unless you plan on shooting thru your neighbors house too. the are not all that common, so accessories typically have to be ordered and waited on... customer service is good... cant use low power practice ammo cuz it wont cycle the slide... they are very expensive... fun to shoot but you have to use the full power ammo... so ammo is not cheap. you cant use lead ammo... will clog the gas system... all in all they are cool to look at but are strictly a movie gun.. and tend to be VERY expensinve... usually over 1000$... for that kinda cash you can get two or three equally cool guns... basically the only guys buying them are the ones suffering from "Big Gun Little Dick" syndrome... You can buy a good one for $850 at a gun shop.  They're lots of fun and it's all in the technique.  I've owned 50AE's, 44mag's, and 357 Desert Eagles.  My favorite is the 44 as it's cheaper than the 50 and a little less of a chore to shoot.  The 357 is a wimpy round for such a design. As for "Big Gun Little Dick" syndrome...I'll have to disagree.... Just ask your mom! Okay... I asked her... and Im confused... you consider 3 inches something to brag about? in diameter...give her some credit, she's trying not to hurt your feelings!

Quoted: I agree with Bear I've shot the 44, shitty trigger, not very accurate, and the ammo issues, I'll take my 629 Smith any day over the movie gun. As for your 3 inches diameter, you can rub the hell out of the side of a tuna can, to bad you can't hit the bottom   HA.

Quoted: People think the DE is inaccurate because they can't shoot one for one reason or another. Hands are too small, they flinch anticipating the recoil or simply cannot hold up the gun's weight. These are some of the most accurate handguns out there. That is what they were MADE to do, shoot targets, not as a military weapon. As for the trigger-it is ADJUSTABLE. Don't like it, change it.

Ummm.... check your facts dude... it was/is designed as a military weapon... it was originally designed to puncture engine blocks... it was an anti vehicle weapon designed for the Israeli military.

I have a stainless .44 that I picked up used from a friend of a friend for $600 and I absolutely love it.  It is defintely finicky with ammo and needs to be cleaned after every shooting trip to be reliable but it is worth it.  I do agree the "cool factor" and its looks are a big part of the gun, but shooting it is just plain enjoyable.  The reason I got mine so cheap (usually around $1100 new not counting tax) is because the guy was just kind of cluless when it came to really knowing about guns and their value.  Hopefully you're in the same situation with this guy.

The equation for penis size dependant on your pistol's size and accuracy....

width of cartridge(overall length  +  barrel length) - diameter of groupings at 50 yds over 10.  Multiply by two after wards.  ALL MEASUREMENTS IN INCHES.

remember P-E-M-D-A-S, no open book, calculators allowed.

example  2[.45(5+8)-(10/3)]


h.gif

My buddy cant get more than one mag between cleanings reliably.

My understanding is that it was developed by the Israeli military for the sole purpose of exploiting the weaknesses of body armour in confined spaces. Whether it is true or not, I don't know.

Rick-IMI produced this gun for americans specifically. Target shooting and a little hunting were the main "uses" until Holywood got ahold of it. It was never meant for ANY combat, just fun.

I could be wrong (very possible), but I though that Magnum Researched advertised that it was a gun of the Isreali Army.  Do they use it or is this BS?

BS, it's a range gun.

Hokie is right, whoever told you that was BSing. They have no real practical use other than target shooting and big game hunting which they excel at.

Quoted: Hokie is right, whoever told you that was BSing. They have no real practical use other than target shooting and big game hunting which they excel at.

Quite correct:

Desert Eagle History---
www.zvis.com/dep/dephist.shtml
"It was a year of 1979, when in Minneapolis, USA - Magnum Research Inc. was founded.
There were 3 people in the begining.
Three very determined persons, and their objective was very clear, to develop an entirely new semi auto handgun around the very popular .357 magnum revolver cartridge.
Working name of the project "Magnum Eagle".
"Fathers" of the gun are J. Lindig, J. Skildam and H. Z. Skildam, founders of the company, also B. White - technological details and development.
Originally, the gun was designed for target, silhouette shooting and hunting."

Check out  the headings for drop down menus with more information.

http://www.zvis.com/dep/dep.shtml

FAQ:
 http://www.zvis.com/dep/depfaq.shtml

I'm waiting patiently for the day I get mine in a trade I've mentioned here before.
It'll be a .44 in one form or another, depending on what my best friend decides to get.
We looked at one in .50 one day while visiting the gunshop.
It was large for my smallish hands and I'll put the Hogue grip on it.  IT'S A BIG GUN.
It takes both of my hands to hold my big dick, though, so I'm not too concerned...

My reason for wanting a DE44 is simple enough --- I want one.
It's an interesting firearm in a powerful caliber that holds EIGHT rounds and it'll be fun as hell to have one in the safe to use whenever I feel like it.

Check out that site for some good info.  
And have fun!  That's what guns are for ( besides all the other reasons).

Undeniably, Desert Eagle Pistols are absolutely cool.

Quoted: My reason for wanting a DE44 is simple enough --- I want one. It's an interesting firearm in a powerful caliber that holds EIGHT rounds and it'll be fun as hell to have one in the safe to use whenever I feel like it.

True enough.  There isn't really any good reason to have a DE, but every self respecting gun nut should have one.

... There fun in a bling-bling way, no real mission as far as I can tell. Get's chicks!

I finally got mine and it is as cool as I thought it would be!
I did get it used, but it did not come with a manual...
Anybody know where I can get a manual for this monster?
Thanks!

Quoted: I finally got mine and it is as cool as I thought it would be! I did get it used, but it did not come with a manual... Anybody know where I can get a manual for this monster? Thanks!

Write or email Magnum Research, they will probably send you one for free.  Most manufacturer's will if you tell them your firearm didn't come with one.  They don't want you to hurt yourself because you don't have a manual.  Look on thier website, it might be there in PDF format.

Did you shoot it yet?

Thanks.
Yes I shot it. Suprisingly little recoil.
I only put a handful of rounds through it, but so far so good!

Howdy Gents, I'm new here as a member , saw this thread and just had to add my 2 cents worth.
 
As to the statement of the DE not being a carry gun , I have to whole heartedly disagree,I know because I carry one on a daily basis. Is it for everyone ? No, but it suits my needs very well. You see I live at alittle over 7000' ele. up here in the mountains of Colorado and regularly work at or above 10,000' way back in the hills on very private and secluded homesteads doing ranch work. I am usually by myself most of the time so I have to be able to take care of myself no matter what might come up. I have been stalked by bears, one transplanted wolf  and attacked by a feral dog pack. I depend on my DE  .44mag for the great accuracy, quick follow-up shots, quick mag changes ( I also carry 2 spare mags) and ease of one handed operation , all of which I do not get from my .44 mag revolvers. Yes it's a heavy beast but one that I have been carring for about 2 years now so I guess I'm used to the weight.
I know that my situation is not the norm. , but it works for me and that is what is most important.
Oh  by the way , it was a slightly used older model,one of the last ones actually made in Israil with all the goodies for $700.00  .

Quoted: Howdy Gents, I'm new here as a member , saw this thread and just had to add my 2 cents worth.   As to the statement of the DE not being a carry gun , I have to whole heartedly disagree,I know because I carry one on a daily basis. Is it for everyone ? No, but it suits my needs very well. You see I live at alittle over 7000' ele. up here in the mountains of Colorado and regularly work at or above 10,000' way back in the hills on very private and secluded homesteads doing ranch work. I am usually by myself most of the time so I have to be able to take care of myself no matter what might come up. I have been stalked by bears, one transplanted wolf  and attacked by a feral dog pack. I depend on my DE  .44mag for the great accuracy, quick follow-up shots, quick mag changes ( I also carry 2 spare mags) and ease of one handed operation , all of which I do not get from my .44 mag revolvers. Yes it's a heavy beast but one that I have been carring for about 2 years now so I guess I'm used to the weight. I know that my situation is not the norm. , but it works for me and that is what is most important. Oh  by the way , it was a slightly used older model,one of the last ones actually made in Israil with all the goodies for $700.00  .

Nice price there bro... I'd like to find one at that price.

When most people talk about it being too big to carry I belive they mean for CCW purposes... not for outdoor use.

The DE is a cool ass gun... but the cheapest one I have round around here was just over 1000 dollars. YIKES.

Quoted: ... There fun in a bling-bling way, no real mission as far as I can tell. Get's chicks! members.cox.net/winston_wolf/bling.jpg

wow... id like to see some more pictures of HER!

Quoted: Nice price there bro... I'd like to find one at that price. When most people talk about it being too big to carry I belive they mean for CCW purposes... not for outdoor use. The DE is a cool ass gun... but the cheapest one I have round around here was just over 1000 dollars. YIKES.

I just put mine in the EE for $650 - it's a Mark VII in .357.  I just don't shoot it enough to warrant keeping it.

Quoted: Howdy Gents, I'm new here as a member , saw this thread and just had to add my 2 cents worth.   As to the statement of the DE not being a carry gun , I have to whole heartedly disagree,I know because I carry one on a daily basis. Is it for everyone ? No, but it suits my needs very well. You see I live at alittle over 7000' ele. up here in the mountains of Colorado and regularly work at or above 10,000' way back in the hills on very private and secluded homesteads doing ranch work. I am usually by myself most of the time so I have to be able to take care of myself no matter what might come up. I have been stalked by bears, one transplanted wolf  and attacked by a feral dog pack. I depend on my DE  .44mag for the great accuracy, quick follow-up shots, quick mag changes ( I also carry 2 spare mags) and ease of one handed operation , all of which I do not get from my .44 mag revolvers. Yes it's a heavy beast but one that I have been carring for about 2 years now so I guess I'm used to the weight. I know that my situation is not the norm. , but it works for me and that is what is most important. Oh  by the way , it was a slightly used older model,one of the last ones actually made in Israil with all the goodies for $700.00  .

Well, a carry gun is meant for human targets. Wilderness is a different story and the DE would be a good one for that situation. I suggest you also get it magnaported to make it easier to shoot and faster for a follow up shot.

I got a Mark VII 44mag for $850 with 2 extra mags. It was new. It is wickedly accurate.  100 yard paper targets easy with origional steel sights. Best part is that my dealer got it from Davidson's, lifetime warranty. Only problem with desert eagles is the mags. Their is a fix for them. Checking the distance of feed lips cures all stove pipping. Its on the net somewhere. $20 for 50 rounds of winchester 240 grain is pretty good big gun shooting.

Had my 44 DE for about 15 years.  Bear to shoot, but love it.  Shot cast bullets thru it till heard about it clogging gas system.  Came across a 50AE DE ( gold plated) for around 900.  Could'nt pass it up.  Been shot twice!

I've shot the .50AE version at the range a few times.  It kicked less than I thought.  I didn't think I'd like it, but I'm a pretty big guy and it didn't seem that big in my hands.  I think I'm going to get one as well.  I'm torn between the .50AE  and the .44 mag.  I figure if I'm going to buy a "big" pistol, I might as well go for it.  Shooting a big pistol like that was really fun.  The .45 ACP and .40 S&W pistols that I have shot don't give me the enjoyment that a hand-cannon like the Desert Eagle does..
- Nealio

I bought a DE 50AE a few years ago from a guy that couldn't shoot it well.   Paid $1000 for it  but not kicking  about the price at all because   I got 100  Lawman rounds,  500 brass, 800 speer 325g bullets, reloading dies, presentation case, shoulder holster, targetsights,  two stage trigger, hogue grips, brushed nickel finish, two stainless and one blue mag with it.  Actually figure I got a smoking deal on it.
My 14 yr old son has no problems shooting it  .... lots of noise and flash but the recoil is not that bad.
Haven't taken a deer with it yet but it's plenty accurate for the job.
A FUN gun to shoot as long as you don't cup the mag or limp wrist it ... stovepipe city if you do. It's also sensitive to the OAL of reloads.

rip

Have had my DE44 since 1985. Have 15,000 through it and it will still put 9 rounds into a 2" group at 50yards off of a rest. Payed $500 for it new, and yes I do reload. Cast bulletsare no problem if you cast them hard enough, or gaschek them. My wife even loves to shoot it.

Buying a Desert Eagle is like buying a model kit. Their OK out of the box but they really need work and further investment to be good guns.
Most people who don't own and keep up with them are completley clueless about many details of the gun. First off, their are 3 main variants of it: MARK I, MARK VII and MARK XIX.
Different variants like different ammo better then others. The MARK I is best in the .357 Magnum caliber, the MARK VII is best in the .41 and .41 Magnum and MARK XIX is the only variant in .50AE.
I have fired just about all of the different variants and calibers ( minus the .41 Magnum ) and I have found the .44 Magnum MARK VII and .357 Magnum MARK I to be the better of them all. Also note that the .357 Magnum MARK I is MUCH smaller then the MARK XIX while the .44 Magnum MARK VII is probably right inbetween.
Desert Eagles have a heavy rear portion of the slide which causes sensativity to wrist limping and a sometimes over preasured gas piston that needs triming. You can trim the gas piston and adjust the recoil springs to take heavy or light loads.
IMHO, the MARK XIX has very limited usefulness outside of blasting away and hunting harmless game. The earlier models are the ones that seam to have more use to them and can often be found for anywhere from $400 to $900.
I have a .44 Magnum MARK VII.

http://www.paladinrepublic.com/DSCN0016a.JPG
I have a Checkmate Brushed Hard Chrome finish on it and a Hogue 1 piece synthetic grip. I also did the trigger pull on it, trimmed the gas piston to 0.370 and adjusted the recoil springs and polished parts of the inner action. The gun is reliable and extreamley accurate ( leaves Colt, Kimber, Springfield, Sig Sauer, Walther, HK, Glock, S&W ( autos and revolvers ), Ruger and just about everything i've compared the accuracy to in the dust. The only guns i've ever seen outshoot it were a BFR Maxine ( only at long range ) and my custom CZ-52 which is less accurate at short range but easier to hit with at 300 yards.

http://www.paladinrepublic.com/cz2.jpg

Generally, most people who buy them are plinkers.
EZboard has a forum that is dedicated to the Desert Eagle. If you think the "big gun, little !@#?#@!" theory is founded, then go visit that place. Most of the people who have them are experienced and knowledgable shooters who have their Desert Eagle around just as a range toy to play with. Then their are the die hard guys like myself who are didicated to finding further usefulness in the gun and ways to correct it's known problems.
The Desert Eagle overall is good for hunting, plinking, target shooting and  an advanced gunsmiths custom project.

Quoted: Buying a Desert Eagle is like buying a model kit. Their OK out of the box but they really need work and further investment to be good guns. Most people who don't own and keep up with them are completley clueless about many details of the gun. First off, their are 3 main variants of it: MARK I, MARK VII and MARK XIX. Different variants like different ammo better then others. The MARK I is best in the .357 Magnum caliber, the MARK VII is best in the .41 and .41 Magnum and MARK XIX is the only variant in .50AE. I have fired just about all of the different variants and calibers ( minus the .41 Magnum ) and I have found the .44 Magnum MARK VII and .357 Magnum MARK I to be the better of them all. Also note that the .357 Magnum MARK I is MUCH smaller then the MARK XIX while the .44 Magnum MARK VII is probably right inbetween. Desert Eagles have a heavy rear portion of the slide which causes sensativity to wrist limping and a sometimes over preasured gas piston that needs triming. You can trim the gas piston and adjust the recoil springs to take heavy or light loads. IMHO, the MARK XIX has very limited usefulness outside of blasting away and hunting harmless game. The earlier models are the ones that seam to have more use to them and can often be found for anywhere from $400 to $900. I have a .44 Magnum MARK VII. www.paladinrepublic.com/DSCN0016a.JPG I have a Checkmate Brushed Hard Chrome finish on it and a Hogue 1 piece synthetic grip. I also did the trigger pull on it, trimmed the gas piston to 0.370 and adjusted the recoil springs and polished parts of the inner action. The gun is reliable and extreamley accurate ( leaves Colt, Kimber, Springfield, Sig Sauer, Walther, HK, Glock, S&W ( autos and revolvers ), Ruger and just about everything i've compared the accuracy to in the dust. The only guns i've ever seen outshoot it were a BFR Maxine ( only at long range ) and my custom CZ-52 which is less accurate at short range but easier to hit with at 300 yards. www.paladinrepublic.com/cz2.jpg Generally, most people who buy them are plinkers. EZboard has a forum that is dedicated to the Desert Eagle. If you think the "big gun, little !@#?#@!" theory is founded, then go visit that place. Most of the people who have them are experienced and knowledgable shooters who have their Desert Eagle around just as a range toy to play with. Then their are the die hard guys like myself who are didicated to finding further usefulness in the gun and ways to correct it's known problems. The Desert Eagle overall is good for hunting, plinking, target shooting and  an advanced gunsmiths custom project.

Very well stated.  I too have owned every one of the mentioned calibers in the Desert Eagle.  I also find that the .44 Magnum MARK VII (which is what I have now) is the best set up.  I have zero reliability issues and after some practice, it's one very accurate 44 magnum handcannon.  My groups at 50 yards are within a fist.

OK, guys, since my buddy is supposed to get me a DE44 in our trade, should I advise him to get a MkVII instead of the MkXIX?
New or Used Well?
Finish make any difference?

I told him to do whatever saved him the most money...and gets me my DE44 ASAP!

If you'd expound a little more with your experience to ME, the NOOB , I'd really appreciate it, as I'm sure my Best Friend would if he can save some $$$.

Thanks, as always.

Sup Busmastah

I think you'd be served well by any DE in the 44 watt range.  The XIX is actually a newer version of the pistol.  I think the general consensus is that the 44 is a nice round for the gun.  The 357 is too wimpy and the 50AE, although wicked cool, is 1.25 a bullet and kicks like a sonofabitch.  The 44 is a pussycat, YMMV.

OK, guys, since my buddy is supposed to get me a DE44 in our trade, should I advise him to get a MkVII instead of the MkXIX? New or Used Well? Finish make any difference?

It depends on what you want. The MARK XIX can be converted to .50AE only by swaping the barrel and magazine but it's a bit more problematic then the MARK VII and much larger and heavier.
The MARK VII is smaller, less problematic and more practicle overall. It's all a matter of what you want. Finish is different strokes for different folks. If you can get one with a custom finish already on it, more power to you since they usually will cost you $150 ( around $200 after everything ) or more and a month of waiting if you deciede to have one put on it after you have it.
IMHO, brushed hard chrome is the most attractive and practicle finish. Makes the gun look very heavy duity and clean cut ( like the revolver from XXX ) but is not to shiny and flashey for hunting. A quite modest finish. It's also the toughest metalic finish currentley available ( yes, even tougher then titanium, I've compared the 2.
Don't get titanium unless you like gold. Titanium is tougher then Brushed hard chrome but VERY THIN ( as thin as cold blue ) and rubbs off on moving parts very fast. My friend had his plaited in Titanium nitride at the price of $500 do to recomindations and he brought it over to my house 3 days after he had it finished and their was already a silver streek up the magazine.
My Brushed Hard Chrome Desert Eagle has had it's finish on it for almost a year now and while the magazine has a polish mark in that area, it has never even come close to showing bare metal and has held up under the worst of conditions ( for civilian stuff that is ) and still looks just as good as it did when I first got it put on the gun.
You are going to have a very hard time finding a MARK VII that is not used, as they are no longer in production and haven't been for a few years now.

I have a DE 44 Mark VII 1990 mfr  that is finished in bright mirror hard chrome.  It also has a factory DE laser on it.  It is very accurate and as has been stated, doesn't have much recoil at all.  I was very surprised by the lack of felt recoil.   I have a thing for 44mags hand guns.  My DE sits right next to my unfired S&W 29-2 8-3/8 in polished nickel.  These will be the last two guns to leave my posession if I were to ever have to part out my gun collection.  Lots of good advice in this thread.  The DE is a very fun gun to shoot.  Lots of firepower, flash and wow!  Very big on the WOW factor.  I will post pics of mine when I get   some time.