What would you do differently if you got another Desert Eagle?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What would you do differently if you got another Desert Eagle?

Posted: 8/14/2014 1:03:21 AM EDT

Is there a specific caliber you'd go for? Any lessons learned you wish you knew before getting one? If you had do it all over again, what would you do? etc...

I'm thinking about getting one with the mindset that:

1: It's a big gun - I've got some trigger time on a Mk 23, so I have a general idea about big handguns

2: I've put one mag through a 50 AE and didn't think it was too bad... ammo costs more, but for more of a niche, larger load cartridge, I expect it to. I'm thinking about the .357 or .44 versions, but 50 AE isn't out of the question either

3: (As long as it proves to be reliable) it will double as a fun range gun and probably accompany me as a hiking/bear/predator protection gun. No plans to CCW it, there are better handguns for that option.

I'm also aware of the opinion that they're like boats: let your friend buy one and then play with it on occasion. Is there validity to this? Any responses to the first few questions?

Posted: 8/14/2014 3:17:21 AM EDT

[#1]

i would have bought the chrome model.

Posted: 8/14/2014 11:35:23 AM EDT

[#2]

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i would have bought the chrome model.

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Mine was the polished chrome one. In 50AE. It's what got me into reloading.

Next one I get will be gold tiger striped in 50. I already have all the components.

Posted: 8/14/2014 12:46:32 PM EDT

[#3]

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Mine was the polished chrome one. In 50AE. It's what got me into reloading.

Next one I get will be gold tiger striped in 50. I already have all the components.

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Quoted:
i would have bought the chrome model.

Mine was the polished chrome one. In 50AE. It's what got me into reloading.

Next one I get will be gold tiger striped in 50. I already have all the components.

i have a 2013 .50ae in the black finish that needs a refinish bad as it keeps trying to rust in a moisture controlled vault.
it will be chromed at some point

Posted: 8/14/2014 4:06:24 PM EDT

[#4]

I'll chime in. I have a 1997-ish model and the finish is still in pretty good shape, but it does need to be clean and wiped down with CLP or similar before storage. I would prefer the brushed chrome if I had it to do over again, I have a 10-in barrel in .50AE with a Leupold 4X scope, which I sometimes hunt deer with, and a 6-in barrel in .44 Mag. It is an amazingly accurate platform if you can handle it properly and take the time to get used to it. It's second one I have owned, because my original one was a first generation .357 from around 1988, and I wanted to upgraded to the Mk XIX. It's nice to be able to shoot .44 and not spend as much when I still want to enjoy it at the range. I also find it fun to instruct people on, once they are ready for it. I will probably always own one, even if I don't shoot it that much.

Posted: 8/24/2014 6:20:41 PM EDT

[#5]

Tiger stripped gold if I ever run across one for sale. I am in Calif so my options are limited. And reloading this gun makes it a lot more versatile and reliable. I have fired 300, 250, 240 220, and now 180 grain bullets thru mine, it loves them all...... .44 Mag Mark XIX , brushed chrome finish.

Posted: 8/24/2014 7:00:46 PM EDT

[#6]

If I ever get a chance to buy one, it'll definitely be the titanium gold .44mag.

Posted: 8/24/2014 8:11:09 PM EDT

[#7]

I'm really thinking hard about a .44, but there does not seem to be all that much out on the internet from actual owners. There's a lot of video game experts, airsofters and the like who like to chime in about it too, mainly it's size and how it can be awkward to carry.

The only thing I've heard, and that's from the one review I've read, is to clean the gas system every hundred rounds or so and not to use lead/unjacketed ammo and it should be relatively problem free. Is this accurate? I really only plan to use factory ammo, as a reloading set up is out of the question right now.

Posted: 9/3/2014 3:59:42 PM EDT

[#8]

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Quoted:
I'm really thinking hard about a .44, but there does not seem to be all that much out on the internet from actual owners. There's a lot of video game experts, airsofters and the like who like to chime in about it too, mainly it's size and how it can be awkward to carry.

The only thing I've heard, and that's from the one review I've read, is to clean the gas system every hundred rounds or so and not to use lead/unjacketed ammo and it should be relatively problem free. Is this accurate? I really only plan to use factory ammo, as a reloading set up is out of the question right now.

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I highly recommend owning one if you are serious about it. As far as maintenance, they are easy. There is an included tool that allows you to disassemble and clean every part of the gun, including the gas cylinder. Factory loads, as long as they are potent and jacketed, will work well. The main thing you need to do is practice. I know that sounds obvious, but the size, weight, and trigger are all factors that can frustrate a new shooter. Once you spent some quality time with it, you'll love it, I promise.

Posted: 9/3/2014 4:25:41 PM EDT

[#9]

My first gun, when i was 21, was a 50 AE.

got it got $600.

LOVED it but even back then it was 50 cents a shot. Sold it a few years later for an 20" ar15. I miss it but dont miss the cost of shooting it now. I would be totally happy with a reg blue'd 50AE.

Posted: 9/4/2014 12:59:14 AM EDT

[#10]

I should be the proud new owner of a .44 black Desert Eagle come Tuesday! (leaving town for the weekend and shop is closed Monday, ah well...) Got one of the "classic" IWI ones that's made in Israel with the fluted barrel ordered tonight! I'm excited!

What else do I need to order?

Posted: 9/9/2014 10:24:33 AM EDT

[#11]

I currently own a blued MKVII in .44

If I could do it over again I think I would've held out for a hard chrome model. Their bluing just isn't that great. Although the bluing wearing off gave me an excuse to send it to get cerakote'd

I will say that finding factory .44 mag that works well and is FMJ is difficult. I thought that HPR FMJ would work but it's length is too long for the mags :(

Posted: 9/9/2014 4:48:05 PM EDT

[#12]

Mine eats Magtech JHP just fine, which isn't expensive. Semi jacketed is OK for it (soft point or hollow point), it's just not good to use unjacketed ammo.

Posted: 9/10/2014 1:34:44 AM EDT

[#13]

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Mine eats Magtech JHP just fine, which isn't expensive. Semi jacketed is OK for it (soft point or hollow point), it's just not good to use unjacketed ammo.

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Good insight, I was wondering that when I could only find JHP/semi-jacketed stuff at the local shop and picked up a box of Federal and Blazer to try. I'll have to post pics soon, but I picked it up and it's awesome.

Posted: 9/10/2014 8:44:44 AM EDT

[#14]

My Desert Eagle will run the semi jacketed soft points but when I go to clean there's copper "powder" all over on the inside of it so I don't like to use them

Posted: 9/19/2014 8:50:02 PM EDT

[#15]

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My Desert Eagle will run the semi jacketed soft points but when I go to clean there's copper "powder" all over on the inside of it so I don't like to use them

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I haven't found an ammo yet that I would consider "clean" in my DE. I find that they all have differing degrees of filth production!

Posted: 9/20/2014 4:58:30 AM EDT

[#16]

agree there,,,,this gun gets dirty no matter what kind of ammo you shoot. Its just as bad as my AR15 , since both of them are gas op, they take a lot of time to clean.
I usually shoot 50-80 rounds per session, and by that time I get nasty carbon buildup in several areas. Just figure it will take at least one episode watching " Hell On Wheels" to clean it.

Posted: 10/18/2014 4:18:17 AM EDT

[#17]

+1 for the chrome, good thing I got my .44 cheap, getting it chromed will make up the cost of a new one.

The standard black will not stop rusting.

Posted: 10/19/2014 6:56:03 PM EDT

[#18]

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+1 for the chrome, good thing I got my .44 cheap, getting it chromed will make up the cost of a new one.

The standard black will not stop rusting.

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Which model do you have?

Posted: 10/19/2014 7:53:07 PM EDT

[#19]

My standard black DE was bought used on consignment in 2008, probably a late 1990s vintage with minimal rounds through it. No rust when I bought it and none three years later when I had the whole pistol, including both .50AE and .44 barrels and all magazines nickel boron coated by WMD Guns in 2011. Makes cleaning a lot easier. Left it in satin finish, although I believe they offered a polished nickel boron option as well.

Posted: 10/21/2014 5:25:13 PM EDT

[#20]

My brother had a .50, which influenced my decision to get a .44.

The .44 is much more fun!

Posted: 11/2/2014 9:26:18 PM EDT

[#21]

my black 44mag is already showing holster wear on th muzzle . I have no regrets buying mine . if you plan to carry in a holster along with 2 spare mags I would suggest a good pair of suspenders or make sure your bvds are clean before you go to town since it can drop your trousers .

Posted: 11/2/2014 11:10:08 PM EDT

[#22]

What would I do differently?

Nothing!

Posted: 1/22/2015 11:58:14 PM EDT

[#23]

I have a .50 AE with polished hard chrome finish. The only thing I would do differently if I was to buy another one would be buying one of the new ones with the light rail. That and tritium night sights are the only things lacking on my Desert Eagle.

Posted: 1/23/2015 12:01:15 AM EDT

[#24]

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I have a .50 AE with polished hard chrome finish. The only thing I would do differently if I was to buy another one would be buying one of the new ones with the light rail. That and tritium night sights are the only things lacking on my Desert Eagle.

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Sell me yours and upgrade

Posted: 1/24/2015 5:57:37 PM EDT

[#25]

Hmmmmm, you have me tempted to actually consider that. I purchased this DE some years ago and never even took it out of the safe to fire it.

Posted: 1/24/2015 8:21:46 PM EDT

[#26]

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Hmmmmm, you have me tempted to actually consider that. I purchased this DE some years ago and never even took it out of the safe to fire it.

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I sold my polished chrome one a few years ago to buy a BT-99 when I got heavy into trap shooting. I have always wanted to get one back to replace it.

No time like tax return time! Lol

Posted: 1/25/2015 4:29:34 PM EDT

[#27]

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I sold my polished chrome one a few years ago to buy a BT-99 when I got heavy into trap shooting. I have always wanted to get one back to replace it.

No time like tax return time! Lol

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Hmmmmm, you have me tempted to actually consider that. I purchased this DE some years ago and never even took it out of the safe to fire it.

I sold my polished chrome one a few years ago to buy a BT-99 when I got heavy into trap shooting. I have always wanted to get one back to replace it.

No time like tax return time! Lol

You've got me thinking. I really would like the light rail. If you are seriously interested, send me an e-mail which is located in my profile.

Posted: 1/26/2015 1:02:19 AM EDT

[#28]

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You've got me thinking. I really would like the light rail. If you are seriously interested, send me an e-mail which is located in my profile.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

Hmmmmm, you have me tempted to actually consider that. I purchased this DE some years ago and never even took it out of the safe to fire it.

I sold my polished chrome one a few years ago to buy a BT-99 when I got heavy into trap shooting. I have always wanted to get one back to replace it.

No time like tax return time! Lol

You've got me thinking. I really would like the light rail. If you are seriously interested, send me an e-mail which is located in my profile.

Sent

Posted: 8/18/2015 12:47:20 AM EDT

[#29]

ETA: Disregard.

Posted: 8/28/2015 4:28:35 AM EDT

[#30]

you only need one black one unless you are trying to collect the early models. and everyone needs at least one gold one.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What would you do differently if you got another Desert Eagle?

Handguns » Desert Eagle

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