The Desert Eagle has long been seen as the purview of action heroes in movies and the occasional guy at the range who likes having a Really Really Big Handgun. Here’s the thing about the Magnum Research Desert Eagle 50 AE, though: It’s a handgun that does have its uses, and it can be far more than just a conversation piece at the range. Interested? You probably should be.
What’s the Desert Eagle?
The Desert Eagle is a handgun designed and manufactured by Magnum Research. Although it’s most commonly referenced in its 50 AE chambering, it’s also offered in others such as 429 DE, 44 Magnum, and 357 Magnum. So while you might only be familiar with its 50-caliber design, there are other options.
This gun was designed in the early 1980s and the patent for it was filed in 1983, so it’s not exactly a new and unproven platform. It’s actually a fascinating gun thanks in large part to its action. Unlike most handguns, which have short recoil or blowback actions, the Desert Eagle utilizes a system that some compare to the gas systems found on some rifles. It’s a gas-actuated, hammer-fired pistol, and rather than the entire slide assembly recoiling, only the rearmost portion of it does. As you can see in the patent above, the slide has two pieces, one of which remains fixed on the forward portion of the gun over the barrel and the other at the back that recoils.
The great thing about this design is that it allows larger cartridges to be fired in a handgun. And thanks to the overall bulk of the Desert Eagle, felt recoil is mitigated significantly more than you might expect. It’s an exceptionally well-made handgun that’s designed for superior big-bore performance, and it tends to deliver.
Magnum Research Desert Eagle Specifications
For the purposes of this review, we’re covering the classic 50 AE chambering of the Desert Eagle. This is a gas-operated, rotating bolt, hammer-fired handgun chambered in 50 Action Express. The caliber in question first hit the States with a .510 inch bullet diameter, but had to be reduced to .500 inches to meet ATF requirements for destructive devices. (Don’t worry, the loss of 0.010 inches of diameter didn’t hurt anything.) The cartridge has a maximum pressure of 36,000 psi which might seem like a lot, but once you compare it to other cartridges, you realize it’s not extreme. For example, the 9x19mm Parabellum has a SAAMI maximum pressure of 35,000 psi and 10mm Auto has a maximum pressure of 37,500 psi. So really, it’s less about the maximum pressure and more about the other details of the 50 AE.
This particular Desert Eagle has a six-inch barrel with a .495-inch bore diameter that’s made from high-quality carbon steel. It has an overall length of 10.75 inches and a height of 6.25 inches, without optics. Trigger reach is 2.75 inches, iron sight radius is 8.5 inches, and it has an overall empty weight of 4 pounds, 5.6 ounces. Capacity is 7 +1 which might not seem like a lot but considering the caliber, it tends to be plenty. It has a Weaver-style accessory rail on the forward, fixed portion of the slide, so it’s easy to add optics if you don’t want to run irons.
Desert Eagles have been in production for four decades and have had a few iterations. The most recent is the XIX which has varying features depending on the specific model. There’s even a California-approved model, so if you reside in the Sunshine State and want a seriously tough handgun, you’re covered.
How does the Desert Eagle shoot?
First, we’ll mention that the 50 AE chambered Desert Eagle is a smoother shooter than most people anticipate. It has a slide width of 1.25 inches and the grip measures more than five inches around, so it’s definitely on the thicker side. Even so, it can be comfortably gripped thanks in part to the rubber grip panels and ergonomic shape. I’ve run this gun with iron sights and red dots and, generally speaking, the better of the two choices depends on what you’re using it for. Red dots are useful for hunting while irons are just fine for target practice.
The recoil of the Desert Eagle can be described as stout but manageable since the weight of the gun, and its design, make it relatively easy to control. Some practice helps with rapid fire, but there’s really not that much muzzle rise when you consider the size of the chambering. It’s a generally accurate gun but not precise, meaning your shots will be on target but you’re not likely to get a one-hole, five-shot group. You can come close if you’re shooting from a rest and take your time, though.
Over the years of running this model in different calibers, I haven’t experienced any failures. It feeds and cycles reliably. And while it’s a fun handgun to shoot, it can also be useful. Desert Eagles shouldn’t be relegated to range use only on mag dump days.
The Desert Eagle is quite effective on a variety of game including turkeys and deer. The legality of what you can hunt with it depends on where you live, so do your due diligence and check local laws before you hit the woods and fields. On deer, there’s no excessive meat loss, and on something like a turkey, it can be rough if you don’t pay attention to shot placement. It might find its niche in hunting feral hogs, because that’s an area where a significant wound cavity is of even greater importance. Regardless, it gets the job done quite handily.
Should you get a Desert Eagle?
Everyone should have a big bore handgun in their collection and the Desert Eagle is a great option. Not only is it exceptionally well made but it’s fun to shoot, effective for hunting, and it could even be used for home defense or as a truck gun (if you were so inclined). Of course, if you’re considering using it for defensive purposes, keep the risk of over-penetration in mind. Because while it’s accurate to say any and all rounds can over-penetrate, some are more prone to it than others. You are responsible for every bullet that goes down range, whatever the target may be.
The Magnum Research Desert Eagle in 50 AE is a great gun and well worth adding to your gun collection. It’s not a safe queen, either. This gun is made to be used. If nothing else, its rotating bolt and overall function make it a rather unique handgun and worth learning more about. Whether you’re using the Deagle, as some call it, for fun trigger time or serious applications, you can be assured it’s a solidly built handgun capable of withstanding serious, dedicated use.
What’s your favorite thing about the Magnum Research Desert Eagle? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
