# Has anyone ever fired (or owned) a Desert Eagle? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 13, 2001, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002 "2001-08-13T05:46:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![red\_dragon60](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce73a5/32.png) [@red\_dragon60](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/red_dragon60)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/1 "2001-08-13T05:46:40Z")
Well, there are a lot of gun threads now, so… I am very interested in the .50AE model, although the price sets it off. I know it is a nice gun. I want to know how it handles. I was looking at the website, and with a quick metric-\>english conversion, I put it’s weight around 4 pounds. Has anyone fired one? How does it hold up? Is there anything that stands up to the round? Are there any hoops I would have to jump through to get one? Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Sultan\_Kinkari](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7bcc69/32.png) [@Sultan\_Kinkari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sultan_Kinkari)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/2 "2001-08-13T05:52:26Z")
[For those of you totally in the dark.](http://www.zvis.com/dep.shtml) I have never owned or fired one. ---
**Author:** ![red\_dragon60](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce73a5/32.png) [@red\_dragon60](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/red_dragon60)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/3 "2001-08-13T06:01:51Z")
[http://www.magnumresearch.com/](http://www.magnumresearch.com/) That’s the manufacturer’s site. Another question: I hear that the DE fires more like a rifle than a pistol in regards to the mechanism. How does this work? ---
**Author:** ![sewalk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@sewalk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sewalk)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/4 "2001-08-13T06:37:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by red\_dragon60 \* > \*\*Another question: I hear that the DE fires more like a rifle than a pistol in regards to the mechanism. How does this work? \*\* It uses a rotating bolt to lock up the breech, like many automatic rifles. Most pistols operate on direct or delayed blowback. I’ve fired a .44 Desert Eagle. It had less recoil than my Colt Delta Elite, probably due to the massive weight of the Desert Eagle. The .50AE would probably be a little heavier in recoil than the Delta Elite. ---
**Author:** ![handandahalf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@handandahalf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handandahalf)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/5 "2001-08-13T06:45:10Z")
I have fired both the .44 Magnum and the .50AE models of the Desert Eagle. I have to say that although the pistols were very well made, and their function was flawless, they aren’t on the top of my “must-have” list. If I were to buy one, it would be the .44. .50 AE ammunition can be hard to find in some places, and it’s NEVER cheap. The loading system, combined with the pistol’s significant weight, actually reduces the felt recoil of .44 rounds substantially. The recoil was actually less punishing than a number of .38 snubbies that I’ve fired. The .50’s were still a pain, though. What exactly do you intend to do with this weapon? It’s VERY heavy, bulky and not intended for shooters with relatively small hands (like me). For self-defense applications, it’s really WAY too much gun, for not very much utility. It can be slow to bring on target, hard to control for quick follow-up repeat shots, and overpenetration is a real concern with the .50 AE rounds. For handgun hunting utility, give me a nice .44 revolver any day. I could possibly see it as useful in bear country, though I would still prefer a .454 revolver there, too. ---
**Author:** ![Inky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/7feea3/32.png) [@Inky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inky_1)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/6 "2001-08-13T06:46:33Z")
I mentioned in a previous thread about my experience firing a .50 Desert Eagle. Can’t seem to find it though. Anyway, conclusion: Incredibly heavy (had to be about five or six pounds loaded). Deafeningly noisy. A recoil which threw me around despite the weight of the gun and a toned-down powder load (125 grain I believe). The width of the handle and the weight were enough to make it unweildy, but the noise made firing it really unpleasant (and I don’t flinch easily). Also, I understand the ammunition can be pretty expensive (about $2.00 a round). Seriously, what’s the point? ---
**Author:** ![red\_dragon60](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce73a5/32.png) [@red\_dragon60](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/red_dragon60)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/7 "2001-08-13T06:56:08Z")
Well, after seeing Matt Damon in Dogma… Just kidding. I like the look of the DE and I think it would be pretty cool to shoot one somewhere down the road. If I had enough money, maybe buy one. However, I am not a shooter, so I wouldn’t put loads of use into it. I guess it is just having a gun with more stopping power than many rifles. And a gun with rounds so big you can only fit in 7 : ) ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/8 "2001-08-13T07:09:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Inky- \* > \*\*Seriously, what’s the point? \*\* Grizzly bears. They’re everywhere. Up in the attic and under the stairs. Upstairs, downstairs, all around the town Grizzlies are on the loose and gettin’ down. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/9 "2001-08-13T07:21:34Z")
I want to know more about _this_ intriguing film they list in the huge listing of Desert Eagle Screen appearances. Feature Films Mr. Nice Guy (1998, Jackie Chan) Reindeer Games (1999, Ben Affleck, Charlize Theron) Fast Money (1995) Joe Apartment (1996) **Plump Fiction (1996)** Original Gansta’s (1996, Fred Williamson, Jim Brown, Pam Grier) Charlies Angels (2000, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu) Bulletproof (1996, Adam Sandler, Damon Wyans) Romeo Must Die (2000, Jet Li, Aaliyah) Snatch (2000, Brad Pitt) etc etc etc and more etc ---
**Author:** ![Doc\_Nickel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5fc32e/32.png) [@Doc\_Nickel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doc_Nickel)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/10 "2001-08-13T07:47:35Z")
I believe _Plump Fiction_ was produced by the same company that filmed _Shaving Ryan’s Privates._ 😃 Seriously, lots of movies use Desert Eagles simply because they’re massive, black, intimidating pistols. Even “just” the .357 and .44M versions are huge- a fascet often used to comic effect, such as when Debbie hauled a gold-plated one out of her purse when Fester survived the Anniversary Bomb. They are, indeed, fun to shoot. I have fairly large hands and have had no trouble popping full-tilt forty-fours. I haven’t yet tried a fifty, however. Now, that having been said, it would NOT be anywhere near the top of the list for a “self defense” gun. It’s far too large and much too heavy to carry, and it’s even a little unweildy for a “nightstand” gun. On the third hand, I’d rather have it than a pointy stick in a crisis situation. As for “what’s the point”… well, what’s the point to putting a $4,500 stereo into a $2,000 Geo Metro? Why blow sixty grand on a BMW capable of 155 mph when you’re just going to commute eight miles to work? What’s the point to buying a 1.5Ghz PC just to surf porn sites through a dial-up connection? They’re fun to shoot, and if you can afford one for the collection, go for it. But don’t try to “justify” it by saying it’s a “great self defense gun” or “I can hunt anything with it!” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Badtz\_Maru](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e36b37/32.png) [@Badtz\_Maru](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Badtz_Maru)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/11 "2001-08-13T08:23:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by astro \* > \*\*I want to know more about _this_ intriguing film they list in the huge listing of Desert Eagle Screen appearances. > > Feature Films > Mr. Nice Guy (1998, Jackie Chan) > Reindeer Games (1999, Ben Affleck, Charlize Theron) > Fast Money (1995) > Joe Apartment (1996) > **Plump Fiction (1996)** > Original Gansta’s (1996, Fred Williamson, Jim Brown, Pam Grier) > Charlies Angels (2000, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu) > Bulletproof (1996, Adam Sandler, Damon Wyans) > Romeo Must Die (2000, Jet Li, Aaliyah) > Snatch (2000, Brad Pitt) > > etc etc etc and more etc \*\* I can’t believe they left out ‘Last Action Hero’. That was one of the first movies to feature the Desert Eagle, it was Arnie’s main pistol. ---
**Author:** ![Doc\_Nickel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5fc32e/32.png) [@Doc\_Nickel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doc_Nickel)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/12 "2001-08-13T10:09:07Z")
I think Astro edited the list… I don’t know where he got it, but I can think of _dozens_ more that aren’t on that little snippet… _Robocop_, for example, which, at what, '87 or '88 is far older than Last Action Hero, had a couple. All the Agents in _The Matrix_ carried Eagles, the laser-blasters in _Sixth Day_ were reworked Eagles, as was the “9.2mm Podbryin” that Ahnold had in _Red Heat_. Several baddies in Steven Segals’ enviro-farce _On Deadly ground_ had 'em, there was one in _Blade_ and of course John Lithgow carried one as the head nutcase in _Cliffhanger._ ---
**Author:** ![Mikahw](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Mikahw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikahw)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/13 "2001-08-13T11:08:04Z")
The full list of movies can be found on the [Magnum research](http://www.magnumresearch.com/old/movies.html) site (just click on the link for crist’s sakes…) ---
**Author:** ![breaknrun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bbce88/32.png) [@breaknrun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/breaknrun)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/14 "2001-08-13T15:56:53Z")
I own a S&W model 629 .44 magnum with the 6" barrel. I shot a .44 DE and it is _much_ easier on the hands. Very pleasant in fact. Recoil was significant but not at all painful. I’m not a big person, 5’6" and 150lbs. I would love to own a DE someday when I have enough money to spend on frivolous stuff like this. **red\_dragon60** , you didn’t specify what state you live in but buying handgun usually isn’t difficult as long as you don’t have a felony record or a history of mental illness. Some states, notably MA and CA, restrict what models of guns are legal though and I think NY and NJ require you to get a permit just to be able to buy a handgun. Check the laws for your state. When you buy a gun, typically there is a NICS check to verify you’re not a felon and the wait can take up to about 3 days. I live in GA where you do not need a permit to own but do need a permit to carry concealed. I get the impression you just want one for recreational shooting as opposed to self defense and that would be fine. If you are considering it for self defense, look at something between 9mm and .45. A .44 magnum is way too much gun and you need to worry about overpenetration. If you ever have to shoot someone, yuo will be responsible for what that bullet hits after it goes through the bad guy. ---
**Author:** ![Padeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/15 "2001-08-13T16:46:28Z")
Red, if you aren’t a shooter and want to get a gun I’d have a hard time thinking of a worse first choice than a DE. If you want to get a handgun get something you use enough to learn to shoot safely and get safety training. As for hoops I’m not sure what the laws are in Ohio. You are at least 21, aren’t you? Can’t buy a handgun legally otherwise. If you jump through the state hoops and aren’t prohibited by the '68 GCA (felon, junkie, anarchist, straw purchaser, non-state resident, convicted of domestic abuse, illegal alien, etc. etc.) and pass a NIC you should be okay. ---
**Author:** ![Padeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/16 "2001-08-13T16:49:27Z")
Red, as your profile states you are a high school student you can’t buy a handgun anyway, you’ve got to be 21 to legally purchase one. I hope your parents won’t buy you one. If you’re a non-shooter I’d have a hard time thinking of a worse choice than a DE. If you want to get into shooting I suggest you start with an NRA approved safety course and go from there. ---
**Author:** ![Falafel\_Waffle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@Falafel\_Waffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Falafel_Waffle)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/17 "2001-08-13T18:22:52Z")
What do ya mean “what’s the point?” _What’s the point!?!_ Sometimes just having the biggest **is** the point! 😃 Get a .50AE Eagle! But don’t stop there! Here is a great companion piece to go along with it! [http://www.impactguns.com/store/50bmg.html](http://www.impactguns.com/store/50bmg.html) And hell, it’s on sale! Get ya a couple of em and invite yer buddies over to plink cans in the back yard! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![red\_dragon60](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce73a5/32.png) [@red\_dragon60](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/red_dragon60)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/18 "2001-08-13T19:17:25Z")
Of course I am a high school student! If I had 1200 bucks, I wouldn’t buy one. But I am saying that when I am rich and have enemies, I would want one. This means I would have to be a bit older. Somewhere down the line I guess. ---
**Author:** ![FallenAngel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@FallenAngel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FallenAngel)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/19 "2001-08-13T19:38:11Z")
I’ve fired the .50AE using Speer Lawman 320 gr ammo. DAMN!!! It is WAY too much gun for anything in the personal protection category (obviously), but I shot a 2.5" group with it at combat range (10 yards) over 10 shots. The recoil is attrocious. I have fairly small hands, but that doesn’t matter too much using an Ayoob Wedge grip. It pulled out of the left hand and up at 45 degrees IIRC. Still, it’s beautifully made, handles well, recovers out of recoil fairly smoothly and is just plain FUN. If you have all your other gun bases covered: (personal protection pistol, rifle in the .30 family and shotgun), by all means, save up and get one. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![warmgun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecccb3/32.png) [@warmgun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/warmgun)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2001, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002/20 "2001-08-13T19:52:25Z")
Seriously, red, Padeye offers some very good advise. If you get a DE you will find that shooting is fun, want to do it more then have to go out and buy ANOTHER gun that’s more suited for general purpose shooting. I’ve shot the 50 and I did not particularly enjoy it. The grips are too big and the thing wieghs about 5lbs loaded and even at that has a pretty good kick to it. Get a gun that offers lighter loads for ‘everyday’ shooting as well. Like the 44 variants, for example. That way you can have your cake and eat it too. As I’ve mentioned in other posts, I own a .45LC (‘Vaquero’[or as Padeye calls it ‘vaquero’], Ruger) and it allows me ammo from fun to shoot to ‘grizzly-killing’ loads. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-or-owned-a-desert-eagle/76002.md?page=2)