Opinions on a Desert Eagle in .44 Mag

[FireGS]

I know a lot of you have one, and I'd really like to know what you all think about it. I have an HK USP, a Beretta 92, and a Glock 22, and I'd really like to add an odd piece to the collection like a Desert Eagle. I figure the .44 Mag is the cheaper route vs the .50AE, including reloading costs. Any owners here that can share their experiences? Anyone reloading .50AE and .44 Mag?

~Fire

P.S., Also looking to buy one, color not important. Accepting PM's! :P

[P-11 shooter]

Somebody had one for sale here on the forums for a while now. It may be sold, but he would bump it every so often.

I never shot one, so I can't say much except it's way more pimp then a beretta.

[Rosko Packer]

I HAD 2 DEs once. One to"play" with in matte chrome, the other (the one I still have), I won't ever shoot, dark blue(black) with gold appointments. Both were in 50AE and I don't know if the 44 has the same draw-back. The cases ejected right into my face! This is discussed in many places on the web. The makers said it was NOT a design flaw, but was the way the shooter held the firearm. I tryed ever limp,stiff,flop,lean-in way I could tolerate. The last 14 rounds i shot (2 full mags) left me with 14 black spots on my face. Those casings come out HOT too! It sure took the fun factor out of shooting when you are thinking how you can dodge the brass! I traded the gun that same day. Don't know if the 44 is the same, and not EVERYBODY gets the facial. Someone will chime in with more info on "proper hold" and the 44. These are BIG, HEAVY guns too. You might want to check out how well the grip feels to you (if your gonna shoot a lot). I STILL think they're cool (especially when U have em in a case for people to look at like mine)

[normanvin]

I have a 357 and the 44mag. I have not gotten to shoot the 44mag yet. I haven't had shells smack me in the head yet.

[synergy]

The Desert Eagles, in all calibers, are the least reliable guns I've ever seen. If you get one, don't expect it to work well.

[40twist]

Yep +1 I think they are junk.... Ive never had shells hit me in the face , but then again most times it wasnt going bang when I pulled the trigger , this was a 50.

[knight0334]

Some of my opinions - some facts from experience:

1. They make good movie props.
2. 1lb heavier than the average metal fullsized gun.
3. As explained in a prior post - hot brass sucks. My 44mag DE I had would put them from the top of my forehead to about the collar of my shirt. ....didn't matter what load, factory to hot - I ended up with brass in my face.
4. Again - they make good movie props, and probably serve their duties best on the big screen.
5. Good conversation pieces.
6. Theres a reason why semi-autos use rimless ammo - and you'd find out why with a DE some day(same goes for Wildley's, Coonan's and Grizzley's).
7. Too big/heavy to CC/OC unless you're Arnie.
8. Chicks will think you have a small penis.
9. If you must get one, go all the way and get one of older 14" barrels for it. (discontinued).

[dc dalton]

Originally Posted by knight0334

8. Chicks will think you have a small penis

So you are saying we should be carrying pocket guns in 32 auto if we want to impress the ladies?


On a serious note, I'm glad I found this thread ... I have always wanted one (never fired one) but after reading this I think I'll pass.

[knight0334]

Originally Posted by dc dalton

So you are saying we should be carrying pocket guns in 32 auto if we want to impress the ladies?


On a serious note, I'm glad I found this thread ... I have always wanted one (never fired one) but after reading this I think I'll pass.

You know where I was going with that... sportscars, big guns, big trucks, etc, etc.. You know, that femi-nazi stuff thats typical of today.

Besides - it worked for James Bond for 40 years before switching from the PPK 7.65mm(32acp) to the P99 9mm. lol

[RONNIE77]

We had a shooting comp at my gun club a few months ago.
I am not sure on the .44 mag, but one of the shooters brought his DE .50 cal (Gold tiger striped), and it was the worst performance I had ever seen from a firearm, considering the gun was $2600.00. He could not get two shots off without jamming, and the magazine even fell out a couple of times while he was shooting. IMO, Very cool looking firearm, but not at all practical. Nor would depend on it to save my life.