Desert Eagle .50

Firedaveou812

I have been researching the Desert Eagle .50 to possibly add to my collection. My intention would be to use it for an occasional hunting trip. I figured it would give me just a different variation of weapon to use. Some of the videos I have seen make this pistol look like it is too hard to handle. I was also told by one local dealer that they had a tendency not to hold up to well. He described a gun he sold that was returned 3 times to have a broken slide repaired. Any advice from anyone that has shot the pistol would be appreciated. Thanks.

rufe-snow

I shot one once years ago at a range. It's more a novelty then a practical handgun. Functioned OK but was way to big and heavy for any sort of hunting, unless you do your hunting from a stand that you access with a ATV. Hauling it around on hunt would be like carrying a blacksmiths anvil. It more of a conversation piece/decorator, then a handgun you can actually use. My 2?.

midnightrunpaintballer

What do you plan to be hunting with it??? If you sincerely need a .50, check out the .500 magnum. It's definitely something "different" for you. I'm assuming that you're specifically looking for a semi-auto though so depending what you're hunting, possibly a 1911 in 10mm? There are too many options for me to list. But I've heard the same thing about the DE being a novelty item/conversation piece.

xxx97

the DE .50 is a beast to shoot...i have 2 of them,i'm pretty much done shooting it after 5 rounds...

45forme

I have shot them at a range, and my feeling was that it kicked less than my SW629 44 magnum. The cycling of the slide cut down on felt recoil.

For what it's worth, I think the DE's are well made, but semi auto's in that caliber can never compare to a revolver in reliability. For hunting, the revolver also offers much more flexibility on the loads it will shoot, and probably accuracy too.

I would call them a novelty gun, just because there is no job (that I can think of) they are the best tool for, other than looking gangster. But they are a usable side arm that packs a lot of punch, and you will be unique if you hunt with one.

As to how they hold up, it was a rental at the range I shot it at, and the RO said that it was rented and shot all day, every day, more than any other rental, and they had no problems with it after a couple years. I have also heard the stories like the one you mentioned. I suspect if you ran normal factory ammo, you would be fine.

Firedaveou812

Thanks for the input. I think I am going to look elsewhere for a new toy.

hk-91

I had one years ago and i'm trying to get the money together for one again. Missed the gun when i had to sell it. Didnt bother me much carring it around while out deer hunting. Shot a badger with it once. Split the sucker in half. Recoil didnt feel any worce to me then my 44 mag did but then i'm 6'4 and 280 pounds. When i bought it i picked it up as a back up for bear hunting but didnt end up getting to go.

tsr1965

The DE platform is gas operated, and HEAVY. They tip in at around 5 lbs. I used to have one in 44 Magnum, and sold a couple in 50 AE as well. They are very accurate. They are capable of 1-1.5MOA accuracy in the right hands at 100 yards. I have used mine to shoot A deer with, and win local IHMSA shoot once. They are pleasant to shoot as far as percieved recoil goes, but the grips are HUGE...even for my extra large meat hooks. This is not something you will strap on your side like a Glock 17, or a 1911. I have never seen or heard of one breaking.

Best