Desert Eagle

R

Ray-500

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Picked up my new Eagle today in .357. Have not had a chance yet to go through the manual, and will do so before I take it apart for initial cleaning. Did take the mag apart and cleaned it. Stopped there...due to time.

Questions for all: Have never actually owned one. Fired, yes...which is different from owning/maintaining. Any tips, tricks, "gotchas", "don't do's", "should do's", etc. etc. would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any feedback. [grin]
 
I've never fired one, but from what I've read you want to use HOT ammunition in it. Underpowered rounds can cause it not to cycle properly and can result in jams.
 
Xak said:
I've never fired one, but from what I've read you want to use HOT ammunition in it. Underpowered rounds can cause it not to cycle properly and can result in jams.
Click to expand...

Thank you Xak. Do not plan on anything underpower. The hand power it took to bring the slide back convinced me of that. [grin]
 
I have a DE in 357 as well and a definitely +1 on only using hot ammo. You need to use the 158gr rnds for sure firing and cycling. Certain brands of 125gr rnds will work, but at times the slide will not lock back after the last rnd.

Also, you do need to shoot jacketed ammo as indicated. But, you can use the semi jacketed that has copper where the rnd contacts the bbl, but has exposed lead on the tip. Those work fine. FMJ, Soft Point, JHP all feed fine as well.

My only other recommendation is to clean it well once your done shooting. Its basically an exposed blowback firearm, just like an AR, and it gets dirty. I've been able to shoot several hundred rnds at a time without any issues, but damn there was some gunk in it afterwards.

Enjoy it. It's worth it.
 
Rockrivr1 said:
I have a DE in 357 as well and a definitely +1 on only using hot ammo. You need to use the 158gr rnds for sure firing and cycling. Certain brands of 125gr rnds will work, but at times the slide will not lock back after the last rnd.

Also, you do need to shoot jacketed ammo as indicated. But, you can use the semi jacketed that has copper where the rnd contacts the bbl, but has exposed lead on the tip. Those work fine. FMJ, Soft Point, JHP all feed fine as well.

My only other recommendation is to clean it well once your done shooting. Its basically an exposed blowback firearm, just like an AR, and it gets dirty. I've been able to shoot several hundred rnds at a time without any issues, but damn there was some gunk in it afterwards.

Enjoy it. It's worth it.
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Thank you, appreciate the info. Have a stash of .357 (158 gr.) that I use in a Model 27. Should be OK for the Eagle.

Have not taken it apart yet to do the initial cleaning. Any tips/tricks you can offer for maintenance? How should I treat the gas cylinder? My normal reaction would be to use something like EEZOX initially, and wipe down thoroughly, leaving only the slightest of film. In my usage, this has made future cleaning easier. Good/bad? Not sure if I can treat it the same way I do my 1911's or Sig X-5. Want to make sure I get off on the right road with it. [grin]
 
Just clean and shoot I have mine in 357 and love it like others said 158 semi jacketed. I load my own and do them a little hotter now than I did for my wheel guns. Enjoy and get extra mags.[smile]
 
dannyk45 said:
Just clean and shoot I have mine in 357 and love it like others said 158 semi jacketed. I load my own and do them a little hotter now than I did for my wheel guns. Enjoy and get extra mags.[smile]
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Grin, already picked up the extra mags. Ordered them before the piece was in. Was just looking for some maintenance tips. [grin]
 
Hey Ray:

I'm picking up a .44 Deagle tomorrow myself, I was reading up on it tonight and man it really is damn close to an AR between the bolt and the gas operated system. Here's a tip. For some reason, Deagle mags are cheap on Gun broker. I just picked up a pair, yes two factory .44 mags brand new in wrap for $38 after shipping was added in. I've been on a mag buying spree lately and I've been paying $29-$40 for one Sig brand mag.
 
Raoul Duke said:
Hey Ray:

I'm picking up a .44 Deagle tomorrow myself, I was reading up on it tonight and man it really is damn close to an AR between the bolt and the gas operated system. Here's a tip. For some reason, Deagle mags are cheap on Gun broker. I just picked up a pair, yes two factory .44 mags brand new in wrap for $38 after shipping was added in. I've been on a mag buying spree lately and I've been paying $29-$40 for one Sig brand mag.
Click to expand...

Yup, have seen good buys on mags. Another source is ProMag. Picked up some extras from them for my Sig X-5 at a much lower price than from the factory.

Good luck with your pickup tomorrow...and with the piece. Thought of the other cals, but the .357 made more sense to me. Already have a good supply of 158 gr. that I use in a Model 27 and an old Model 19. The 19 is a story in and of itself, and will never leave me. If you would like, will send you a PM with its history. Don't want to waste space for something no one is interested in. [wink]
 
I have a love/hate relationship with mine. No problem with cleaning it but will only tend to put 15-20 rounds downrange at a time. I've found you have to have a very rigid hold with your wrist locked straight. I have a .44 and get pelted in the forehead with brass if I allow my wrist to flex upward with recoil. Takes a lot of concentration and can be a PITA.
 
WillyJP said:
I have a love/hate relationship with mine. No problem with cleaning it but will only tend to put 15-20 rounds downrange at a time. I've found you have to have a very rigid hold with your wrist locked straight. I have a .44 and get pelted in the forehead with brass if I allow my wrist to flex upward with recoil. Takes a lot of concentration and can be a PITA.
Click to expand...

Hear you, and understand. Guess my training was "old school" and might be pushed aside today.

The only thing I know is to keep a straight, rigid line. Wrists locked. Elbows locked. You are virtually "presenting a 2 x 4" with your body and stance....in terms of wood.

Have no problem with the S&W .460, nor the LAR "Grizzly" in .45 Win Mag. Each has its own characteristics. Have to think that this DE .357 will follow suit.

Thank you for the input and tip. One can never have enough knowledge. [grin]
 
Mind if I ask how much these are going for? I've been eyeing a.50cal gold plated one for a while, but it seems a tad expensive. Especially for what would amount to a novelty item.
 
glide said:
Mind if I ask how much these are going for? I've been eyeing a.50cal gold plated one for a while, but it seems a tad expensive. Especially for what would amount to a novelty item.
Click to expand...

Don't mind at all. Paid $1300 for mine. Nothing fancy, just the base in Oxide. Will put on Millet sights in the immediate future.

Guess you can go as extravagent as you want. Same with any arm. Novelty Item? How so?. Please explain.
 
Ray-500 said:
Don't mind at all. Paid $1300 for mine. Nothing fancy, just the base in Oxide. Will put on Millet sights in the immediate future.

Guess you can go as extravagent as you want. Same with any arm. Novelty Item? How so?. Please explain.
Click to expand...

Well I wouldn't be using it for carry or home defense. It would probably spend most of it's time sitting on display with the occasional trip to the range.

The one I was eyeballing was $1800, but I guess that's not completely out of line.
 
glide said:
Well I wouldn't be using it for carry or home defense. It would probably spend most of it's time sitting on display with the occasional trip to the range.

The one I was eyeballing was $1800, but I guess that's not completely out of line.
Click to expand...

Not for home defense? How so? Is it the caliber (.357)? Not sure of your $1800 item, but I guess you wanted some bells/whistles/adornments? As stated, only wanted the basic, and the basic was in the $1300 range. Was not interested in the "extras" that could add anywhere from $500-$1500 to the base price. Grin....only me. [grin]
 
Ray-500 said:
Not for home defense? How so? Is it the caliber (.357)? Not sure of your $1800 item, but I guess you wanted some bells/whistles/adornments? As stated, only wanted the basic, and the basic was in the $1300 range. Was not interested in the "extras" that could add anywhere from $500-$1500 to the base price. Grin....only me. [grin]
Click to expand...

It was the .50 cal + gold plated which I assume accounts for some of the price dif. The fact that I live in MA and can't readily buy the gun new probably accounts for the rest...

A .50 cal handgun for home defense seems like overkill. I'm a small guy and I dont think I could ever be that accurate with a .50 handgun. I'll stick with the Mossberg and my Sig for home defense...
 
glide said:
It was the .50 cal + gold plated which I assume accounts for some of the price dif. The fact that I live in MA and can't readily buy the gun new probably accounts for the rest...

A .50 cal handgun for home defense seems like overkill. I'm a small guy and I dont think I could ever be that accurate with a .50 handgun. I'll stick with the Mossberg and my Sig for home defense...
Click to expand...

So who needs .50 cal or gold? As stated, that's why I went with the .357 basic. Doesn't answer the question. Why is this no good for either personal or home defense? [grin]
 
glide said:
It was the .50 cal + gold plated which I assume accounts for some of the price dif. The fact that I live in MA and can't readily buy the gun new probably accounts for the rest...

A .50 cal handgun for home defense seems like overkill. I'm a small guy and I dont think I could ever be that accurate with a .50 handgun. I'll stick with the Mossberg and my Sig for home defense...
Click to expand...

Well, I stopped by the range on the way home with it and put a box of .44 180grain JHP downrange. I must say, it's different than I expected. First, it's a bit heavier and that, plus the difficulty I had making quick, accurate follow up shots, plus the concern about over penetration, make it unlikely that I would use it for home defense. On the other hand there were other surprises. One thing that was interesting is that it fit my hand much better than I expected it to. I think I am going to like this hand cannon. No, I don't expect it will make every range trip, but what does?

As you said, for home defense, I'll stick with my 870 and my P229...for now. Ray, I'm glad to hear that yours is making you happy! Enjoy.
 
Raoul Duke said:
Well, I stopped by the range on the way home with it and put a box of .44 180grain JHP downrange. I must say, it's different than I expected. First, it's a bit heavier and that, plus the difficulty I had making quick, accurate follow up shots, plus the concern about over penetration, make it unlikely that I would use it for home defense. On the other hand there were other surprises. One thing that was interesting is that it fit my hand much better than I expected it to. I think I am going to like this hand cannon. No, I don't expect it will make every range trip, but what does?

As you said, for home defense, I'll stick with my 870 and my P229...for now. Ray, I'm glad to hear that yours is making you happy! Enjoy.
Click to expand...

Have not had a chance to fire mine yet. Not really concerned, want to get the Millet sights on first, so my "zero" will be zero.

As for home defense, I think the S&W "Mountain Gun" in .45 LC, or the Kimber in .45 ACP, or the Sig 226 will suffice for now. [grin]

Hell, if all else fails, can always rely on the 12 gauge. [wink] [wink]
 
Ray-500 said:
So who needs .50 cal or gold? As stated, that's why I went with the .357 basic. Doesn't answer the question. Why is this no good for either personal or home defense? [grin]
Click to expand...

If I'm going to buy one it's going to be the .50 - it certainly does not have to be gold; but my options are limited.

It's not that the gun isnt good for home or personal protection. It's just not a good fit for me. Though it would probably be as, if not more intimidating than the Mossberg...
 
glide said:
If I'm going to buy one it's going to be the .50 - it certainly does not have to be gold; but my options are limited.

It's not that the gun isnt good for home or personal protection. It's just not a good fit for me. Though it would probably be as, if not more intimidating than the Mossberg...
Click to expand...

Guess you lost me guy. Finish your thought later. [grin]
 
A new member to the Desert Eagle family. We need more of them. [smile]

I love my .44mag DE I bought from Greg.

I'll reiterate what has been said - HOT ammo, keep it relatively clean, and don't hold on to the mags. It 'floats' in the magwell and if you put pressure on it, the gun won't like it. Also, don't be annoyed when it jams. It happens. If you have issues with feeding or the slide locking back, make sure you have newer mags (90s or newer, but some of the experts can say better). One of my older mags (80s manufacturer) does not hold the slide back on the last round but the newer (95) mag does.

Oh all that and get the houge grips. Makes a HUGE difference.

Enjoy your new frivolous, totally impractical, but super cool gun.
 

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