When I first saw the Desert Eagle in the box, I finally realized how massive it is! I have fired revolvers and other big handguns, but nothing compares to the heft of this beast. This is an unusual model fitted with a stainless steel 10-inch barrel giving it a long sight radius. Sights are adjustable for windage and elevation and the barrel is slotted for scope rings. This will allow a long-eye-relief scope to be mounted for precise shooting. Despite its size, it feels good in my hands. This gun seems to want to be fired.

Table of Contents

Video Review
Brief History
First Impressions
My Desert Eagle
Range Time
Specifications
Conclusion

VIDEO REVIEW
 


When I first saw the Desert Eagle in the box, I finally realized how massive it is! I have fired revolvers and other big handguns, but nothing compares to the heft of this beast. This is an unusual model fitted with a stainless steel 10-inch barrel giving it a long sight radius. Sights are adjustable for windage and elevation and the barrel is slotted for scope rings. This will allow a long-eye-relief scope to be mounted for precise shooting. Despite its size, it feels good in my hands. This gun seems to want to be fired.

 

Brief History

 

Israeli Desert Eagle IMI Magnum Research .44 mag grandslam ronbo
Despite being designed in the US, this early production Desert Eagle was made in Israel. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

 

Designed in the mid-1980s by Magnum Research Inc (MRI) the Desert Eagle was designed for target shooting, hunting, and Metallic Silhouette competition. It was first manufactured in Israel, by Israel Military Industries (IMI) until 2009. MRI now manufactures the gun in its Minnesota facility. KAHR Arms acquired MRI the following year and remains the current producer of the Desert Eagle. It’s offered in three chamberings: 50 AE, .44 Mag, and .357 Mag. Barrel lengths range from 6 inches to 7.2 inches depending on caliber.  
 

Related: Magnum Research Factory Tour with Select Fire
 

First IMPRESSIONS

 

Israeli Desert Eagle IMI Magnum Research .44 mag grandslam ronbo
At 4.5 pounds unloaded, the Desert Eagle feels substantial in the hand. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)
 

Lifting it from its case, I need both hands to hold on and aim it. I will admit that I am not a weightlifter. At 4.5 pounds unloaded, it is over two pounds heavier than my fully loaded Glock 17! I have challenged my friends to hold and shoot this monster and most have some difficulty in just cocking the slide for the first shot. Most semi-auto pistols have one recoil spring. This has two stiff ones that absorb the potent recoil of the .44. The grip feels natural as it fills my hand.  Though a bit ‘nose-heavy’ due to its long barrel, it is steady in aim and allowing for a solid sight picture.

 

Holding it I feel power and anticipation all at once. Power of the .44 Magnum round waiting to be unleashed. Anticipation of the recoil/kick in my hands sends a chill down my back. I think of the many movies in which the Desert Eagle starred. I wonder if I am up to the challenge of shooting one of the most iconic and famous movie guns ever?

 

MY DESERT EAGLE

 

Israeli Desert Eagle IMI Magnum Research .44 mag grandslam ronbo
This vintage Desert Eagle has some beautiful lines and is very well made. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

 

This is an early manufacture used gun from the Collector’s Corner section of our vault. It’s fitted with beautiful wood grips and is striking in appearance due to the polished stainless-steel long barrel and frame. The slide is blued steel, which contrasts well with the grips. The two-stage trigger is crisp when it breaks and very smooth. The magazine is blued-steel and well-made, everything about this gun feels like a quality build when holding it.

 

Israeli Desert Eagle IMI Magnum Research .44 mag grandslam ronbo
The white-outlined rear sight is micro-adjustable while the front sight features a brilliant red insert. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)


Did you know that Desert Eagles are gas operated? This differs from most pistols which are recoil operated. Therefore, it has more in common with semi-auto rifles than any handgun. The bolt resembles that of the AR-15 rifle with locking lugs. Gas is ported from the barrel internally to open the action safely after the bullet has left the barrel.

 

RANGE TIME

 

Israeli Desert Eagle IMI Magnum Research .44 mag grandslam ronbo
Much of the Desert Eagle's recoil is soaked up by it's excellent design and weight. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

 

Anticipation of shooting the Desert Eagle is undeniable! Holding the fully loaded gun makes me tingle. Will I be able to hold onto it? Will it hurt my hand? I need not worry; the gun is well designed.

Targets were set at close distances to test accuracy. The feared recoil was not as bad as expected due to those twin recoil springs. The trigger breaks evenly just before the gun booms. Accuracy out to 40 yards is good hitting soda jugs, cans and steel plates.

 

Israeli Desert Eagle IMI Magnum Research .44 mag grandslam ronbo
The Desert Eagle wsa surprisingly accurate out to 100 yards. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

 

Today I am shooting my handloaded 240 SWC moly-coated bullets with Hodgdon H110 powder. A stiff load is needed to function this action. Jacketed bullets are recommended due to the gas-port system. However, I feel that hard-cast moly or powder-coated bullets can be fired too. They are easier to come by than jacketed bullets. 

I encounter a few failures to fire. Probably due to my reloads. This may be overcome with factory ammunition. Most rounds go off as expected.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Israeli Desert Eagle IMI Magnum Research .44 mag grandslam ronbo philippi

Weight: 4.5 pounds empty
Barrel: 10 inches
Capacity: 8 rounds
Caliber: 44 Mag, .357 Mag, .50 AE
Width: 1.5 inches
Height: 6 inches
Overall length: 14.75 inches
Sight radius: 13 inches
Trigger pull: Two- stage 5.8 pounds 

 

CONCLUSION

 

Israeli Desert Eagle IMI Magnum Research .44 mag grandslam ronboIsraeli Desert Eagle IMI Magnum Research .44 mag grandslam ronbo
Simply put, the Desert Eagle is an awesome gun and certainly deserves consideration. (Photo: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

 

This is not a pistol for everyone.  However, I love it! Even if you are a weightlifter with big hands, the Desert Eagle will challenge you. It is mentally and physically intimidating.  However, its power is tamed for the average shooter with its recoil system and nicely designed grips. Open sights are quick to acquire and accurate. The trigger is smooth and helps with accuracy too. It could be used for target shooting, hunting, or home defense. The Desert Eagle is not ordinary but has that WOW appeal!

revolver barrel loading graphic

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