Desert Eagle

[phil]

I don't know why (probably because of "Snatch") but I have always wanted a Desert Eagle. Only, not in .50, I want one in 44mag. I've heard 44mag is a great side-arm to carry in bear country, or while hog hunting. That's why the caliber choice. I really like semi-auto handguns, and since DE is the only semi-auto 44mag available, I figured this was another good reason to own one.

I know a lot of people complain about the size of the gun, my hands are a lot more like gorilla paws than hands, so I'm not worried about that.

So, what do you think? Any owners (happy or otherwise)? any other suggestions?

[avagadro]

Not a DE owner, but do fancy havin' one as a converstion piece/shooter someday.  But for carry as bear medicine .... no thanks.  Whilst you may have ape mitts, carrying that pig around all day would not be a pleasure.  By all means, get the DE ... then get a good RELIABLE revolver of your choice to carry your bear pills.

Others to consider, 454Casull, 480Ruger, 45Colt (in a sturdy Ruger frame) or a FA framed variant in all.

[489cid]

I've owned a mk I desert eagle in .44mag for years and I always take it along when I'm hunting.  I use it as my backup rifle.  I've taken a few mulies with it and find it very comfortable to fire.  The drawbacks are of course size and weight there is no getting arouund the fact that the gun is a pig.  The other drawback to the pistol is that it is very sensitive to ammo quality but there is a recomended list of ammo and if you stick to it you should be fine.

[Dennis]

I had one for about a year.  Never had a problem with my handloads.  It was fun to shoot as recoil was less than my S&W Model 29.  Trigger needed work.  I finally traded it in for a Model 629 stailess lugged barrel.  Now I wish I kept it.  It is on big and heavy side, but it sure is fun to shoot.

[IH1566]

my oldest son just got his pistol permit and he is getting a 50 ae has anyone had any involvment with this cal

[huntwriter]

It depends on what kind of "bear country" you're talking about. With brownies/grizzlies, I wouldn't put my faith in a handgun. With an enraged grizzly (is there any other kind?) you're likely to have a better outcome using high-quality bear spray than a handgun, assuming you're talking about a personal defense situation versus a hunting situation. There's a reason old-timers in Canada/Alaska ask would-be handgun grizzly slayers if they filed off the front sights of their .44 mags. The punch line: "so it won't hurt so much when the bear takes it and shoves it up you @ss." The .44 mag isn't even a sure bet on pigs. I've taken several with a .44 mag, but only after learning the hard way that certain bullet placements are a bad idea. On one memorable occasion, I shot a big hog right between the eyes -- twice -- and succeeded only in making it madder each time. It took some fancy dodging and a third shot behind the ear just to knock it down. So... with grizzlies/brownies, my vote goes to a 12 gauge with slugs, at minimum. I'd feel comfortable with a 44 mag in black bear country, but only if it's loaded with proper bullets.