Desert Eagle .50 AE: The Semi-Automatic .50-Cal. Handgun

by
posted on September 8, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Desert Eagle

When the Desert Eagle .50 AE made its appearance in the hands of bad guy Agent Smith as he chased Neo (Keanu Reeves) in 1999’s movie The Matrix, it permanently cemented the big-bore semi-auto into science fiction lore. The pistol was already a familiar one to enthusiasts, though, and it’s big-bore charm in various chamberings was already a silver-screen favorite. Its first appearances were in 1985, with roles in Commando, Year of the Dragon and—believe it or not—Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment. The unusual handgun went on to play in RoboCop, The Punisher, La Femme Nikita, Austin Powers and dozens more.

The innovative design and real-life performance of the Desert Eagle.50 AE is every bit as impressive as its movie credits, though. The first patents for the gas-operated semi-automatic were granted in 1983 and further improvements were registered two years later.

The piston-driven self-loader uses a three-lug rotating bolt, similar to those found in many of today’s semi-automatic rifles. The stainless steel barrel is fixed and doesn’t move during cycling. It’s chambered in .50 AE and magazine capacity is seven cartridges. All come with a recoil-taming, integral muzzle brake.

Pillager, MN-based Magnum Research, which is has been part of Kahr Firearms Group since 2010, produces the guns here in the United States. Flat-black versions are the least expensive in the current lineup with an MSRP of $1,900. They come with a 5-inch barrel and 1:19-inch rifling. Sights are fixed, overall length is 9.69 inches and it weighs 3 pounds, 0.6 ounce.

The frame is aluminum and the slide, which features a rail for optic mounting, is constructed from steel. Trigger pull on the single action comes in at four pounds and the manual safety is ambidextrous.

Models wearing stainless steel slides are among the most popular, though. Barrel length increases to 6 inches, and weight goes up to 3 pounds, 7 ounces. Rifling rate stays the same and MSRP for versions with a black aluminum frame come in at $2,255.

As for accuracy and performance, testing and a full review by American Rifleman found the “…single best group was fired with MRI’s 300-gr. JHP and it measured just 0.95". Average group size for the three loads tested is just about 1½", and I think that’s pretty darned good for a production pistol chambered for the teeth-rattling .50 AE cartridge. Reliability throughout my testing was flawless—there were no stoppages of any kind.”

The company offers a variety of versions, with different features and color patterns today, including one with a gold finish reminiscent of that Austin Powers appearance. There are even different chamberings available for those a little timid about giving .50 AE a ride.  

Latest

smith and wesson mp 22 right-side view on table indoor shooting range
smith and wesson mp 22 right-side view on table indoor shooting range

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Magnum

One of Smith & Wesson's recent additions to its M&P handgun line is the M&P 22 Magnum, and there's a lot more going on in this gun, technologically, than it appears at first glance.

New For 2025: Beretta BRX1 Ranch

Beretta has expanded its BRX1 straight-pull action into a "ranch rifle" configuration, providing a handy, lightweight platform that still includes some of the groundbreaking features of the original BRX1 rifle.

Ruger Buys Anderson Manufacturing

Ruger announced on July 1 it has acquired all assets of Anderson Manufacturing, a recent top 10 producer of firearms in the U.S.

Favorite Firearms: Anticipating Answers

Everyone has a favorite gun, but not many have a story quite like the one from NRA member Jim Schollhammer.

Rifleman Report: Safe Passage

While the phrase “tools of the trade” may refer to specific items that a worker uses to ply his or her vocation, it could just as easily be a reference to the firearms, knives and other everyday carry, or EDC, gear that the average citizen uses to ensure his or her safe passage through the course of an uncertain, sometimes dangerous, daily existence.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model 1914 Auto Pistol

The Spanish/Basque city of Eibar is one of Europe’s great arms-manufacturing centers, with a history in gunmaking dating back to the 1500s.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.