NRA Gun of the Week: Magnum Research Desert Eagle L5 Handgun

by
posted on September 24, 2016
** 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. **

Magnum Research has made the Desert Eagle for the better part of 30 years, but it wasn’t until 2016 that the company released a lightweight version of its behemoth pistol. The Mark XIX L5 is built on an aluminum frame with a steel slide and 5” barrel. This combines to produce a weight just over 3 lbs., compared to its nearly 5 lb. big-bore predecessors. Chambered for .357 Mag., the L5 feeds from a nine-round-capacity detachable box magazine that. To learn a bit more and to see the Desert Eagle in action, check out this week’s NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman's Christopher Olsen.

For more information, visit magnumresearch.com.

Specifications:

Model: Desert Eagle Mark XIX L5
Manufacturer: Magnum Research
Action: single-action, gas-operated, semi-automatic pistol
Caliber: .357 Mag.
Frame: anodized aluminum
Slide: black carbon steel
Grips: Hogue rubber
Barrel: 5”, six-groove, 1:14” RH twist
Sights: black, notch rear; post front
Magazine: detachable box, nine-round capacity
Trigger: 6-lb., 7-oz. pull
Weight: 50 ozs.
MSRP: $1,790

Latest

Staccato P4x Review 1
Staccato P4x Review 1

First Impressions of the Staccato P4X

Down in Texas, Staccato launched a new pistol to celebrate America's 250th anniversary: the P4X. One can hardly blame them considering that the company's entire product line is based on the 1911, arguably the most American of handguns.

A Big Third Circuit Ruling on America’s Rifle

In an appeal of a case the NRA filed in 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit struck down New Jersey’s ban on “assault weapons” and “large capacity” ammunition magazines as unconstitutional.

Top Cop: How an Armed American Saved President Trump’s Life

An NRA Benefactor Member and NRA Certified Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Instructor, Sergeant Aaron Zaliponi likely saved the life of President Trump in Butler, Pa. For these reasons, the NRA has selected him as the 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Review: Rock River Arms A1 Carbine SBR

The Rock River Arms A1 SBR is just plain cool, and there’s little justification needed beyond that for picking up a new gun. It’s a mixture of throwback, retro and nostalgia with a bayonet lug, and you just can’t go wrong there.

The Armed Citizen® July 20, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Plinking Perfect: 5 Must-Haves for Your Next Rimfire Shoot

What better way to celebrate 250 years of freedom than to go out plinking this summer? Here are five great products that will make your next rimfire range trip better than ever before.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.