How Many Rounds Does a Desert Eagle Hold? | Power and Chamber Capacity Explained

If you enjoy shooting large-caliber weapons, you've probably tried the Desert Eagle, a famous large-caliber pistol. If not, it's time to visit a gun range and test it to see if you like it.

Surprisingly, the Desert Eagle is one of the most powerful handguns in existence. A weapon that shoots a massive 50 cal bullet is no laughing matter. It is a caliber handgun that can kill with one shot from a great distance.

How many rounds does a Desert Eagle hold, though? Does it live up to the hype, or does it bite back more often than it barks? And why, despite being one of the most powerful handguns in the world, did it fail? This piece includes all the answers.

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Does a Desert Eagle Shoot 50 Cal Bullets?

How many rounds does a Desert Eagle hold? Before we head there, let's first comprehend the firearm and 50 cal bullet. Does it fire a 50 cal shot, then?

Simple response: unquestionably yes.

Desert eagle gun on a white background cartooned


Due to its capacity to chamber the 50 Action Express, the largest centerfire for a self-loading pistol, the semi-automatic weapon commands respect. Some assault rifles are unable to fire a 50-caliber bullet. However, the Desert Eagle can.

Although the model is no longer manufactured, the Desert Eagle Mark 1 and older models of the Mark VII are still available and only fire 357 Magnum and.44 Magnum bullets. The Desert Eagle Mark XIX, whose designers added an adjustable trigger function, increased the gun's potency. As a result, the model is offered in renowned .50 Action Express, 44 Magnum, 357 Magnum, and 429 DE calibers.

Are you curious about what enables Desert Eagles to fire potent ammunition like rifles? Here is the answer. The Desert Eagle uses a gas-operated system often used in assault rifles instead of semi-automatic pistols that use blowback design or recoil.

Compared to traditional semi-automatic designs, it can shoot more potent cartridges thanks to the mechanism.

Man holding a desert eagle up close

When the trigger of a Desert Eagle is pulled, hot gunpowder gases are diverted from the barrel and driven by the gas system into the firing chamber of a fresh bullet. Diverting gases soften recoil, one of the powerful Desert Eagle's rifle traits that eliminate significant range safety concerns.

A typical 50 cal bullet weighs between 550 and 1000 grains and has dimensions of 0.510 inches in diameter by 2.27 inches. The proportions, however, change depending on the type of bullet. In addition, because of the bullet's strength, targets resistant to bullets can be penetrated.

How Many Rounds Does a Baby Desert Eagle Hold?

The Baby Desert Eagle pistol features a 4.52-inch barrel and a magazine capacity of 10, 12, or 15.

The gun features the most reliable mechanism in the industry. In addition, extensive features such as a smooth trigger pull, grooved match barrel, fully interchangeable magazines, and a reversible magazine catch back up the claim.

 Baby Desert Eagle

It's interesting to note that the importer (Magnum Research) and name (Desert Eagle) are the only things that are the same between the Desert Eagle and the Baby Desert Eagle. 

The CZ 75 handgun family has been modified to create the gas-actuated pistol. The baby Desert Eagle has all the essential characteristics of the original CZ 75, except that it is not intended for 10mm caliber and cannot carry, cock, or lock.

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What Rounds Do Desert Eagles Shoot?

The 50 Action Express, 44 Magnum, and Magnum 357 are the most popular calibers for the Desert Eagle, though they can accommodate other cartridges.

The removable stick magazine for the 357 Magnum holds nine bullets. The 50 AE has 7 rounds, whereas the 44 Magnum has 8. Regardless of the ammunition, you select, the handgun is incredibly huge and weighs more than 5 pounds when empty.

However, installing the proper magazine, barrel, and bolt is necessary to change to a new chambering.

Large rounds are not the only characteristics of the Desert Eagle rifle that have made it well-known. However, from its viewpoint, Magnum Research has done an outstanding job. 

The large caliber handgun features stunning distinctive finishes, with the gold tiger stripes at the top of the list. Other variations of the pistol include a gray finish and black accents, which enhance its appealing appearance.

Why Was the Desert Eagle a Failure?

A brief history of the Desert Eagle shows that Magnum Research initially created it and then improved upon by Israel Military Industries in 1985. The gas-operated handgun quickly made a name for itself.

Before its invention, revolvers were the only weapon available to gun enthusiasts who desired a 44 Magnum or 357 Magnum. Because they are mechanically stronger, revolvers can endure the pressure from such potent ammunition.

Additionally, the producers utilized a gas piston system from the Ruger Mini-14 semi-automatic rifle instead of the conventional blowback system. But despite the Desert Eagle's barrel features and its ability to fire heavy caliber cartridges, the semi-automatic handgun was a complete flop because of several reasons;
Desert eagle with bullets cartooned

The moment it took off, the Desert Eagle altered the perception. The high-caliber handgun had multiple features that gave it the necessary push to accommodate high chamber pressures. For example, its bolt face was created using technology from the potent M16 and AR15 rifles. 

Its Too Powerful

The blowback system of the handgun, which diverts some gunpowder gas to cycle the weapon, causes it to discharge too much energy. Because a gas piston system is used, the gun may also function as a revolver, pistol, and rifle. 

These characteristics made the Desert Eagle far too powerful for the police or law enforcement, the reason they never adopted it. It also created some fear among users because the excessively powerful force it produces when fired is strong enough to shatter your wrist or smash your face.

Unpractical

Some gun enthusiasts believe that large caliber handguns are only viable for display in gun ranges. They think it makes no sense to purchase a 50 caliber projectile with a 44 mag (unless when dealing with a large and aggressive animal) for self-defense or hunting. But Desert Eagles are frequently seen in movies, video games, and television.

A man holding a Desert Eagle

Inability to Shoot Fast

The Desert Eagle is large, has a damage output, and a not-so-good recoil that requires a lot of control, especially after the third rapid shot. Besides, the gun is not suitable when performing a run-and-shoot tactic. To aim and shoot accurately, you ought to be in a still position that does not make sense, especially when dealing with an enemy or hunting.

Expensive

The Desert Eagle is very expensive, and the handgun's ammo, particularly 50 AE, is likewise costly. To cover the cost of production, these cartridges are made in tiny quantities at a premium cost. The big caliber cartridge's cost is increased because it requires additional components like smokeless powder, brass, and lead. The weapon is ultimately not worth the price, even when used for self-defense.

Noisy

The bullet exits the handgun's barrel with a roar. Some people find the noises excessive, especially when trying to hide from an opponent or player, because it immediately reveals their locations. As a result, the Glock 19 and 43 and other semi-automatic pistols are frequently used instead of the Desert Eagle.

Does Desert Eagle Have a Recoil?

Technically, spin-stabilized projectile-firing rifled barrel guns are the only types of recoilless weapons. Recoils are the kickbacks that a shooter feels as the bullet leaves the gun. A gun that fires a shot forward also releases a shot in the opposing direction with equal force. 

Vector drawing of an desert eagle


One of the strongest kickbacks belongs to the Desert Eagle. Unfortunately, most shooters are violently knocked off balance, especially when using the powerful handgun for the first time.

Fortunately, the Desert Eagle has two strategies for lessening kickbacks. One, the heavy weight of the gun cancels out the recoil. In other words, the heavier the weapon, the weaker the kickbacks. Second, the weapon uses a gas piston mechanism to accommodate the enormous pressures a bullet is discharged, lowering kickbacks.

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