A Channel Dedicated to the Desert Eagle, one of the most iconic Handguns in history. The only semi automatic short stroke gas operated big bore handgun currently in production. Here you will find content relating to all things Desert Eagle. Particularly focused on providing assistance on how to resolve technical issues and to help teach new and advanced users how the pistol functions and what issues may arise and how to hopefully resolve them.
I go by the name Hotdogger808 on youtube on my other channel and Iceman on the Desert Eagle Forum.
Great video. Unsure how I got here. I had an L5 50AE and I could not get through 100rnds without a piston breakage EXACTLY like this video. After the third replacement I paid a local machinist to make me a custom piston from the strongest forged metal he could. It seemed to work great after that. I believe the DE pistons are cast. Definitely a weak point of the firearm.
I have a 50AE with the Israeli (IWI) barrel. It has functioned flawlessly, even with my handloads. I do avoid cast bullets, as you recommend (the manual states "only jacketed bullets with enclosed base") and have had no problems.
I think it should be called a long stroke piston gun. Piston is part of the carrier. Otherwise, thanks for sharing the locking lugs and gas system info! Rare thing to hear those details.
Great info! Thanks. Question: Would this technically be a long stroke piston because the piston is connected to the bolt and moves the bolt with it just like long stroke rifles? I.e. The AK47 is long stroke because the pistone is connected by a rod to the bolt assembly. The SKS is a short stroke because the piston punches the bolt, but doesn't actually move with the bolt nor is connected to it.
Very good channel. Now when I'm explaining why my ol' Israeli beast is still kicking and my friends are having repeat failures; I simply refer them to your excellent videos. It's far better than learning from the books and forums with *real* referenced data!!!
My D/E L5, shaft on piston broke off within 450 rounds, also the recoil spring plate has some wear. Will replace parts and try a special grease in that area.
I'm supposed to believe this chunk of steel can't handle 454 casull but a Ruger super redhawk with no recoil mitigating action and 6 holes in that cylinder can. I think deagles can handle rifle pressure loads and just no one has been willing to test it.
I dont think so only because Ive run a little bit hot and the first thing to go is the front area of the frame rails right under the gas port twist and it'll break the gas piston and possibly ruin the frame. I had a pretty hot load worked up and didn't realize it was happening until one too many. It broke at the thin part of the gas piston and my frame was ever so slightly twisted. Then I watched a slow motion video I had taken of me shooting (I was recording fireballs) and I could actually see the frame do a weird flex/twisting motion. This was just a bit over a max charge of h110. (Like a grain over.) Its the gas system thats the weak link, the pistols with the bottom picatanny rail may help to avoid the twisting action but anyway im sure those rounds were no where near the typical rifle pressure and they bent a frame after about 100rds. Obviously I had no way to measure pressure myself but I wasn't getting any crazy pressure signs on the brass. I was able to straighten the frame and toned them down a bit and she's been fine. I think the frame would twist bad enough to render the gun inoperable before it would grenade or anything crazy but I highly recommend staying within the known charge weights because like I said I was barely over. I was so happy too, I had a 340 grain bullet moving at 1400fps.
How did the locking pin look? was it deformed? Only put about 100 rounds and the locking pin shoulder is starting to deform but nothing wrong with the piston or the housing so far.
Super helpful. I'll be getting a used mkI soon and was curious about the gas system if I ever needed to clean it. Knew it would be a pain but at least I know it's possible, just gotta find a good gunsmith if need be.
Hello Iceman. Are you the same guy that posted about this on Taptalk? You in Europe? Had this happen to a friend of mine yesterday after barely 500 rounds! Did MRI get back to you? I am trying to source the parts for him, found them in Germany but really expensive... €69 for the piston and €99 for the plate!! Thanks.
Went out and shot mine yesterday and had it fail to feed. Tore it down and find that my piston is broken and slot is just like yours. I have maybe 3 to 400 rounds through it . What did you do to fix the problem. Looks lile a manufacturing flaw to me. I will be contacting Magnum Research to see whats up.
Steve Scowden hi! The same has just happened to a friend of mine, piston failing after 500 rounds. And he shoots reloads which are not hot. Personally I would be disappointed with it. Too much play and wear for a near new gun. Will try and contact MR. Cheers.
I’m having similar issues with my mkxix. The slide seems to lock open with rounds still in the magazine. Did you figure out what was causing your problems?
mine did this once yesterday, mine has less than fifty rounds through it, i also get alot of the no return to home and rounds misfeeding. i bought this IWI 50 cal last year new from a dealer.
