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Famed TTAC and occasional TTAG writer Jack Baruth loves him some Desert Eagle. His four-star review called the Deagle “the best overall big-bore auto in history.” Copy that. The gas-operated, rotating bolt semiautomatic is a hoot to shoot with terminal ballistics to die for (from?). So we’re looking forward to testing the Deagle’s latest iteration: the Desert Eagle L5. “L” for light. Thanks to cut-outs and an integral muzzle brake system the aluminum-framed pistol weighs 50 ounces (as compared to the steel Deagle’s 71.4 ounces). “5” for a five-inch barrel. Our L5’s arriving in .357 Mag, which isn’t as insane as the .50AE models but plenty punchy. Watch this space.

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27 COMMENTS

  1. That light of a gun shooting a 50 AE will kick like a mule. And who would want to carry a 50 AE for self defense in this country?

      • Yup, one of us Texans would just have to own one, Not saying me, but just sayin’. Now conceal carry, wow, that conjure up all kinds of add on goodies, but no training wheels. All fun, all Fun!! Own me some guns!

    • The .50AE version (L6) weighs 5 more ounces…not much of an improvement in weight, but it’s something I guess. There are some people out there who shoot scandium .44 Magnums, too. I’m guessing this is marketed towards those type of people. I doubt most people actively hunting big game with a handgun would want something jumpy like this.

  2. For close to the same money i will take my Coonan .357 magnum all day long. Not knocking IWI at all just have shot both and prefer the Coonan.

    • Kahr makes most of the deagles in Minnesota, and only imports some from IWI, since the ’90s.

  3. Rather than a magazine, I wish we could just get it belt fed. Like linked 50AE hanging down out of the magazine well. Maybe about two feet worth hanging out of there would be perfect.

  4. Don’t care for the .50 cal. But the DE .44 mag is by FAR the most comfortable way to shoot .44 mag.,which is all I can conceive I’d need in a hand gun.

  5. I like the looks of the Brno 7.5 better. I am rather hoping that that comes to market.

  6. The 44mag DE I had for a very short amount of time was the worst shooting, worst handling, worst trigger handgun I ever shot. The “new” L5 with ports/comp in .357? How about an IPSC/USPSA race gun in 38super instead? Been there and done that about 25 years ago.

  7. 50oz for a 357 semi sounds like it would be relatively tame and fun. I’d rent one for sure. Not sure I’d buy one.

    • My S&W K-Frame 357 is only 36 ounces, and it handles full tilt magnums just fine. The Deagle’s semi auto auction and weight will made it feel like a 9mm if I had to wager.

  8. IANAL, but since it has a barrel shroud, and only weighs 50oz, it’s no longer an “assault weapon” under NY state law. Correct?

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