Full disclosure: This is actually my second one, I had a newer production Mark XIX in 44 magnum a few years ago that I traded for a CZ Shadow 2. Turns out though that the CZ, while being a spectacular firearm that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone, wasn't nearly as fun to take to the range as the Desert Eagle was, so I've been on the search for another one.

Yesterday, my search ended with the procurement of a Mark VII model also in 44 magnum. This one even came with a holster that makes carrying this beast on the waistband tucked under a sweatshirt or sweater pretty practical. To me, it almost carries more comfortably than my EDC Sig P226 Stainless does despite being much larger and heavier.

What I'm wondering though is if there's a way to tell it's age. I know the MK VII version was made from 1990 to at least until 1995 when the MK XIX debuted with the 50AE chambering. Did they keep making the MK VII in tandem past that point? I'm assuming no, but could be wrong. Definitively though, as an IMI-built gun, it definitely seems to place manufacture at between 1990 and 1995 before Saco Defense stepped in for a few years.

Also wondering,from what I've read online, the MK VII model has an adjustable 2 stage trigger, yet there's no apparent adjustment screw from what I see, nor can I find any info on how to adjust it. Really it's fine the way it is, just a curious thing mentioned in practically every description of the model that's not readily apparent.

Thoughts?

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I sent and email with my desert eagles serial number to magnum research asking for date of manufacture and they emailed back next day with month and year.

They do bring a smile to my face, that's for sure. I've bid on a few .357 caliber Desert Eagles over the years but somebody with more money and "gotta have it" always appears.

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Release the Kraken

That's because for as kinda impractical as they are, they are wonderful guns to shoot. I feel that on some level they are worth the money. In all honesty, I dont enjoy shooting 44 magnum from revolvers half as much as I enjoy shooting it from a Desert Eagle.

I will say though, from what I've been told the 357 Desert Eagles, or at least the older ones, were a bit finicky ammo-wise. A friend of mine had one a while back and he had said it went back to Magnum Research at least once for cycling issues. Eventually, he traded for a 44 magnum one and was much happier.

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I've had two of them, but were fun but the finances at the time meant that they couldn't stay. I enjoyed them but wasn't deeply in love with them, I don't feel like I need to chase one down. The cartoonish size and look of them was never my favorite but shooting them was a LOT of fun. I had the .44 Magnum and the .50 AE.

I never had problems with feed, ejection or function of any sort, but I also ran the .44 Magnum the way it's reputation told me to -- full spec handloads and nothing less whatsoever. The .50 AE I only ever blasted with some factory ammo, didn't have it long.

For whatever anyone thinks of a Desert Eagle, these are quality handguns and they are accurate. If you aren't aware (I'm sure that you are!) you have to stay away from cast lead entirely or you'll wreck the gas port.

I am aware, not only that, but the MK VII and later I believe all have Polygonal rifling, so you shouldn't use lead bullets in it anyway die to leading.

I am curious though: I thoroughly cleaned the gun up last night, and looking down the bore I dont see any spot where gas could escape into gas system. Where is it located typically?

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It's definitely a gas-op design. It's been a handful of years since I had mine and had them apart. I remember that it is either difficult or nearly impossible to see looking down the bore from either end, however when you have the barrel off the frame, you can see the small port on the chamber end where the bolt logs lock in place. It is smallish but easy to see.

I've heard of other folks' that have had to get the manufacturer's help to get in there, sometimes even they can't do it. Always ends with either a medium sized bill or a bill for a replacement barrel.

Nice buy congratulations.

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Life is short,live it fully.

Big bore + big bang = big fun

Congratulations.

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

I had the first 50AE in Columbus. Ammo runs 300, 325, 350, and 365 grains. The heavier the more accurate! The heavier the more each shot torques your arm as the bullet engages the polygonal riffling. Noise and recoil are manageable. despite the rammers of ripped off arms and broken ear drums!

It took 22 years for the used value the reach what I paid, that's when I converted it into something else. I had 500 rounds of sealed factory ammo. That I made fair money on. I have reloaded about 500 rounds for it nothing special or hard about it.

Ivan

I have a .44 Mk I (IMI-made) that I purchased new many moons ago. My oldest grew up shooting it and of course wants his own. It's always been a finicky feeder, but fun to shoot. I imagine newer ones are more reliable.

I've kicked around getting a stainless one in 50AE but there's always been something else to get.

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SWCA #3356, SWHF#611