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Magnum Research Desert Eagle Mark XIX .50 AE
.50 AE • Magnum Research

Magnum Research Desert Eagle Mark XIX .50 AE

Model: DE50

7
CAPACITY
6.0"
BARREL
4.5
LBS
Gas-operated, rotating bolt semi-automatic
ACTION
.50 AE
CALIBER
$1,917
MSRP

Full Specifications

Series Mark XIX
Action Type Gas-operated, rotating bolt semi-automatic
Trigger Single action
Trigger Pull 4.0 lbs
Safety Ambidextrous slide-mounted manual safety
Optic Ready No
Overall Length 10.75"
Barrel Length 6.0"
Height 6.25"
Width 1.25"
Weight 72.0 oz (4.5 lbs)
Frame Material Carbon steel
Frame Finish Black oxide
Slide Material Carbon steel
Slide Finish Black oxide
Barrel Material Carbon steel
Twist Rate 1:19 in right-hand, polygonal, 6 lands and grooves
Grip Type Black rubber wraparound
Country of Origin United States

About This Firearm

The Desert Eagle Mark XIX in .50 AE is a gas-operated semi-automatic with a rotating bolt, a 6.0" barrel and a magazine that holds seven rounds. It lists at $1,917. Most buyers want the big-bore semi-auto experience at the range, and some want to hunt with it. The decision is whether that is worth the money and the weight compared with a big-bore revolver or a practical 10mm.

The gas system and rotating bolt work like a rifle's, which is how a pistol handles a cartridge this large, and the fixed barrel carries a Picatinny-style optics rail. The Smith & Wesson Model 500 fires the more powerful .500 S&W Magnum and costs $218 less. The Glock G40 Gen4 MOS in 10mm holds more than twice as many rounds, which makes it the practical choice for carrying a semi-auto in the woods.

Buy the Desert Eagle if you want the .50 AE semi-auto for range days and collecting, and you want a rail for an optic. Skip it if you plan to hunt large game with a handgun: the Model 500 hits harder for less money, and the G40 carries far easier.

Best For

GOOD
Range/Target
The long sight radius and fixed barrel help it shoot well for its size.
GOOD
Collecting
Magnum Research points to its long run in films, television and video games. The Mark XIX is the current form of that design.
FAIR
Hunting/Woods Carry
.50 AE works on deer at modest range, and the barrel rail takes a scope or red dot on single-slot mounts. Weight and bulk make it a poor carry gun on a long hunt.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths
  • The Picatinny-style rail on top of the barrel takes an optic with no gunsmithing, because the sight rides on the barrel rather than the moving slide.
  • Magnum Research sells .429 DE Mark XIX barrels that use the .50 AE magazine and bolt, so one frame can shoot a second cartridge with a barrel swap.
  • The ambidextrous safety works the same for left- and right-handed shooters.
Limitations
  • At 10.75" long it is too big and heavy for most holsters meant for carry.
  • The gas system wants full-power ammunition and a locked wrist. Limp-wristing and light loads are a known cause of stoppages on this design.
  • The carbon steel needs more care against rust than the stainless Model 500.

Where to Buy

No prices available at this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert a .50 AE Desert Eagle to another caliber?

Yes, to .429 DE. Magnum Research states that its .429 DE Mark XIX barrels use the .50 AE magazine and bolt, so the conversion is a barrel swap. Magnum Research also sells the Mark XIX in .44 Magnum and .357 Magnum as complete pistols.

Can I mount a red dot or scope?

Yes. The top rail is a Picatinny-style optics rail on the barrel, and it takes single-slot mounts only, since dual-slot mounts do not fit the slot spacing. A true Picatinny rail under the frame takes a light or laser.

Is the Desert Eagle made in the USA?

Yes. Magnum Research says its Mark XIX pistols are manufactured in the US, and this DE50 lists the United States as its country of origin.