The story of the Desert Eagle begins in 1979 in Minnesota, when Magnum Research founders Jim Skildum and John Risdall pursued a vision: a self-loading pistol capable of handling powerful revolver calibers. By the mid-1980s, together with Israel Military Industries (IMI), they had developed the gas-operated pistol for Magnum cartridges to market maturity, first in .357 Magnum, later in .44 Magnum and .50 Action Express – a technical tour de force that remains unique in its success to this day.
Unlike conventional pistols, the Desert Eagle uses a gas-operated system with a rotating bolt, which is otherwise only known from rifles such as the AR-15 / M16. Propellant gases are ported out in front of the chamber and channelled under the barrel to a cylinder under the muzzle, which then moves the solid slide back against the resistance of the recoil springs via a piston.
The legend of the Desert Eagle: From revolver calibers to pistol icon – Desert Eagle at Magnum Research
The Desert Eagle 6″ Stainless impresses with its classic stainless steel finish with black accents and the complete Mark XIX equipment including integrated muzzle brake.
But what made the Desert Eagle a true icon were its spectacular appearances on the big screen. Back in 1985, Mickey Rourke was probably the first to wield the gun in Year of the Dragon, followed by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Commando and Dolph Lundgren in The Punisher. Over 600 appearances in films, TV series and video games from Counter-Strike to Tomb Raider made it probably the best-known handgun in pop culture throughout the 80s and 90s and cemented its status as a symbol of ultimate firepower to this day. A pink-coloured Desert Eagle even made it onto the cover of Playboy with Pamela Anderson…
After several stages in their production history, the Desert Eagle pistols are once again manufactured by Magnum Research from Pillager, Minnesota, under the umbrella of the Kahr Arms Group. With the current Mark XIX series and the L5/L6 Lightweight models, Magnum Research now offers a variety of Desert Eagle models with special features. As the authorised general importer for Europe, Ferkinghoff International brings these legendary pistols to this side of the pond. The German company not only offers an extensive range of models, but also comprehensive accessories, interchangeable barrels and spare parts for the powerful gas-operated semi-auto pistol. But now to the specimens of the desert bird that we are talking about.