Desert Eagle Magnum Research air pistol from Umarex: Desert Eagle in 4.5 mm

One of the most well-known pistols to the average person is the Desert Eagle manufactured by Magnum Research. Even without knowing the name, many are familiar with its contours, which alone speak of its excess power. The combat model is produced for a variety of cartridges, the largest of which are 50 caliber - 12.7 mm.

When designing a scheme for pneumatic versions of a pistol, manufacturers took two paths - producing powerful pneumatics, like the original, and a regular pistol, which did not differ in its performance characteristics from other models. Together, these two pistols can meet the requirements of a wide range of users.

Combat analogue

For further visual comparison, we suggest taking a look at the photo of the combat Desert Eagle.

The prototype of the pistol was designed at Magnum Research, and in 1981 it was sent for modification and mass production to Israel Military Industries (IMI). This model appeared on store shelves already in 1982. Its solid dimensions and original appearance made it the guest of honor in many famous films and games, giving the IMI model worldwide fame.

Desert Eagle Baby - device and appearance

Appearance of the Desert Eagle Baby air pistol

This sample, like the previous model from Umarex, follows the contours of the original pistol, but is less similar to it. In fact, the pistol is a budget variation of the pneumatic Desert Needle, which can be purchased for a significantly lower price. The model is perfect for shooting training that requires continuous practice.

The design of the model differs from the layout and operating principle of classic gas-cylinder pneumatics - the impact on the valve of the chamber with compressed CO2 is carried out by using a movable barrel. This further seals the structure and minimizes carbon dioxide losses. Shooting is carried out with steel balls, which are placed in a tubular magazine above the barrel.

Despite the original loading system, its maximum capacity is 15 balls. This is not so little, although those who like intense shooting may not like frequent reloading.

A short video review of the Desert Eagle Baby model is on video:

Preparing to shoot

Bringing the pistol into readiness is carried out in the following way:

• the cheeks of the handle move back;
• a cylinder is placed in the resulting niche, which is screwed until it stops with a screw at the bottom;
• the magazine feed piston is pulled back, and the balls are poured through a hole specially designed for this;
• the push-button safety moves to the left side of the body, after which you can begin to fire.

Gun maintenance

Disassembled Desert Eagle Baby

The model is made in an “economy” version, with a minimum of functionality for maintaining the structure. The user manual does not provide for disassembling the gun, and it is recommended to carry out cleaning and lubrication with special oil from an aerosol can.

A large number of plastic parts leads to the fact that chips, cracks and other defects resulting from impacts are practically irreparable.

However, the quality of the plastic is quite high and it will not be easy to damage it. To avoid the need to completely disassemble the gun, try to keep it away from contamination and not drop it on the ground.

Advantages of the model

1. a large number of shots from one cylinder (up to 120);
2. light weight;
3. high ball flight speed;
4. reliable design;
5. the presence of two strips for installing the body kit.

Disadvantages of the pistol

1. the tubular magazine takes quite a long time to fill, compared to changing the magazine in the handle;
2. lack of surroundings due to very low mass;
3. inability to fire with pre-cocking, which slightly impairs accuracy;
4. There is no provision for more detailed independent maintenance of the pistol.

TTX

Key features of Desert Eagle air pistols

• Exact resemblance to the combat version;
• Using a gas cylinder to fire a shot;
• Muzzle energy - 3 joules;
• There is no need to obtain a special license;
• Firing in single and semi-automatic mode;
• Single and double action trigger;
• Non-automatic safety catch of the flag type;
• Availability of Weaver type bracket for installation of additional equipment;
• The projectile speed reaches 140 meters per second.

But what really?

The silhouette of the pistol is similar to the original comrade, but it is still clearly an inaccurate copy. The frame and bolt are made of plastic, the one-piece handle is made without pads. The gun itself is still oversized.

The pistol has a double-action trigger mechanism. Shooting can be carried out both with the usual self-cocking and with a pre-cocked hammer. In addition, a BlowBack scheme with a moving shutter is implemented here, so that after the first shot, all subsequent shots are already cocked.

The function of protection against accidental shooting here is played by a double-sided fuse, corresponding to the original prototype. Among the non-functional elements that are purely for prop purposes, we can highlight the shutter lock on the right side and the magazine eject button.

Shifting the bolt stop lever brings the spring-loaded receiver forward, where a place for installing a drum-clip opens up. The drum itself is designed for 8 Diablo-type bullets, the barrel, of course, is rifled. The use of a drum at the base cut into the implementation of a functioning slide stop.

The cylinder is located inside the handle. To install it, the clamping screw is unscrewed using the supplied screw, then the cylinder is thrown in and everything is fixed.

The Desert Eagle air pistol has an open, adjustable sight. In addition, there are two additional Picatinny rails for different body kits: a rail on top and a complete one for installation on the bottom.

The firing speed for a pistol with a blowback at an altitude is under 140 m/s. The use of a rifled barrel and classic bullets provide unrivaled accuracy among gas cartridges. But for some reason there was a huge consumption: 1 cylinder for about 35 shots.

Desert Eagle Magnum Research – device and appearance

Appearance of the Desert Eagle Magnum Research air pistol

Despite the external plastic coating (the original Desert Eagle is made of metal), the pneumatic model has significant weight and looks very impressive. The plastic of the handle and bolt frame is of quite high quality and can withstand significant loads. When the gun is in the hand, the tactile sensation is pleasant and is not spoiled by slight slipping in hot weather.

A special feature of the model is the use of solid plastic blocks, from which even the cheeks of the handle cannot be separated. The absence of a metal backing under the sight forces you to be especially careful when adjusting it.

A too deep rear sight locking screw can damage the plastic surface of the bolt and the safety guard underneath.

The design of the pistol uses a “blowback” system, which ensures that the bolt frame moves backward after a shot and cocks the hammer. This allows for faster and more accurate fire. When shooting by self-cocking, the length of the free play of the trigger is about 2 cm, negatively affecting shooting accuracy.

You can get acquainted with the appearance of the model and the practical aspects of its use in the video:

The pistol is distinguished by high accuracy and firing power. The price for the high bullet speed and built-in “blowback” is the rapid consumption of gas from a standard 12-gram cylinder. User reviews indicate the low effectiveness of the pistol after firing the fourth cylinder (30-35 shots), since the next bullets begin to fall close to the muzzle.

Preparing to shoot

You can bring the gun into working position by the following manipulations:

• Use the supplied key-screwdriver to unscrew the locking screw at the bottom of the handle;
• a balloon is placed inside the formed hole, the puncture of which is carried out by tightening the screw back;
• the bolt stop simulator lever is pressed down, after which the front of the pistol moves forward, opening access to the drum. Its loading is carried out in a removed form. A spare drum is not included but can easily be purchased separately.

After completing all the manipulations and turning off the safety, the gun is ready for use. When choosing a direction for shooting, you should take into account the high power of the model. Bullets fired from it can be dangerous at a distance of up to 200 m.

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The principle of disassembly and assembly, repair and maintenance

The manufacturer does not recommend completely disassembling the pistol yourself. Like most foreign pneumatic models, Desert Eagle from Umarex is designed for long-term use with minimal maintenance (with careful handling). If necessary, the structure can be partially disassembled quite quickly.

First, a small screw holding the barrel structure is unscrewed under the muzzle of the barrel. After this, the entire block is removed by pushing it forward, providing free access to cleaning the barrel and the outside of the trigger mechanism (trigger mechanism). You can clean the latter with a dry toothbrush slightly moistened with gun oil.

Further disassembly is a multi-hour task not intended for unprepared people.

During routine maintenance, do not forget to use special pneumatic oil, which does not have a destructive effect on rubber seals.

Initially, the pistol’s good design features provide little opportunity for an upgrade, and forced repairs almost always require replacing the broken part with a new one. Since correct diagnosis of the problem and its elimination is a non-trivial task for this model, it is better to trust the specialists of the weapons workshops. The high price of the model forces you to handle it more carefully.

Advantages of a pistol

1. realistically working blowback system;
2. very high shooting accuracy;
3. high bullet speed;
4. the ability to fire lead bullets;
5. two seats for sighting devices;
6. double-sided fuse.

Disadvantages of the model

1. the plastic case slightly degrades the surroundings;
2. the low contrast of the rear sight and front sight relative to each other reduces the effectiveness of aiming in low light;
3. absence of a second drum in the kit;
4. absence of a bolt lag to expend bullets in the drum;
5. complexity of design and self-disassembly.