When was the Desert Eagle Made?
The Desert Eagle is a semi-automatic pistol designed by Israel’s IMI (Israel Military Industries) and manufactured by various companies, including Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. The Desert Eagle is a popular choice among handgun enthusiasts and collectors, known for its distinctive design and capabilities. But when was it first made?
A Brief History of the Desert Eagle
The Desert Eagle was first designed in the 1970s by Dr. Uziel Gal, a renowned Israeli firearms designer and engineer. Gal, a veteran of the Israeli Army, was tasked with developing a new pistol for the Israeli military. He was inspired by the design of the German Mauser HSc pistol and set out to create a unique weapon that would combine the power of a rifle with the accuracy and portability of a handgun.
Prototype and Development
Gal spent several years developing the initial prototype, which was designated as the "IMI Desert Eagle Mark I". The Mark I was tested by the Israeli military in the early 1980s, but it didn’t meet the required specifications. Gal continued to refine the design, and the Mark II was introduced in 1983. This version featured a larger, more powerful cartridge and significant design improvements.
Marketing and Production
The Desert Eagle Mark VII was released in 1985 and became an instant hit on the civilian market. IMI partnered with several international companies to manufacture and market the Desert Eagle, including the United States-based Hi-Standard Manufacturing Company. In 1998, Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. acquired the rights to manufacture and distribute the Desert Eagle.
Current Production and Variants
Today, the Desert Eagle is manufactured by Barrett and other companies, including Saco Defense and Israel Weapons Industries (IWI). The Desert Eagle is offered in various calibers, including.50 Action Express,.44 Magnum, and.357 Magnum. There are also several variants, including the Mark XIX, MK10, and DE76.
Key Features and Specifications
Here are some key features and specifications of the Desert Eagle:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .50 Action Express,.44 Magnum,.357 Magnum |
| Barrel Length | 6 inches (152 mm) |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 or 9 rounds |
| Weight | 64.5 ounces (1,820 grams) |
| Length | 13 inches (330 mm) |
| Height | 5.5 inches (140 mm) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,300 fps (400 m/s) (50 AE), 1,100 fps (335 m/s) (.44 Magnum) |
| Effective Range | Up to 50 yards (45.7 meters) |
Conclusion
The Desert Eagle has a rich history dating back to the 1970s. From its humble beginnings as a military prototype to its current status as a popular civilian pistol, the Desert Eagle has undergone significant design improvements and variations. With its distinctive design, powerful cartridges, and impressive specifications, it’s no wonder the Desert Eagle has become a cult classic among handgun enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a collector, the Desert Eagle is sure to impress.
Timelines
- 1970s: Dr. Uziel Gal designs the initial prototype of the Desert Eagle
- 1980s: IMI develops and tests the Desert Eagle Mark I and Mark II
- 1985: The Desert Eagle Mark VII is released
- 1998: Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. acquires the rights to manufacture and distribute the Desert Eagle
- 2000s: Saco Defense and Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) begin manufacturing the Desert Eagle
References
- Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. (2022). Desert Eagle Mark XIX. Retrieved from https://www.barrett.net/products/desert-eagle-mark-xix
- IMI (2019). Desert Eagle: A History. Retrieved from https://www.imi.co.il/en/the-desert-eagle/
- Wikipedia (2022). Desert Eagle. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_Eagle
