Baby desert eagle opinions please

Okie47 · March 3, 2013, 02:02 AM

I have an opportunity to buy a BDE, 40.cal. full-size, polymer frame, very good condition. The guy wants 525.00 firm, 2 mags, box, etc.. I haven't fired it but it has really nice ergonomics for me. I've seen several videos on the Jericho and nothing negative. They seem fairly rare in the lgs, forums, etc. How would you compare it to a Glock or ? MSRP is 616.00 but, one video says you can buy them all day for 459.00??? I'm more concerned with is it a good, reliable gun? Any experience greatly appreciated.

6.8 · March 3, 2013, 02:09 PM

I owned a Jericho for years. Very Solid gun fWIW I think the all steel guns have more value. 9mm gets you 16 rounds 40 is 12 rds I believe. Mags can be a problem. If they are not mec-gar I would not buy the gun. Good luck

Okie47 · March 3, 2013, 02:26 PM

Almost 300 views, 1 response...seriously, am I doing something wrong here? They can't be that rare.

Okie47 · March 3, 2013, 02:33 PM

6.8 I just called the guy and he says they are the mags that came in the box, all they say is .40 Cal and there's a logo.. a T in a triangle. Are you saying the mags are the problem? I appreciate your help.

UtahHunting · March 3, 2013, 06:41 PM

I owned one in 9mm a few years back. Great gun, never missed a beat. It is one of those guns I regret selling. I was looking at them today at the gunshow and the guy wanted $619 for the new ones. Had it been in the $500 range I would have bought another I liked the gun so much.

MLeake · March 3, 2013, 06:49 PM

The Baby Eagle is based on the CZ75 design internally, is it not?

UtahHunting · March 3, 2013, 07:46 PM

You are correct MLeake, the baby eagle is based on the CZ75. They are very similar guns with the exception being the baby eagle has the safety mounted on the slide.

Okie47 · March 3, 2013, 08:16 PM

so..what about opinions?? Does it sound like a fair deal?

NJgunowner · March 3, 2013, 08:23 PM

3 months ago you could have bought a new one around $500, with the current crap going on couldn't tell you. I personally wouldn't pay more than $450 for a used steel one, wouldn't buy a polymer one. Been there done that, regretted it.

I had a polymer jerico in .40 a few years ago. Good trigger, comfortable grip, but they used to have an issue with the pin that holds/releases the magazine wearing prematurely on the polymer models. Don't know if they fixed it yet.

UtahHunting · March 3, 2013, 08:54 PM

I think if you like the gun it sounds fair to me with today's pricing. You are getting an extra magazine as well and those are not cheap right now.

chris in va · March 3, 2013, 08:56 PM

Eh, I'd pass. While I'm sure it's a good handgun, probably not a whole lot of aftermarket support for it compared to say, a CZ.

6.8 · March 3, 2013, 11:19 PM

Okie I would pass on that one. The all steel in 9 mm is the way to go, even if it doesn't come with mec-gars you can still get some later. The polymer guns aren't as nice. I don't know about mags for the 40 version Good luck

Okie47 · March 3, 2013, 11:47 PM

Well...hmmm...kind of 50/50 it seems. I think I'm going to ponder it and see if the responses lean up or down for a couple a days. Thanks and keep it coming.

wllfthn · March 4, 2013, 07:29 AM

I've fired the 9mm Steel Semi-Compact model quite a bit. It's an amazing gun, never misses a beat, never malfunctions and it is very accurate, especially on follow up shots. I can't speak for the polymer version, but I would be willing to bet it's a solid pistol.

I will say one thing, you can get one brand new for (probably) just a little over a hundred more in steel. Not sure what role you want this gun to fill, but it may be worth saving up for another couple of weeks and buying something brand new.

Either way, if you get one, I hope you enjoy it!

Nathan · March 4, 2013, 08:00 AM

IMO, this is a $450 gun, but from a private FTF, I might go $500 if it looked good enough.

Also remember firm is, well,... never firm.

WV_gunner · March 4, 2013, 09:36 AM

I have a metal framed 9mm and love it. I think I paid $400 plus tax.

Recoiljunky · March 4, 2013, 02:43 PM

i have the metal framed compact 40 and love it for target practice. fits in the hand like a glove. but i have always had problems with the firing pin stop in the slide turning. sent it in 2 times and still isnt fixed. so i would never carry this gun but still really like the way it shoots. and the pollgonal rifling is really quick to clean.

imthegrumpyone · March 5, 2013, 03:57 AM

I also have a baby eagle in a 9mm, love it, sweetest, straightest shooting gun I ever owned.

iamdb · March 5, 2013, 03:02 PM

The mags with a T in the triangle are factory mags from Israel. They are highly sought after and can run as high as $50 each. BDE is a great gun. $525 is a run of the mill price. I would try to get him down $100.

Pistola Pedro · March 5, 2013, 03:28 PM

That's a no go in my opinion. While it may be a decent pistol, that price is too high for a used one and more than I'd pay for a new one unless it was all stainless steel and even then I wouldn't feel like it's a great deal.

Jager78 · March 5, 2013, 03:55 PM

I have been closely watching the evolution of this firearm for the last twelve years and have finally decided to go and purchase a Baby Eagle II with polymer frame in .40S&W this Friday. Ideally I would like an all steel frame Baby Eagle in .45ACP but can not find one around for miles.

I don't mind polymer frames so much just so long as they are Glock quality or better.

Almost any firearm that was designed based on the CZ-75 is a high quality handgun in my book. My only question (more of a curosity) is where exactly is the Magnum Research Baby Eagle II (Polymer) handguns manufactured?

I know that Kahr Arms bought out Magnum Research which was headquarters in Minneapolis MN, but I keep hearing that the Baby Eagle's are made in Israeli. IWI I know made all of the Jericho 941's and the first models of Baby Eagles, but what of the new Baby Eagle II's?

Made at a Kahr Arms factory???

Okie47 · March 5, 2013, 11:18 PM

alright...the opinions leaned a tad, long enough for me to say yes! $525.00 firm was $500.00 cash. It has a little wear showing on the slide catch lever and safety but hey. The slide action is a little stiff and I noticed tonight that when I rack it, my left hand thumb and forefinger automatically (naturally) stop at the ends of the safety levers and my right hand thumb rubs the slide lever when I grip it...and that's where the wear comes from. The manual says Baby II, there's a small polished inset on the right side says "made in Israel" and on the barrel is "Magnum Research Inc., Pillager, MN." On front of manual, in tiny letters is "a Kahr Arms owned company". Hope this helps and I'll post my range report as soon as weather permits. I've been forewarned that there is very little in accessories and I'm seeing that. Sorry for too long a post. Thanks very much for the opinions. And, don't stop now.

6.8 · March 6, 2013, 05:30 AM

What mags did it come with?

UtahHunting · March 6, 2013, 08:04 AM

Now get out there and shoot it. I am sure you will love that gun!

Okie47 · March 6, 2013, 02:33 PM

I sincerely appreciate the advice/comments. There are two 10-rd. mags that I assume are factory..the T in a triangle. I went to Midway looking for Mec-gars..nothing in stock and didn't find anything specific to Desert Eagle. I'm going to start a new post for that. Very anxious to shoot it. Great forum here.

March 3, 2013, 02:02 AM	#1
Okie47 Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Posts: 32	Baby desert eagle opinions please I have an opportunity to buy a BDE, 40.cal. full-size, polymer frame, very good condition. The guy wants 525.00 firm, 2 mags, box, etc.. I haven't fired it but it has really nice ergonomics for me. I've seen several videos on the Jericho and nothing negative. They seem fairly rare in the lgs, forums, etc. How would you compare it to a Glock or ? MSRP is 616.00 but, one video says you can buy them all day for 459.00??? I'm more concerned with is it a good, reliable gun? Any experience greatly appreciated.

March 5, 2013, 03:57 AM	#18
imthegrumpyone Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2007 Location: spring tx Posts: 1,037	I also have a baby eagle in a 9mm, love it, sweetest, straightest shooting gun I ever owned. __________________ chambered and unlocked

March 5, 2013, 03:02 PM	#19
iamdb Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2011 Posts: 455	The mags with a T in the triangle are factory mags from Israel. They are highly sought after and can run as high as $50 each. BDE is a great gun. $525 is a run of the mill price. I would try to get him down $100. __________________ John 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

March 5, 2013, 03:28 PM	#20
Pistola Pedro Senior Member Join Date: May 21, 2005 Posts: 178	Bad time to be buying unless you must. That's a no go in my opinion. While it may be a decent pistol, that price is too high for a used one and more than I'd pay for a new one unless it was all stainless steel and even then I wouldn't feel like it's a great deal.

March 3, 2013, 02:09 PM	#2
6.8 Junior member Join Date: February 21, 2013 Posts: 316	I owned a Jericho for years. Very Solid gun fWIW I think the all steel guns have more value. 9mm gets you 16 rounds 40 is 12 rds I believe. Mags can be a problem. If they are not mec-gar I would not buy the gun. Good luck

March 3, 2013, 02:26 PM	#3
Okie47 Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Posts: 32	Almost 300 views, 1 response...seriously, am I doing something wrong here? They can't be that rare.

March 3, 2013, 02:33 PM	#4
Okie47 Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Posts: 32	6.8 I just called the guy and he says they are the mags that came in the box, all they say is .40 Cal and there's a logo.. a T in a triangle. Are you saying the mags are the problem? I appreciate your help.

March 3, 2013, 06:41 PM	#5
UtahHunting Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 428	I owned one in 9mm a few years back. Great gun, never missed a beat. It is one of those guns I regret selling. I was looking at them today at the gunshow and the guy wanted $619 for the new ones. Had it been in the $500 range I would have bought another I liked the gun so much.

March 3, 2013, 06:49 PM	#6
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	The Baby Eagle is based on the CZ75 design internally, is it not?

March 3, 2013, 07:46 PM	#7
UtahHunting Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 428	You are correct MLeake, the baby eagle is based on the CZ75. They are very similar guns with the exception being the baby eagle has the safety mounted on the slide.

March 3, 2013, 08:16 PM	#8
Okie47 Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Posts: 32	so..what about opinions?? Does it sound like a fair deal?

March 3, 2013, 08:23 PM	#9
NJgunowner Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 1,254	3 months ago you could have bought a new one around $500, with the current crap going on couldn't tell you. I personally wouldn't pay more than $450 for a used steel one, wouldn't buy a polymer one. Been there done that, regretted it. I had a polymer jerico in .40 a few years ago. Good trigger, comfortable grip, but they used to have an issue with the pin that holds/releases the magazine wearing prematurely on the polymer models. Don't know if they fixed it yet.

March 3, 2013, 08:54 PM	#10
UtahHunting Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 428	I think if you like the gun it sounds fair to me with today's pricing. You are getting an extra magazine as well and those are not cheap right now.

March 3, 2013, 08:56 PM	#11
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Eh, I'd pass. While I'm sure it's a good handgun, probably not a whole lot of aftermarket support for it compared to say, a CZ.

March 3, 2013, 11:19 PM	#12
6.8 Junior member Join Date: February 21, 2013 Posts: 316	Okie I would pass on that one. The all steel in 9 mm is the way to go, even if it doesn't come with mec-gars you can still get some later. The polymer guns aren't as nice. I don't know about mags for the 40 version Good luck

March 3, 2013, 11:47 PM	#13
Okie47 Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Posts: 32	Well...hmmm...kind of 50/50 it seems. I think I'm going to ponder it and see if the responses lean up or down for a couple a days. Thanks and keep it coming.

March 4, 2013, 07:29 AM	#14
wllfthn Member Join Date: July 2, 2012 Posts: 48	I've fired the 9mm Steel Semi-Compact model quite a bit. It's an amazing gun, never misses a beat, never malfunctions and it is very accurate, especially on follow up shots. I can't speak for the polymer version, but I would be willing to bet it's a solid pistol. I will say one thing, you can get one brand new for (probably) just a little over a hundred more in steel. Not sure what role you want this gun to fill, but it may be worth saving up for another couple of weeks and buying something brand new. Either way, if you get one, I hope you enjoy it!

March 4, 2013, 08:00 AM	#15
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	IMO, this is a $450 gun, but from a private FTF, I might go $500 if it looked good enough. Also remember firm is, well,... never firm.

March 4, 2013, 09:36 AM	#16
WV_gunner Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2011 Location: WV Posts: 938	I have a metal framed 9mm and love it. I think I paid $400 plus tax.

March 4, 2013, 02:43 PM	#17
Recoiljunky Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2011 Location: Jupiter, florida Posts: 233	i have the metal framed compact 40 and love it for target practice. fits in the hand like a glove. but i have always had problems with the firing pin stop in the slide turning. sent it in 2 times and still isnt fixed. so i would never carry this gun but still really like the way it shoots. and the pollgonal rifling is really quick to clean.

March 5, 2013, 03:55 PM	#21
Jager78 Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2007 Location: Pig's Eye MN Posts: 166	I have been closely watching the evolution of this firearm for the last twelve years and have finally decided to go and purchase a Baby Eagle II with polymer frame in .40S&W this Friday. Ideally I would like an all steel frame Baby Eagle in .45ACP but can not find one around for miles. I don't mind polymer frames so much just so long as they are Glock quality or better. Almost any firearm that was designed based on the CZ-75 is a high quality handgun in my book. My only question (more of a curosity) is where exactly is the Magnum Research Baby Eagle II (Polymer) handguns manufactured? I know that Kahr Arms bought out Magnum Research which was headquarters in Minneapolis MN, but I keep hearing that the Baby Eagle's are made in Israeli. IWI I know made all of the Jericho 941's and the first models of Baby Eagles, but what of the new Baby Eagle II's? Made at a Kahr Arms factory???

March 5, 2013, 11:18 PM	#22
Okie47 Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Posts: 32	alright...the opinions leaned a tad, long enough for me to say yes! $525.00 firm was $500.00 cash. It has a little wear showing on the slide catch lever and safety but hey. The slide action is a little stiff and I noticed tonight that when I rack it, my left hand thumb and forefinger automatically (naturally) stop at the ends of the safety levers and my right hand thumb rubs the slide lever when I grip it...and that's where the wear comes from. The manual says Baby II, there's a small polished inset on the right side says "made in Israel" and on the barrel is "Magnum Research Inc., Pillager, MN." On front of manual, in tiny letters is "a Kahr Arms owned company". Hope this helps and I'll post my range report as soon as weather permits. I've been forewarned that there is very little in accessories and I'm seeing that. Sorry for too long a post. Thanks very much for the opinions. And, don't stop now.

March 6, 2013, 05:30 AM	#23
6.8 Junior member Join Date: February 21, 2013 Posts: 316	What mags did it come with?

March 6, 2013, 08:04 AM	#24
UtahHunting Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 428	Now get out there and shoot it. I am sure you will love that gun!

March 6, 2013, 02:33 PM	#25
Okie47 Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Posts: 32	I sincerely appreciate the advice/comments. There are two 10-rd. mags that I assume are factory..the T in a triangle. I went to Midway looking for Mec-gars..nothing in stock and didn't find anything specific to Desert Eagle. I'm going to start a new post for that. Very anxious to shoot it. Great forum here.