NRA Gun of the Week: Magnum Research Desert Eagle L5 Handgun

Published on September 23, 2016
Duration: 3:42

The NRA Gun of the Week features the Magnum Research Desert Eagle L5, a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .357 Magnum. This model emphasizes a lightweight design, weighing approximately 50 ounces unloaded, making it nearly 2 lbs lighter than its larger counterparts. The L5 utilizes a gas-operated system, similar to an AR-15's bolt carrier group, for recoil mitigation. It includes a detachable 9-round box magazine, bilateral slide-mounted safety, and a full-length picatinny rail for optics, though it lacks an under-barrel accessory rail.

Quick Summary

The Magnum Research Desert Eagle L5 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .357 Magnum, distinguished by its 'lightweight' design weighing around 50 ounces unloaded. It features a gas-operated system for recoil reduction, Hogue grips, a 9-round detachable magazine, and a full-length picatinny rail for optics, though it lacks an under-barrel accessory rail.

Chapters

  1. 00:16Introduction: Desert Eagle L5
  2. 00:30L5 Designation: Lightweight
  3. 00:48MSRP and Value
  4. 01:00Semi-Automatic Rimmed Cartridge Design
  5. 01:10Magazine System
  6. 01:20Magazine Release
  7. 01:27Grip and Stocks
  8. 01:43Muzzle Porting and Recoil Management
  9. 01:48Gas-Operated System Explained
  10. 02:20Rotating Bolt Operation
  11. 02:35Safety Selector
  12. 02:43Slide Lock
  13. 02:47Sights and Optics Rail
  14. 03:01Accessory Rail Absence
  15. 03:06Conclusion: Desert Eagle L5
  16. 03:13Where to Find More Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Magnum Research Desert Eagle L5 'lightweight'?

The 'L5' designation indicates a lightweight version. This model weighs approximately 50 ounces unloaded, making it nearly 2 pounds lighter than its larger caliber counterparts, such as the .50 AE Desert Eagle.

How does the Desert Eagle L5 manage recoil from a rimmed cartridge?

The L5 utilizes a gas-operated system, similar to an AR-15, where gas from the fired cartridge cycles the action. Combined with muzzle porting and the .357 Magnum cartridge, this significantly reduces felt recoil.

What are the key features of the Desert Eagle L5's sighting system?

The L5 comes with basic black sights. However, its most significant feature is the full-length picatinny rail on top, which is ideal for mounting a wide variety of aftermarket sighting systems, from red dot sights to magnified scopes.

Does the Desert Eagle L5 have an accessory rail for lights or lasers?

No, the Desert Eagle L5 does not come equipped with an accessory rail located under the dust cover. All accessory mounting for optics or other devices would typically be done on the top picatinny rail.

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