A Comparative Review of the Desert Eagle and SW 500: Recoil, Reliability, and Practicality

When it comes to high-powered handguns, the Desert Eagle (DE) and the SW 500 (referred to as the M500) are two options that immediately come to mind. Both are renowned for their powerful rounds and distinctive design. However, upon closer inspection, one may notice significant differences in these firearms, particularly in terms of weight, ammunition capacity, and practicality. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review based on personal experience with both weapons, addressing their unique features and trade-offs.

Weight and Carrying Comfort

One of the standout features of the Desert Eagle is its substantial weight. An unloaded Desert Eagle in .44 Magnum weighs an impressive 72 ounces, which is notably heavy, especially for a handgun. This weight is further magnified by its large size and dense proportions, making it unwieldy to carry, particularly for extended periods or in close quarters. On the other hand, the SW M500 in 4-inch barrel weighs a more manageable 57 ounces, which is considerably lighter. The lighter weight allows for easier handling and a more comfortable two-handed or even one-handed grip, making it more practical for day-to-day carry or use in various environments.

Field Effectiveness and Accuracy

From a performance standpoint, the Desert Eagle in .44 Magnum can deliver up to 1000 foot-pounds of energy (fpe), which is substantial. However, the significantly smaller .500 SW round in the M500 offers even greater power, delivering up to 2000 fpe, which is nearly double the recoil and energy. The power of a single .500 SW round is enough to effectively neutralize even the most dangerous game. The Desert Eagle .45 ACP and .50 AE variants, while powerful, still pale in comparison to the .500 SW.

Bootstrapping the power, the smaller capacity of the Desert Eagle .44 Magnum (typically holding 6-8 rounds) contrasts sharply with the M500's 4-inch barrel holding 5 rounds, and the 6.5-inch barrel with 7 rounds. Both rounds are effective, but the SW M500 offers a bit more flexibility in terms of available ammunition and sustained fire.

Size, Convenience, and Reliability

While both firearms are powerful, the SW M500 is more versatile in terms of size and carry. The smaller size and lighter weight make it a more practical option for everyday carry or concealed carry. Additionally, the SW M500 has a better reputation for reliability, which is crucial when you need your weapon to perform flawlessly in critical situations.

Practical Considerations

As one ages, the challenges of carrying and handling these powerful handguns become more pronounced, especially for those with arthritic hands and wrists. At advanced ages, both individuals and those with physical limitations may find it difficult to manage these heavy and powerful weapons. For example, while the author has been able to shoot a Desert Eagle loaded with powerful ammunition, the days of handling such heavy and punishing recoil are over. Guns like the .45 ACP or 10mm (.223) have become more suitable for them due to their balance of power and manageability.

In practical scenarios, the Desert Eagle and SW M500 are not the best choices if one needs to engage in close-quarters combat. They are more suited to scenarios where the threat is sufficiently distant, allowing the user to aim and fire accurately. In such cases, a knife might be a more effective and lesser-recoil option. Alternatively, for close-quarters situations, a rifle would be a better choice due to its longer barrel, which can be used to better positioning the firearm and ensuring a precise shot.

Final Thoughts

Both the Desert Eagle and the SW M500 have their unique strengths and limitations. The Desert Eagle is an iconic, high-powered handgun that is well-suited for specific high-risk situations but can be cumbersome to handle and maintain. The SW M500, on the other hand, offers a more manageable size, better weight distribution, and a reputation for reliability, making it a more practical choice for everyday carry or concealed carry.

When it comes to personal preference, the author would opt for the SW M500 if given the choice. Not only is it a more manageable option, but its practicality in a variety of scenarios makes it a better fit for modern needs. While both guns have their places, the SW M500 represents a more balanced and practical choice for many users.