Baby Eagle .40

The magnum research baby eagle in .40, is a double action, high capacity, all steel pistol. The baby eagle is one of the many CZ-75 clones made in Italy by Tanfoglio. It is generally considered to be a very slim design, for a large caliber pistol with a double-stack magazine, with "natural" pointing due to the grip angle. It currently comes in a full size with a barrel length of 4.52", semi-compact of 3.93", and polymer compact of 3.64".

This pistol is issued in current service throughout the Israeli Security Forces. It originally started out chambered in the .41 AE, considered to be a magnum round, but since that round never caught on it is now chambered in .45, .40, and 9mm. The price of a band new full size .40 is around $450 to $550.

The baby eagle features a polygonal rifled barrel. The benefits of a Polygonal barrel are:
Higher velocities due to reduced friction of the bullet in the barrel, as the polygonal rifling has less surface area than the lands and grooves of a traditionally rifled barrel.
Less bullet deformation, resulting in reduced drag on the bullet which helps to increase range and accuracy.
Increased barrel life and reduced buildup of copper or lead within the barrel
Image of Polygonal riffling next to standard.


The first time I handled a baby eagle my first impression was that this gun was solid, no rattle when I shook it, and that it was the most comfortable pistol I'd ever held or shot. I’m no marksman and have a basic understanding of pistol shooting at best, I can only comment that this gun is more accurate than I am. At 10 yards im placing 12 shots into an area a little larger than a half dollar, while my brother who is a much better shot is putting them in a quarter sized hole.

The controls of the gun are very easily manipulated and are in the typical places. It comes with a right and left hadned saftey. The trigger was a bit rough at first but after 50+ rounds it is as smooth as my 1911. The DA trigger pull is very long and heavy around 13lbs to pull, while the SA trigger pull is light and short at 4lbs of pull. The sights are white dot and are large and easily seen.

Downsides:
This gun is not for everyone, parts are available through Magnum research. They sell grips, holsters, and sights. But aftermarket parts are hard to find. To put on a light or laser you have to purchase a rail that clamps onto the trigger guard unless you buy the compact polymer version that has a rail built on.

Why I picked it:
Because this gun is so comfortable for me to shoot, point shoots so well, holds 12+1 rounds of .40 and is hefty enough to pistol whip someone with. The price had a lot to do with it as well. It is my everyday carry choice and a favorite target shooting gun. After 1000+ rounds it has never had a single failure with types of ammo i've put through it. Mostly reloads, Fedral FMJ, Hydroshocks, and Gold dots.

Here are the stats for the full size .40 from the Magnum research website.
Black, steel frame, slide safety, decocker
Double action/Single action
Barrel length 4.52" (full-size)
Grip, full-size 3 3/4" *
Weight w/empty magazine 2 lbs. 6.6 oz. (9mm) **
Weight w/empty magazine 2 lbs. 5.9 oz. (.40S&W) **
Overall length 8 1/4"
Height 5 3/4"
Width 1 1/8"

more info
http://www.gunblast.com/RKCampbell_BabyDesertEagle.html
http://www.magnumresearch.com/Baby_Eagle.asp