Baby Eagle II .40S&W Polymer Semi-Compact Review/Range Report

[Tyler-The-Piker]

This past week I traded for the "semi-compact" polymer framed Baby Eagle II chambered in .40S&W. Magnum Research, Desert Eagle, (now owned by Kahr), made in Israel (Israeli Weapons Industries). It's the "new" version of the Jericho 941. I'm sure many others call it a "CZ clone". It came with 2 12rd mags and the awesome INGO'er that I got it from graciously threw in the 3rd mag he'd bought for it. I've read some say the CZ mags will work in the BEII but I have no need to try it at this point. This gun has the accessory rail under a 3.93" barrel. OAL of 7.75" and weighing in at near 30oz unloaded. Slide mounted ambi safety/decocker. fixed combat 3 dot white sights (adjustable for windage?). Tear down and cleaning it is a breeze. The double action trigger pull is about 12lbs while the SA trigger pull is about 4.5lbs...and like butter...very smooth. I was able to put about 156 rounds through it in the past few days and my grouping has been fantastic (at 15 yards). I've gone through all 3 mags (& one in the chamber) a total of 4 times each. I've ran through 56 factory PPU 180gr JHP, 50 PMC Bronze 180gr FMJ, and 50 of Gluemanz28's 165gr TCJ/HP hand loads. I had zero FTFs or FTEs. Every SA trigger pull was a pleasure. The slide sits inside the frame creating a lower bore axis? which in turn reduces recoil. I saw a friend a couple of lanes down from me at Highsmith Guns in Greenfield this afternoon. He brought me his Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm and had me dump a mag. And I kid you not...the BEII shooting the 165gr felt like less recoil than the Beretta. The ergonomics and the grip on the BEII are pretty darn narrow for a double stack mag of .40 and simply far more comfortable to me than any other handgun that I've ever held or fired (including *gasp* my EDC Glock 27 w/ pinky extension). Do I see another carry gun in my future? After a little more practice and finding a good holster...all signs point to yes!

Magnum Research Baby Desert Eagle II, .40SW, Polymer, Semi-compact, 12 round - Style # BE9413RSL, MRI Shop / Firearms

 

[Frosty]

My buddy has one of these, he loves it, and he has a .50 AE, I haven't got to shoot either one yet!

 

[Mgderf]

I have the steel framed, full -sized Baby Eagle in .40 S&W.
The ergonomics to that gun are simply astounding. It feels like it was made for my hand.
Mine also chews up and spits out everything I've fed it.
Mine is a little on the heavy side, but comfortable enough.
Yes, CZ mags do fit.

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

*on an interesting side note, I just discovered that the grip plug from my Glock 23 fits perfectly into the Baby Eagle

 

[sparkyfender]

Congrats!

I've heard good things about these pistols.

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

Just ordered a holster from Aliengear
and I'll probably order one from Magnumresearch.com
and possibly another one from Zahal.com
can wait to try them out.
I was very accurate at the range today with the baby eagle
I certainly hope to get a holster soon...hope I don't have to wait long

 

[palerider0485]

glad you like it. i have one that was all metal in 40 cal that was a jammer years ago. mine was a imi. then later i got one that said uzi eagle on it, it shot great. ive had mixed experences with the imi or iwi guns.

 

[zzephaniah]

This past week I traded for the "semi-compact" polymer framed Baby Eagle II chambered in .40S&W. Magnum Research, Desert Eagle, (now owned by Kahr), made in Israel (Israeli Weapons Industries). It's the "new" version of the Jericho 941. I'm sure many others call it a "CZ clone". It came with 2 12rd mags and the awesome INGO'er that I got it from graciously threw in the 3rd mag he'd bought for it. I've read some say the CZ mags will work in the BEII but I have no need to try it at this point. This gun has the accessory rail under a 3.93" barrel. OAL of 7.75" and weighing in at near 30oz unloaded. Slide mounted ambi safety/decocker. fixed combat 3 dot white sights (adjustable for windage?). Tear down and cleaning it is a breeze. The double action trigger pull is about 12lbs while the SA trigger pull is about 4.5lbs...and like butter...very smooth. I was able to put about 156 rounds through it in the past few days and my grouping has been fantastic (at 15 yards). I've gone through all 3 mags (& one in the chamber) a total of 4 times each. I've ran through 56 factory PPU 180gr JHP, 50 PMC Bronze 180gr FMJ, and 50 of Gluemanz28's 165gr TCJ/HP hand loads. I had zero FTFs or FTEs. Every SA trigger pull was a pleasure. The slide sits inside the frame creating a lower bore axis? which in turn reduces recoil. I saw a friend a couple of lanes down from me at Highsmith Guns in Greenfield this afternoon. He brought me his Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm and had me dump a mag. And I kid you not...the BEII shooting the 165gr felt like less recoil than the Beretta. The ergonomics and the grip on the BEII are pretty darn narrow for a double stack mag of .40 and simply far more comfortable to me than any other handgun that I've ever held or fired (including *gasp* my EDC Glock 27 w/ pinky extension). Do I see another carry gun in my future? After a little more practice and finding a good holster...all signs point to yes!

Magnum Research Baby Desert Eagle II, .40SW, Polymer, Semi-compact, 12 round - Style # BE9413RSL, MRI Shop / Firearms

the baby eagle looks a lot like a CZ.

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

I finally got the holster this past saturday.
I've been carrying the BEII in the Alien Gear holster
anywhere from 6-12 hours each day for 5 days now.
I love it. It's a quality holster that's very comfortable.
I adjusted the forward cant and the retention
and it's solid. distributes the weight evenly.
I've been practicing shooting the BEII a lot lately
and I've spent some time (safely) practicing drawing
and it's a very natural draw. couldn't be happier.

 

[confused89]

I like both of my baby eagles. One is an IMI and the other IWI. The IMI is the compact and the IWI is the full size both with steel frames.

 

[Spike_351]

I would recommend a kydex hooch holster made by Jeff. He's a nice INGO member and supporter. His holsterson are excellent. I own 3 different variants of the baby eagle and love them.

FS 40. Imported byou KBI

Compact 9mm imported by magnum

Compact 40. With night sights imported by mossberg under the UZI Eagle brand.

They are an excellent firearm that can definitely take a beating. The only issue I have had is they are a little heavy for carry for my preference. If you reload watch your casing, the BE has a very tight chamber, and polygonal rifling (same as flock so no lead rounds should be used).....great pistol choice dude.

 

[Spike_351]

Just ordered a holster from Aliengear
and I'll probably order one from Magnumresearch.com
and possibly another one from Zahal.com
can wait to try them out.
I was very accurate at the range today with the baby eagle
I certainly hope to get a holster soon...hope I don't have to wait long

I have one from zahal, to me it seemed a little awkward.

 

[satucker]

grip plug

*on an interesting side note, I just discovered that the grip plug from my Glock 23 fits perfectly into the Baby Eagle

I've been searching for grip plug for my baby eagle II. Can you specifically tell me what brand plug you have for your glock 23? Maybe supply a link to where I can get one just like yours? Also, can you tell me if your Glock is a Gen4?

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

I'm no longer enamored with the BEII. after numerous reloading drills, I started to develop a serious problem with the safety on the slide pinching my fingers. It got so bad that I was bleeding profusely. when I would quickly rack the slide it would pinch and after a while I realized this is dangerous. This may not be a dealbreaker for some, but it is for me. I'm just not a fan of external safeties...especially on the slide. YMMV

satucker - get 50 quality posts and then PM me your addy...I've got a grip plug that I'll send ya

 

[TheNewGuy]

Ive been trying to find one in .40 or .45 for sale. Ive studied my reviews

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

If they come out with a model sans external safety then I'll buy another...