Desert Eagle .50 AE vs Glock 17

1990–Present

1982–Present

~500,000 estimated

12,000,000+ units (estimated worldwide across all generations and variants)

228 mm (9.0 in) with standard grip

204 mm (8.03 in)

152 mm (6.0 in) standard, 165 mm (6.5 in) optional

114 mm (4.49 in)

2.04 kg (4.5 lb) empty, stainless‑steel frame

625 g (1.38 lb) empty, 905 g (1.99 lb) loaded

7 rounds standard for .50 AE, 9 rounds for .44 Magnum, 13 rounds for .357 Magnum

17 rounds standard; 19, 24, 31, 33, 45 round options available

Short‑stroke gas piston with rotating bolt, locked breech

Short recoil, locked breech, striker-fired with Safe Action trigger system (trigger safety, firing pin safety, drop safety)

Single‑stage, DA/SA with manual safety/decocker lever

Consistent ~2.5 kg (5.5 lb) pull, single‑stage Safe Action trigger

Fixed rear notch and front blade; optional aftermarket night sights

Fixed polymer front post, fixed polymer rear notch; optional tritium night sights or aftermarket rail‑mounted optics