My first introduction to the Desert Eagle came from none other than Tomb Raider on the PS1. That angular design, the sheer impractical size, and the fact that it chambered a .357 Magnum round—everything about it screamed over-the-top cool. But what I didn’t know back then was that Magnum Research, the brand behind this behemoth, also had a Baby Desert Eagle… and for a brief moment, an even smaller Desert Eagle known as Micro Desert Eagle.
This bite-sized blaster first appeared in 2009 and was gone by the 2010s, making it something of a mythical creature in the gun world. The Micro Desert Eagle was designed for concealed carry, chambered in .380 ACP, and measured just 4.52 inches long, making it the polar opposite of its famous big brother. It weighed 14 ounces unloaded, meaning you could easily slip it into a pocket without looking like you were smuggling a brick.
Unlike most pocket pistols, the Micro Desert Eagle had an all-metal construction, featuring a nickel-plated steel slide and an alloy frame for durability and aesthetics. It also boasted a gas-delayed blowback system, helping reduce recoil while keeping the slide and springs light for easy operation. Its 6+1 round capacity gave it just enough firepower for self-defense, and the fixed sights milled into the slide ensured a clean sight picture.
Sadly, this micro marvel has been discontinued, but you may still find some floating around in the market. We found one listed on Guns.com for US$659.99—but before you start reaching for your wallet, make sure you’re legally allowed to own one where you live. I mean that’s a no-brainer, right? Oh, fun fact: Magnum Research did not design the Micro Desert Eagle. It was a rebrand of the Czech Republic’s Kevin ZP98 but made by Magnum Research.
Images: Checkpoint Charlie’s.
Story via YouTube (@businesscasualarmory).
