i outfitted a local federal CID with Glock 48's and Glock 43X and within 6 months i got the 48's returned because the longer barrel has no real benefit for carry other than jabbing you in the appendix/thigh when sitting and slowing holster clear times if you're a high speed desk warrior in the dangerous world of white collar criminal investigations.
What's the difference between the various makes of Desert Eagle? I don't mean the ridiculous amount of rebranded CZ75s or whatever, but between IMI, IWI, and Magnum Research (or are there more?) what differences are there, and which is the best?
I noticed that newer models seem to accumulate more and more picatinny rails, but I wouldn't dare assume the variances stop there.
the mark XIX is arguably the best desert eagle version, however earlier marks (versions) were similar to other magnum revolver cartridge pistols like the LAR Grizzly: they were frame size variations built for specific cartridges that varied in OAL, chamber pressure, magazine geometry, et c to the point where the frames and slide could not interchange easily. eventually the mark VII was a version that could be used with variable slides because of widening the pistols and new feed ramp and recoil assembly designs and the mark XIX is based on the VII.
note that there aren't any mark II, III, IV, V, VI, et c entire pistols - these were variations on the mark I with different barrels/chamberings. a mark II is a mark I with a 3/8 dovetail and fully adjustable sights. mark III's were the same with an extended 10" barrel, et c. the mark VII was only available in .44 and .50 AE and had a widened frame to account for that.
desert eagles made by Kahr are pretty bad as an actual shooter if they're in anything but .357 magnum or reasonably stout .44 magnum and even then they aren't great. early mark XIX's are good and can be noted by retaining the weaver rail on the barrel combined with the improved "hook" style safety and mark VII frame with the 2-step slide release. most desert eagles are unforgiving of poor shooting stance since it doesn't use a controlled feed and the long cartridge requires stability through the entire (rather slow) firing cycle.
i used to shoot steel challenge with a .44 desert eagle (to replace my pre-model 29) and was dissatisfied and eventually swapped to a Coonan and then a LAR Grizzly mark I which i still use. i still keep the DE around as a fun shooter and since it's pretty low recoil, as a "long distance" gong bonger when wanting to shoot steel and be lazy about it.