The Desert Eagle .357 (9x33mmR European) is a gas operated large calibre semi-automatic pistol with a rotating bolt for positive lock-up. The barrel is locked in place, assuring a high degree of accuracy. Maximum effective range with the standard 6-inch barrel is 200 meters (650 ft.). The polygonal rifling reduces barrel wear and enhances the obturation between the bullet and the bore, thus increasing accuracy.

Anatomically formed grip, ideal hand seating angle and comfortable grip dimensions permit rapid, accurate, instinctive shooting. The combat-type trigger guard is designed for two-handed shooting. On firing, gas is drawn off through a port just in front of the chamber; this pushes back the slide, which ejects the spent round from the chamber and then returns and reloads the weapon. When the last round in the magazine is fired, the slide remains in its maximum recoil position, permitting rapid change of magazine and immediate chambering of a round for instant resumption of firing the gas bleed reduces the signifcant recoil of the desert eagle to managable levels for the firer, but it is still an incredibly powerful weapon - it can even come with extended barrels and teloscopic sights, which has yet to persuade military circles of its validity.