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History of Magnum Research

Magnum Research Inc.® (MRI) has been highly successful since its purchase by Kahr Firearms Group in 2010. This is due to our loyal customers and suppliers, dedicated employees, and highly experienced leadership. Magnum Research’s founders, Jim Skildum and John Risdall, had been involved with the company since 1979. Both men oversaw the ascent of the Desert Eagle® Pistol from a concept on paper to a pop culture icon, commonly seen in movies, television, and video games. Over the past 40 years MRI continually improved and expanded the Desert Eagle pistol series. Originally manufactured in Israel by Israel Military Industries, MRI moved production to their factory in Pillager, MN, in 2009. Besides offering the basic black finish, MRI has developed a line-up of the Desert Eagle pistols in a number of distinctive and appealing finishes including stainless steel, black, “Tiger Stripe”, and a variety of modern cerakote finishes. The Desert Eagle is currently produced in four magnum calibers.

The Magnum Research Family

MRI has expanded from the Desert Eagle to offer a family of exceptional products. The high quality MR1911 pistols come in a variety of calibers and configurations, all manufactured by BUL in Israel. The BFR (Biggest Finest Revolver), is an MRI original design, manufactured at the Minnesota factory. This series of all stainless steel, single action revolvers is available in numerous calibers, both off the shelf and custom, and two cylinder sizes. The SwitchBolt rimfire rifles in .22LR and .22WMR feature numerous options, including lightweight graphite barrels, the aluminum tension barrel, and the new integrally suppressed TTS model. Magnum Research also produces precision bolt action rifles called the Mountain Eagle. Chambered in a variety of centerfire calibers, they are custom made to order on a Remington® 700 style action made by Defiance Machine featuring our patented carbon fiber barrel and a variety of stock options.

The Iconic Desert Eagle Platform

The entire Mark XIX Component System is based on a single platform. With its gas operation, rotating bolt and all-steel construction, this is the heart of the Desert Eagle. Once you’ve purchased a Mark XIX Desert Eagle Pistol, you can change the barrel length or the caliber in seconds using caliber conversion components. The Mark XIX Desert Eagle Pistol offers true interchangeability between four magnum calibers: .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .429 DE or .50 A.E. Owning a Desert Eagle means owning an American icon!