“New” Micro Desert Eagle .380 Pistol
I missed the announcement for the Micro Desert Eagle, but I think it came out in mid November.
Ad for the Micro Eagle
Magnum Research are claiming this is a new pistol but CZF (@ THR) identified it as a the Kevin pistol manufactured by Czech company ZVI. The Kevin itself is fairly new and was introduced in 2007.
ZVI Kevin
This Micro Eagle is an interesting pistol that does differentiate itself from other .380 Auto sub compact pistols. It features what Magnum Research call “gas assisted blowback” and what ZVI call “reverse gas withdrawal”. From ZVI:
The pistol has a dynamic breech, DAO trigger mechanism, and fixed sight. The pistol does not require any safety lever due do the DAO system. Its frame is made of a high strength aluminium alloy, the barrel and slide of steel. A comfortable and precise fire is secured by the use of a reverse gas withdrawal to slow down the slide (patented).
Specs:
Caliber: .380 Auto
Length: 4.52″ / 116 mm
Length of the Barrel: 2.22″ / 57 mm
Height: 3.71″ / 95 mm
Width: 0.90″ / 23 mm
Finish: Nickel Teflon
Weight: Empty 14 oz / 400 grams
Magazine Capacity: 6 Rounds
Trigger Mechanism: DAO
Safety: DAO (which I think means none)
Sights: Fixed/Non-Adjustable
It is retailing at the Magnum Research website for $535.
Wow, thanks for posting this. I had heard of the new Desert Eagle but not of the KEVIN pistol.
I had to send this to my father who bears the same name. *lol*
I worry with this design that someone will cover all or part of the muzzle with a finger in a hurried two handed grip…
Interesting, but being smaller then my Baby Eagle, shouldn’t that have a different name? LOL I know nothing productive to say, but I could not resist.
coming soon, the Nano Eagle
I don’t know how much shorter you can make the barrel on a .380 until you wind up being better off just throwing the rounds at a bad guy.
Does anybody know of a company that distributes/retails the original ZVI KEVIN pistol in America?
They’re made in the Czech Republic, so they’re probably just as good as the Magnum Research version, but maybe less expensive. It seems like it’s worth looking into.
could they legally be imported? The Magnum version is made in the US.
What makes this worth $200 more than the Ruger LCP?
Well…. it’s all metal, for one thing, and some people still appreciate that. It’s also gas-retarded, which means the spring is probably lighter and a bit easier to use, and there appears to be a LOT of purchase area on the slide compared with the LCP/P3AT.
I think, though I reserve final decision until I have one in hand, that this is going to be a lot easier pistol to use than the LCP/P3AT wonder twins.
The trigger guard is so huge, it looks like I’d only be able to fit one finger around the grip, below the guard.
This gun is either a copy..or a re-badged KEVIN pistol.
I don’t think (as do others) that the original .380
KEVIN pistol meets BATF import requirements.
Otherwise, we would have seen it on our shores by now.
All in all. It still looks like a CZ pistol that I’d like to get my hands on.
Bought one yesterday. Is a small pistol, tough to handle. Hand was a bit tired after 50 rounds. One finger on the grip and one on the extended mag. Loads and goes boom when trigger is pulled. More reliable out of the box compared to my Kahr PM9, which is about to go back to Kahr for an overhaul. The trigger guard is large compared to the pistol as a whole, but not bad when in use. With proper grip, shouldn’t shoot off a finger as some worried about above. I had a problem with the mag releasing, but talked with Magnum Research and they’re sending me out a new mag. If that doesn’t work, the guy said to send it back so he can have a look at it. He hadn’t heard of any problems with the mag falling out. Very pocket-able pistol, I like it already. The gas ports on top of the barrel help with felt recoil. Shot it only to 7 yards to get used to it, had a fist sized group. Still waiting on a Micro-Glock…. if that ever happens…
TMS, thanks for the review!
Now I keep hearing of people saying that they’ve pick up one of these diminutive birds of prey but trying to acquire this gun leaves me searching high and low…so someone tell me where I might find one for sale, no restrictions in Washington state. appriciate it guys
Bought one 12/6. First shot perfect bulls-eye. Range officer said I might as well go home.
A little hand pain atfer a box of ball rounds- all tight groups. Still a lot more confortable and fun than shooting my LCP. 5 ounces heavier but shorter and fits in by back pants pocket better and have carried it there since I bought it.
I think it is the CZ design but better quality materials and tooling being made in America. You can tell how nicely made it is as soon as you chamber a round. It also has a unique design. Barrel ported and beautiful. Hammer forged and twists to disengage slide from frame, no pin. Has 2 small rods and springs on each side instead of 1 big one in the middle. Leave it to the Czechs. I think the big trigger guard is for a pilots glove. After all if it is the Kevin design, ZVI is a weapons designer and manufactures weapons and ammo for jet fighters. My guess is they made it to be a small carry for a downed pilot.
Just happened to be in the gun shop getting a credit on my returned Kahr 9 mm and was introduced to this thing. Almost didn’t buy it because it was unknown to me but just from the looks of it I knew it wouldn’t be there when I returned to get it.
I’m sold, great gun.
CBN3, thanks for the info. I am pleased it has worked out for you.
Bought one a month ago. Shoots really smooth and shots were really tight within 18 yards. Extra weight of the pistol helps make recoil a soft snap to handle. Don’t even notice the extra weight once you get used to it. REAL short and slim design. Fits into jeans pocket just fine without any more bulge than a tri-fold wallet.
Note: If you have big hands like me, watch out not to get the fleshy part of your hand caught up in the slide while firing.
It’ll happen.
that´s my Kevin (.380 Auto) and Kevin M (9 mm Makarov).
http://ipsc27.czechian.net/images/kevins.jpg
Producent: http://www.zvi.cz/en/products/9-mm-pistol-kevin.html
Hi, I’m from Czech republic.
MDE is COPY of ZVI Kevin. I don’t know if licensed or what, but Kevin is great smart&originally designed simply tough piece of fine metals.
It was really hardly tested in heat, freeze, dust, sand, water and ice. It survive everything (for pocket pistol). Many owners from my country shot from it 5000-10000 rounds without damage. After thousands of rounds, it can brake spring or trigger rod (cheap and easy to replace), but this is small pocket pistol, not Glock 17 (even it can brake after 100 rounds… may be Gods will?).
I’m very very sad that there is some copy of Kevin, even if licensed. I hoped that Kevin will be as famous as CZ75, vz61 or sa58 (vz58)
.
After years, there will be discussions if Kevin is some cheap chinese copy of American Magnum Research inc. The Micro Desert Eagle – gun made with proud and love (and better materials of course). It’s same like with sa58 (hey dude… it’s some AK47 yeah? I know AK, AK is good…)
one note: As I know, Kevin wasn’t designed for Jet pilots. It was designed for hide carrying in pockets and pistol covers. Large trigger guard, small sights, hard trigger and no sharp edge – all for safe, certain, fast and intuitive catching and drawing.
one cz guy with kevin http://cz.youtube.com/watch?v=8briK1YbD8g
(apologize me if this title is multiple posted – problems with f.fox)
I found that ZVI was probably unable to export Kevin to USA because Kevin doesn’t reach import requirements (because of lack of another safety).
Kevin cost in Czech republic about 10000Kč. Glock 17 cost about 18000Kč (now 1$ = 23Kč, in summer it was 1$ = 15Kč)
BATF import rules, in part:
‘The combined length and height must not be less than 10″ with the neight (right angle measurement to barrel without magazine or extension) being at least 4″ and the length being at least 6″.’
I’m guessing that the Kevin is a good bit smaller than that, so can’t be imported regardless of safeties or other compliance features added. Same reason the Walther PPK is now made in the US.
i got one a month ago at 480.00 and well worth it for distance and accurant they went for 500.00 the next one the same gun shop.
I bought the Micro about 2 weeks ago and have put about 50 rounds through it. It shoots very accurate from 7 to 20 yards. I had a little trouble with it chambering the first round but it is getting better. My problem with it is that the magazine will pop out without touching the mag release by just putting pressure on the bottom side of the magazine. I have to send it back to Magnum Research so they can replace magazine spring. They said that about 2 in 100 have this problem. Makes me wonder if i made a good choice.
I just purchased the MDE yesterday and went to range today. MDE seems to be set up to shoot 2-4 inches above where the sites are. Trigger pull is extremely hard…has anyone had the same experience? If so, were you able to ease the trigger up a bit?
I had just talked to tech rep at MR, he said the frame and slide are both made of aluminum alloy with a teflon coating. The slide is not steel.
My sincere apologies to this sight and to everyone else, I had called back and talked to another tech rep, where he clarified my confusion as to the slide. The slide is indeed made of steel, teflon coated both the frame and slide. Again, my apologies to this sight and anyone else.
Wonder if any of you could help me…I have read where the MDE is smooth and shoots tight patterns but that has not been my experience. The trigger is extremely hard to pull and by the time I get it pulled I am totally off center as to the target.
I shoot a Springfield 1911A, Springfield XDm 9mm and a Kimber Ultra Carry and shoot tight patterns from 7-25 yards. This MDE is whipping my rear end. Any thoughts?
Gary,
I’m not an expert on the MDE, but I think since it doesn’t have a standard manual safety, it is perhaps intended to have a hard trigger pull. I also believe that due to the nature of what it is intended for — personal defense in close quarters — it doesn’t really need to shoot on par with the 1911, XD or Kimber. Pocket pistols like the MDE are going to be used in the 5-10 foot range, maybe 15′.
Anyone out there disagree with my assessment and have anything different to offer?
I got serial # 0025 when this gun first came out. I was there for a Bersa .380 and said “what’s this” to the sales person. It took about 2 seconds after he racked the slide and put it in my hand before I reached for my wallet. I did not get to shoot it right away and paniced when I read reviews from people who could not hit a paper plate at 15+ yards. I finally got a chance to shoot it and have the following thoughts.
-It’s small. Edges and sights are smoothed and I have never had any issues with getting into firing position during a draw from any pocket I carry it in.
-It is accurate. Yes the barrel is short, but it’s still a barrel. Since this is DAO with no secondary safety, accuracy increases based on technique ~AND~ trigger time. I would not mistake any trigger time for MDE trigger time, as this design and trigger pull is vastly different from things like XD, Kimber and STI.
-It hits back a bit. It is not something that is going to feel good shooting a 100 rounds through at the range. The trigger reset hits back (bruising on my finger).
–Bottom line, I can carry this anywhere in any type of dress and hit anything within 20 yards @ center mass. I’ll just have a bruise while filling out the paperwork at the station. The MDE replaced my Sig P220 .45 and S&W MP Tactical as my CCW…..
I bought a Micro Eagle a few months back at the local gun store and based on it’s smooth funtion, quality build, & overall feel I have felt safe enough to carry it without even shooting it until yesterday when I finally had a chance to goto the range with it. The first shot was exactly where I aimed (I mean exactly) and is even more accurate than my Glock 19 I had been shooting alongside it. It functioned great with Speer “Gold Dot” .380 ammo and although the recoil was signifigant it was still pretty smooth for a small pocket gun and about on par with the .32 acp “Defender” I had been carrying from North American Arms. (which weighs almost the same to me) This gun does fit right in your pocket and it’s a pretty good chunk of metal so if you missed someone with all 7 rounds I think you could reliably beat someone to death with it. lol
I do have to say this is the most accurate small pistol I have ever fired, the shot were literally right on top of each other so I had to aim around my first shot or it would literally almost go in the same hole. This pistol seems to be nearly as accurate as a rifle. Trigger pull is VERY HARD and once you get it pulled back and think it’s about to go boom you still have to pull just a bit more and at that point it nearly suprises you until you get used to it, however…this also makes me feel pretty safe carrying it with a chamered round because I’m not worried about blowing my balls off with some feather light trigger pull. I rate this gun a solid 8/10..it’s my everyday carry weapon and I can carry whatever I want and have at least 5 other pocket guns to choose from in my gun safe. Also, don’t be fooled by people telling you that a .32 ACP is almost the same as a .380 ACP because it’s definitely NOT. The .380 is a far more powerful catridge and is basically the smallest caliber which is a proven & real world acceptable one to two shot stopper. It has nearly double the ft/lbs of impact near the muzzle as the smaller round. The only thing they both share is the same velocity range of 850-1100 fps depending on your ammo. The gold dot is right around 1000 fps and nearly 200 ft/lbs of impact in the .380 chambering which is plenty potent to stop most threats very quickly with good shot placement. (head or center mass shot)
I just purchased a DME today as a CCW.
All metal.
A nice feel to it despite having big hands.
No problems with releasing the mag by accident.
Hard trigger pull. I was told 10 lbs by the guys at the shop. I tried the NAA Guardian and it was the same way.380. It is hard on the right hand. I ws told that both had the 10 lb trigger pull as a safety mechanism. I do not know if this is accurate.
The Ruger LCP was easier, I am assuming 5 lbs. The Kel-Tec had a lighter pull also.
Dinner plate pattern from 20 ft the first time out. Had a couple of misfeeds the first couple of mags using Blazer 90g. Probably due to not being broken in. Ran a couple of mags of Corbon 90g through it with no problem.
I want something that will last, and hopefully an all metal pocket 380 should fit the bill. Time will tell.
When I walked into the gun shop I had no idea of what I wanted. I just new I wanted something small light weight and powerful. A couple of friends suggested 22’s to me but honestly it didn’t interest me at all, I wasn’t really happy with the size of the ammunition :- ( I spoted the Micro Desert 380 pistol and I asked to hold it when I had a grip on this little baby I knew it was the one for me. I am very satisfied with it fits in all of my hand bags perfectly. I’m loving my Micro Desert Eagle
Purchased the MDE last weekend and put about 70 rounds of blazer FMJ’s through it. Not the best ammo, but its what was available :O) I noticed a few things:
Liked it better than my LCP. (which I returned to buy the MDE)
I wear a size medium glove, and I had two fingers securely on the grip (ok, one on the mag). feels good in the hand.
Yes, the trigger pull is stiff, but easy to get used to.
Im not an expert marksman, but I kept all 7 rounds in a 6 inch group from about 7 yards.
Jammed twice (failed to chamber. the round snagged the top of the barrel [above the ramp], but chambered with just a slight tug on the slide). May have been due to the fact the gun was straight from the box plus cheap ammo. If not, a light deburring of that edge likely will fix the issue.
I had no problem with ’slide bite’, BUT i did get an annoying rub on the top of the first knuckle on my thumb from the grip (after 50 odd rounds). Then again, this isnt an all day plinking gun….
Field stripping is EASY when you get the hang of holding the slide and turning the barrel. (Teflon coating is NOT known for good grip….) GOes back together even easier.
I do like it overall so far. It is hard to find holsters to fit it due to the oversize trigger guard and overall ’square’ outline, as it is on the market longer, I’m sure this will change. Laser sight would be nice to.
I have been a devoted NAA fan for a long time, but the MDE seems like a better choice then the guardian for me. You’ll still have to pry my mini-revolver and BW out of my hands though!
Just bought one today and put 20 rounds through it to try it out.
I got it to replace a Kel-tec P3AT, which I find extremely uncomfortable to fire because I can never find a natural-feeling way to lay my trigger finger in there and squeeze with enough pressure and long enough to get a round off; my trigger finger would always be sore after just a couple of rounds. I also have trouble with accuracy on that gun… so was looking for something new.
The MDE is much more solid. It just feels better in my hand, and the large trigger guard means there’s plenty of breathing room for my trigger finger, both providing a more natural-feeling experience (no continually feeling around to find a comfortable way to pull the trigger) and eliminating the pain in my finger upon firing. Recoil is much improved vs the P3AT, but the MDE does get a bit uncomfortable in the web of my hand due to the recoil that is there.
I find the sighting is much better than the P3AT also. The MDE is more “like a real gun” in this regard.
Finally the MDE is smaller and disappears even more deeply into my jeans pocket than even the P3AT does.
Bottom line is a more comfortable experience with better accuracy and so far I am very happy with the MDE vs the P3AT.
Oh yeah — forgot to add in response to people asking about a pocket holster for the MDE…
The MDE’s larger trigger guard means the Blackhawk I was using can’t work with it. However, there’s a slight variant of the Blackhawk available that fits it perfectly. That’s what I am using.
Is the Kevin’s 9X18 barrel compatible with the .380 MDE?
I finally found and bought a Micro Desert Eagle, 100+ mile round trip but still “local” for this part of the world. Even with my “LE Discount” I paid a couple of bucks more than the MSRP. Only gun store in a hundred miles so they rip everyone off. It is a solid well made chunk. I put 250 rounds of ball, cast, and JHP through it in no particular order over three trips to the range. Shoots where it is pointed consistently out to 7 or 8 yards. Beyond that to 10-15 yards it likes the ball best. Buffalo Bore jacketed SWC seems to be what I will carry in it. Simple to take down for clean up, and easy to reassemble. I don’t know how many have to be sold before CT makes a laser grip for it. The long silver colored front sight is difficult to find in the desert sun with aging eyes. Maybe they could figure out how to add a bit more hand fill than the thin stock grip panels. Fits in any trouser pocket, doesn’t snag on anything, and goes “bang” every time the trigger is pulled. I’ll keep it!
I’ve been looking for a pistol I can safely conceal for quite a while. Since I’m very petite that’s been a real challenge. Shooting is not the problem – they mostly go in the center, but there are way too many choices!
I have a major problem with malfunctions – I have stovepipe jams, nearly every single round. Any instructor, professional or rangemaster that watches me will assure you – my technique is perfect. My wrists are the problem & I’ve been unable to correct this so far (sadly it’s limpwristing).
When I walked into the gun shop yesterday & saw the MDE 380 & I was sold. Haven’t shot it yet but am hoping I’ll have better luck with it. Keeping my H&K 9mm Compact & will continue to strengthen my wrists.
But, these new polymer guns can be trouble for small women like myself. I have a serious problem to rectify. Glad to find there’s a USA built steel micro gun that I’ll be able to conceal & be safe with. Now to find some ammo!!
I have had my Micro Deagle for 4 months now and I love it. I have fired over 300 rounds through it and it has not burped once. No misfires, jams or issues. It is a bit hard on the webbing between the thumb and index finger, but this is not a target gun, so firing 100’s of rounds at a time is not recommended. Once I got used to it, I can do 3″ to 4″ groups at 25 feet, so it will do the job. With some 115gr Hornady Critical Defense rounds in the clip, I feel that this Deagle is a potent self protection weapon that is easy to conceal in the pocket or in the waistband. The pocket holster from Magnum Research fits the gun perfectly and Crossbreed makes a custom IWB holster that is extremely comfortable and versatile. All in all, this is an excellent CCW that I would reccomend to anyone.
Note: I messed up on the bullet weight. It is actually 95gr Hornady Critical Defense rounds. The 115gr are in my 9mm. Sorry!
Just a followup to my posting several months ago. The MDE is still working well for me, I put about 100 rounds a month through it. As another poster (also named Joe… go figure) recently noted, the Hornady critical defense rounds to a super job. I did some informal ‘testing’ with denim, leather, and other fabrics over wet phone books, thin luan plywood and plain water jugs. The rounds are awesome. I consistantly had 100% expansion with everything except the luan, but they still expanded about 50%, although it was inconsistant. Since that outing, I have replaced my Hydra shok and speer gold dot with these in my 9mm and .38. I ran them in a carbine with .38+P and wow! I’d use them for coyote any day. Also, the extreme cone shaped nose feeds 100%, and you get 25 in a box while most other premium SD ammo give you 20.
Back to the MDE: The crossbreed microtuck works well, but on the website they listed as a CZ Micro Eagle. Its a typo. I did have to tighten up the grips on mine, they got loose. I find that I am consistantly 2-4″ to the right of center at 10 yards. I believe its due to the extreme trigger pull, but compensating for it is tough.
All in all, its a super little package, and I would buy it all over again if I had to.
My MDE continues to amaze and please me. I had occasion to contact customer assistance with a question about a slice on the right side plastic panel grip. Their initial response and follow up call was a nice surprise along with the replacement plastic grips they sent! It now has about 800 rounds through it and the only maintenance other than cleaning has been to tighten the grip screws. I believe that a smooth rounded trigger might have been a better choice than the finger shredder with those finely engineered grooves. I have obtained a Bullard pocket wallet holster which is not only a well made piece of gear, but works very well as a rear pocket holster with the flap on or front pocket holster with the flap off. I bought and put the wood DE grips on which feel as though there is more to hang onto, and intend to order a couple new magazines with the finger extension base plate. So far I haven’t been able to locate nor buy any of the Hornady Critical Defense .380 ACP but will jump on it as soon as they are in season again. Everything else I put through it is easily digested. Several of my brother and sister officers have expressed their desires to add one of these to their back up and off duty carry arsenals.
As a woman I have been seeking a gun that I can carry truly concealed. I bought the MDE to replace my Walther PPKS .32cal. Took it to the range yesterday and fired about 30 rounds to get a good feel of it…. I like it. It took a little getting used to the trigger but feels good and safe. It did jam about 5 or 6 times but its a new gun and the ammo I had was not the best. I will be going back to the range in a few days with some good ammo and see if that takes care of it. It did have a bit of a kick into the web of my hand causing it to get a little sore, but having a firm grip on it was helpful. I did not buy it to target practice so I’m not concerned with that being an issue.
I was pleased with the accuracy as well. Over all I am happy with it, handles well, good size, good weight, and leaves little to no print through my everyday clothes.
AFarmer,
Yes, the break in period will smooth out the gun, but you also have to have a stiff wrist and arm to allow the gun to cycle properly. I have fired over 400 rounds and not one did it fail to cycle or load. I carry this gun everywhere. In the winter I will carry my larger pistols, but for highly concealable, effective protection, this pistol is hard to beat. Enjoy.