I own a Desert Eagle and have both 44 Magnum and 50 AE barrels for it. At my 6 ft. 10 in. size, it fits me well. The recoil with 50 AE loads is substantial but no more uncomfortable than my 44 Magnum Redhawk with Hogue Monogrips. With the 44 Magnum barrel and heavy loads, the recoil is minimal; no more than 44 Special loads in my Redhawk and maybe more like a 38 Special handgun.
For the gun to cycle properly, you need to shoot full house 44 Magnum loads. In fact with some light loads I tried, the gun didn't cycle at all. It will also not feed properly if you limp wrist it. I don't consider the accuracy of the gun that great with either barrel so it wouldn't be my first choice for hunting but at least with the 50 AE barrel, it should make good close range bear medicine if you needed something for that.
