Mountain Eagle .22 LR

The Mountain Eagle is a .22 LR rimfire made by Magnum Research in the 1990s. It’s a lightweight, polymer‑framed semi‑automatic rimfire that was produced in limited numbers; today it shows up on the used market as an affordable, quirky little pistol/rifle that appeals to collectors and plinkers.

Short history / context

Magnum Research produced a .22 LR design called the Mountain Eagle in the 1990s as a lightweight rimfire option. It was offered in modest numbers and is now discontinued; examples turn up on the used market or in police trade‑in listings from time to time.

What it’s good for

• Plinking & inexpensive range fun: .22 LR ammo is cheap and the Mountain Eagle is light and easy to shoot.

• Collectors / curiosities: Its unusual styling and limited production make it interesting to collectors of niche Magnum Research products.

• Light training / introductions: Low recoil makes it suitable for introducing new shooters to semi‑autos (after proper safety training).

Typical pros & cons

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to handle; small footprint.

• Higher magazine capacity than many small rimfire pistols (15+ rounds on many examples). Inexpensive on the used market compared with many collectible firearms — often found at modest prices.

Cons / caveats

• Discontinued: parts and factory mags can be scarce — owners often hunt for magazines or use aftermarket workarounds.

• Some sources describe early production quality quirks; service history varies by example. Inspect used guns carefully.

Maintenance & ownership tips

• Magazine sourcing: Expect to search the used market, magazine‑parts specialists, or aftermarket vendors for spare magazines — bring the magazine when you buy a used Mountain Eagle to confirm compatibility.

• Ammo testing: Try multiple .22 LR brands (standard- and high‑velocity) to find what feeds reliably in your individual gun. Rimfires can be ammo‑sensitive.

• Inspect before purchase: Look for signs of corrosion in the receiver, wear in the bolt and feed ramp, and ensure the magazines lock and feed smoothly. If possible, test‑fire before buying.