Nailgun to raygun - need some inspiration. Pics included.

As someone who really only got into this area because of lightsabers, I never thought I'd consider doing much else, but having seen some fine raygun builds, steampunk or otherwise (maybe someone could explain what the whole steampunk thing is all about anyway???)

So when I saw this at the local junkyard I couldn't resist. Mine is exactly the same as this one.


For those who may not have seen one, it is a ramset gun for nailing into concrete or steel, Australian made, uses a blank .22 cal charge to blow a large pin into concrete or steel. Highly dangerous and lethal (more so than an air operated one and fitting for a ray gun). The grip is black rubber and the main grip part is orange plastic, the part in front of the grip is aluminium which would polish nicely. I found out it is an obselete model and that soon you will not be able to get charges or pins to fit it from the manufacturer. So there is the potential for the market to have plenty of these soon. This cost me $6!

So, raygun poroject anyone? Let me know what you think. No idea at all where to start with this.

Is that flat bit at the front joined to the aluminum front grip? If not, maybe start by hacking that off. Maybe get rid of the rubber grip and make a cool one out of wood. It's certainly an interesting piece. Something about it (to me) says to make it into a rifle.

Dart said:

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Is that flat bit at the front joined to the aluminum front grip? If not, maybe start by hacking that off. Maybe get rid of the rubber grip and make a cool one out of wood. It's certainly an interesting piece. Something about it (to me) says to make it into a rifle.

Thankfully it all comes apart, the alloy part has the steel barrel which is where most of the weight is running up inside it. The flat plate is to protect the user from gas and blowback and it is part of the steel barrel.

I have to decide between futuristic or vintage or steampunk but this is all new to me

Attachments, scope, flash hider, all are a possibility.

I guess the biggest thing you should do first is figure out just how far-out you want to take the build. Do you want something cartoony and wacky or do you want something that looks a bit more realistic (as realistic as a ray gun can be, ha!)

Figure out a theme first and then go from there. It'll make your life easier and give other people something to go off.