ANH DL-44 - first build questions

[luke182w]

Hi. I'm looking to start my first ever build, the ANH DL-44, and have acquired necessary parts from DEC.

Having read through various posts on here, and being in the UK, I have a few questions about sourcing a replica Mauser.

• Denix replicas are commonly used (quality not amazing though)
• Airsoft versions are of a better quality compared to the Denix but have detailing which is not as screen accurate on the sides of the gun?
• Both are illegal to paint black

1. Are my assumptions correct?
2. Is the quality of the Denix replicas better than having inaccurate parts on the side of the airsoft versions?

I'll be using it for display only really, doesn't need to be 100% accurate but as close as possible


Any help or advice would be appreciated!

P.S. Can anyone point me in the direction for some hi-res images of the ANH DL-44?

 

[tomm1999]

I would say the majority of DL-44's you see around here are built off of a Denix, although a decent amount of members have built them on MGC's (way better then Denix) and deactivated Mauser C96's. Since youre in the UK why not get a deactivated Mauser? Also there are some live fire ones which are amazing, but Im thinking a deactivated would be easier to get. Here is a thread with alot of good images:

http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=118186&highlight=dl44

 

[PropReplicator2]

MGC's are way better in detail than Denix in detail honestly. Regardless of this fact, I made all of my 4 blasters from a Denix replica and they are all screen accurate to the hero blasters from the OT.

That shows that it is definintly possible to mod these a little bit with a dremel too make them more accurate. Goodluck on your build.

Alex

Sent from my KYOCERA-E6560 using Tapatalk

PS: Don't use the airsoft ones because you risk breaking the body when you screw/bolt on metal parts.

 

[Egon]

Yep, if you are in the UK and can get a deactivated - best route. but the Denix can definitely be modded to be serviceable. Study a real mauser and check out the mods others have made on here and you will have a good looking blaster!

 

[luke182w]

Thanks for the responses! I'll continue my research

How much is a deactivated Mauser likely to set me back? And will I legally be able to buy one even if it is deactivated?

 

[thd9791]

Also, I'll add while the airsoft ones look similar - the gun is pretty different. The bodies are different shapes, its a different thickness, the handles are shaped differently and like you said, there's extra weird stuff on it.

What this means is that all the Hero ANH blaster parts literally won't fit on the airsoft mausers. some parts like the bracket may look okay, but it will be really wonky.

Historically, the airsofts are closer to war-time mausers (1930s) and the ones used in Star Wars A New Hope are from 1896.

 

[luke182w]

Ah okay, thanks for the heads up.

 

[Scott4040]

The only restriction on deactivated guns is that you must be over 18. Replica guns are considerably more restricted.

The mauser is not an especially common gun in the UK. Expect to pay £500 at minimum.

Painting an imitation firearm (I.e. A brightly coloured replica) black makes it a realistic imitation firearm. Converting an IF into a RIF is an offence as is selling a RIF or assembling one from parts. To do any of these things requires a defence which mostly entail belonging to a reenactment or similar group.

Note that owning a RIF is not an offence and does not require a defence.

Note that none of that applies to deacts as they are actual firearms not IF or RIF.

 

[newmagrathea]

You could look at getting one from Todd's costume's or a kit from DEC.

 

[Scott4040]

You could look at getting one from Todd's costume's or a kit from DEC.

He won't be able to import the base gun without a defence.

OP - PM me if you'd like some help on this, it's a tricky subject.