Bowjunkie Blaster Versus Master Replicas, Help

[Tom1971]

Okay guys I need your help. I have a certain amount I have budgeted for certain props and prop commitments. After which that's all for a while due to various issues.

Anywho I had budgeted to get a Master Replicas Stormtrooper blaster. A blaster by the infamous Bowjunkie came up for sale and I decided to buy it. It was sold here by another member who was lucky to get it before Bowjunkie started his bad behavior,

The blaster itself is a true work of art. Unlike the idealized MR this looks like it came from the Lucas Archives. It really looks like a converted sterling. The previous owner added a real and correct model scope that works. Very fun to look through. It has a resin counter and the accurate wires and two little things on top of the mag well. I have a real counter on the way to replace the resin one. The shoulder stock unfolds but it is not real solid.

I saw a long discussion in my research about what Bowjunkie used to build these. I'm really not sure what this is made of but it's not metal. It's very light and perfect for trooping. The weathering and scrathces are really very well done. Say what you will the guy knew how to build these things. To bad he shafted a bunch of people.

Here is my question. I really like the blaster but I don't do any trooping and I like my props to have a realistic heft to them and this is very light. Not much heft to it and I don't think you would want to drop it. But I love Master Replicas (With the exception of the overpriced part). I like what I have seen with the MR blaster and love the MR display cases, etc. I love all my MR pieces.

I really like this thing but would love the MR and can't have both. Should I sell or trade this for a Master Replicas or should I keep this one???

I have never had to ask such a question but I really don't know what to do.

Here is the sale thread with pics
http://www.therpf.com/f13/imperial-blaster-97295/

 

[Jamanticus]

I'd say stick with the Bowjunkie blaster.

The MR version is static, has no character to it with its completely pristine look (although as Clutch has demonstrated, it is possible to make it look good using some good old weathering techniques... Although that would maybe defeat the purpose of the MR as they're collectibles as well as prop replicas).

The MR blaster is also quite heavy. Like the other Master Replicas pieces. Personally, I don't find that very appealing, especially with its plastic handle, making it seem very unbalanced and clumsy (and random :lol ).

Also, the Bowjunkie version has more accurate parts / authentic bits, so from that point of view, there's no contest...

I'd say to stick with your current one, but there are tons of people here who know more about this stuff who can help you more.

 

[Boklast]

Which movie do you like better - ANH or ESB? The MR is basically an ESB E-11. Your blaster is ANH. There are a couple people that make customs display stands and cases around here. The MR sells for so much because collectors outside of the prop community buy MR's Star Wars stuff too. You have a great blaster in your possession. If you want to display it then weight shouldn't be an issue? In the end, do what makes you happy!

 

[Tom1971]

Some very good points. It would be displayed 99.999% of the time so weight is no big deal although I do still wish it was heavier. I do prefer the ANH version. I always said if I got the MR I would need to add the counter and top wire/greeblies.

 

[Amish Trooper]

like mentioned before I would keep the BJ version. The MR is nice but it would need work just be as nice as the one you have now

 

[Tom1971]

Okay, I'm convinced and will keep the Bowjunkie. Other than the weight it's far superior to the MR. Although a MR will stay on the Lotto list :lol

I already talked to Philip @ Rebelscum about a stand.

Thanks Guys

 

[exoray]

Okay, I'm convinced and will keep the Bowjunkie. Other than the weight it's far superior to the MR. Although a MR will stay on the Lotto list :lol

Good idea real builds from real parts certainly have their authentic appeal, but the MR blaster is on it's own a great build, and if it's in public view at any time IMO the MR is the better choice... To many wrongful conclusions can be jumped to by uneducated individuals when you have one built from real parts that they see...