DL-44 Denix C96 - Still services to make them more accurate?

[tehguitarist]

Man, you’re making me regret being so liberal with a file over sandpaper! Parts are looking fantastic!

 

[thd9791]

Wow, this looks great already!

 

[PVmodels]

Man, you’re making me regret being so liberal with a file over sandpaper! Parts are looking fantastic!

I’m still working on a sanding sequence. For some, I started with a light dremel sander. Others i started with the file. Then 220 or 300. Then to 400. I did the trigger and hammer with 800 because I’m leaving them raw. I tried this sequence with the cast steel, scope mount today. Wow. Getting that rough texture off was ridiculous. I’m about 80% done but need a break.

 

[Captain Dunsel]

I like my Denix DL-44 blasters whose base pistols were modified / “accurized” by Bobadebt, years ago, as display pieces….

…but they are as heavy as solid bricks and probably not the best for “trooping”…especially when considering the accurate light-weight pistol bases now offered by sellers like Field Marshall.

I prefer to use resin casts of either real Mausers or MGCs as my DL-44 bases, with metal greeblies, now.

 

[PVmodels]

I like my Denix DL-44 blasters whose base pistols were modified / “accursed” by Bobadebt, years ago, as display pieces….

…but they are as heavy as solid bricks and probably not the best for “trooping”…especially when considering the accurate light-weight pistol bases now offered by sellers like Field Marshall.

I prefer to use resin casts of either real Mausers or MGCs as my DL-44 bases, with metal greeblies, now.

I hear you regarding the Denix weight. This one’s going to be a display piece.

I have been going back and forth on the Field Marshall aluminum base and denix for months. I also got outbid on a MGC on eBay. This one came up second hand on eBay and was reasonable. That said, I have to replace the damaged flash hider (going with steel). Also bought a few other goodies from Field Marshall for it. It’s also satisfying for me to take something with flaws and make it better. I have a couple ideas that I haven’t seen here yet. We’ll see how it goes.

 

[PVmodels]

Here’s what the scope mount looks like after 4 hours of effort. Probably another hour or so to complete it. The previous owner also filled the lower part of the mount with silicone to hold the scope in place. Cleaned all that off. I replaced it with two 2mm thick pieces of rubber that are 20mm long in the bottom under each bracket. Can’t see it and it secures the scope well.

Have more parts coming today and tomorrow. Should get more interesting soon.

 

[PVmodels]

Received this piece of vintage goodness in the mail today. I realize it has different sight markings on it (it’s from a carbine) but it’s the same size and makes up for it in patina. Some modification will be done to the denix upper to slide this in. Length is perfect. Width at the pins is 1mm narrower. Maybe I can get the spring under it to actually hold it down too.

 

[tehguitarist]

Did you end up hearing back about the mag plate at all?

 

[PVmodels]

Did you end up hearing back about the mag plate at all?

I did not hear back. I ordered all the other parts. I’m still debating the aluminum plate that will end up costing $34 with shipping or getting a vintage Mauser one for $40 and free shipping. Based on the comparison that Scottjua did, the denix is only fractionally larger in the mag area. And removing the mold circles will likely eliminate that difference.

 

[PVmodels]

I got the vintage Mauser sight on today. I plan to file off the circles on the outside and countersink the hole next. When the upper is off for that, I’ll also have a better view and try to adjust the spring so the sight lays flat.

Question for anyone who bought the blaster factory bolt for the denix: How did you get it to fit in the gun? It’s over 1mm taller than the denix bolt. I don’t have a way to mill that off the bolt and the opening in the denix is very tight to be filing it. Thank for suggestions in advance.

 

[PVmodels]

I have enjoyed being able to work on parts and then reassemble the DL-44 for display. I am at the point where it’s time to start stripping the finish off and sorting out the Denix. The point of no return.

The attached pics show the cleaned up Denix bolt, a replacement pin (stainless rod. Might make a screw-in one later), and the grip escutcheons (just have to countersink the holes). I plan to simulate the extractor on the bolt rather than add a piece. The aluminum flash hider will be replaced soon with steel. Hope you like the progress. I’ll be honest. I think this is my first and last metal project.

 

[Halliwax]

You’re putting in some serious work

 

[PVmodels]

You’re putting in some serious work

I have looked through so many denix threads here. I have learned a lot. The denix definitely has its shortcomings but I am very pleased with the way it cleans up so far. My least favorite part of the build is the scope mount. I’ve spent 6 hours on that and still not satisfied with the finish.

 

[Halliwax]

I have looked through so many denix threads here. I have learned a lot. The denix definitely has its shortcomings but I am very pleased with the way it cleans up so far. My least favorite part of the build is the scope mount. I’ve spent 6 hours on that and still not satisfied with the finish.

Incredible job im impressed

 

[PVmodels]

Incredible job im impressed

Thank you. I appreciate your support.

 

[PVmodels]

Today’s lesson: aluminum is not as soft and easy to work with as I expected. I purchased a 3mm thick sheet of aluminum with the intention of using it for the mag plate cover, to fill in the right side of the bolt, and potentially work under the hammer.

I started with trying to fill the right side of the bolt. There is a visible open space on the bolt when in the gun. 2 1/2 hours later, I completed that job. Mini-hacksaw, dremel grinding disc, and lots of time with the files. Took 2 attempts.

Rethinking making the mag plate cover myself. Mainly due to the round part on the plate.

 

[Halliwax]

You’re a beast…

 

[PVmodels]

ACE is the place with the helpful hardware people. Nice older gentleman showed me to the set screws and the thread tapping tools. I made a removable bolt pin and threaded the hole in the back of the bolt.

 

[Halliwax]

This thing is looking wicked smooth…

 

[PVmodels]

Like a kid with a new toy or in this case tool. Just got these and did my first test. Have to work on alignment and spacing but very cool for the first test.