Han Solo ANH DL44 Blaster from a Blaster Factory all-steel kit

[Filandrius]

Hey everyone! I just finished my steel ANH DL44 replica from Blaster Factory (full steel C96 Mauser with bulk barrel & flash hider, elite Hensoldt steel scope, and wood grips) and I thought I’d share a few pictures.

The kit is more than great, and while finishing it may be a bit tricky, the result (especially the final assembly) is so satisfying that it’s worth every second (and every penny) spent.

Here goes!

 

[BlandoCalrssian]

 

[joberg]

Excellent travail et résultat fantastique!
Excellent job and the result is fantastic!

 

[InTheAZone]

Did you put the battle worn on it or come that way and which kit did you get from Blastor Factory?

Looks amazing!

 

[Filandrius]

It's the DL-44 ANH steel kit from Blaster Factory. It comes disassembled and in machine finish. I completed (deburred, blued, painted, etc...) everything myself.

 

[InTheAZone]

Is it this one- ANH HERO - DL44 BLASTER KIT - Blaster Factory
Also was there a tutorial on how to paint and weather or you just knew how to do it?

 

[Filandrius]

Nope, that one. DL44 MAUSER STEEL REPLICA /with BULL BARREL AND FLASHHIDER - Blaster Factory

No tutorial, I knew how to do it because I did a ton of research and used reference. Found most of it right here on the RPF.

 

[InTheAZone]

Again awesome work! Is that the link I sent above to the one you got?

 

[InTheAZone]

Nope, that one. DL44 MAUSER STEEL REPLICA /with BULL BARREL AND FLASHHIDER - Blaster Factory



No tutorial, I knew how to do it because I did a ton of research and used reference. Found most of it right here on the RPF.

Sorry did not see the link

 

[Filandrius]

Here's a couple of threads that are, IMHO, a must-read.

Interest - INT: Active project: 1:1 accurate MAUSER REPLICA is READY!!!

UPDATE: IT IS DONE. The Mausers are ready!!! Go to warmachinepaintball.com to order. Ok guys, I want this made as much as some of you do but I REALLY need to know who's seriously interested in something like this. We won't yet know the actual cost, but like anything it will depend on...

www.therpf.com

The origins of the steel replica, and a TON of tips & methods on how to finish & assemble it, including specific methods for individual parts.

Trio of Live Fire Han Solo ANHs

These have been what I've been working on the past month or two non stop. I had some real issues with these guns in particular, as it seemed each one needed replacement parts and special attention. There was a LOT of work to get them to function correctly and these were easily the hardest ones...

www.therpf.com

That's just an example, but these are live-fire DL44 replicas built by the master, Scottjua. Invaluable reference all around.

Hope that helps.

 

[unclemarsellus]

I built one over a year ago and it remains my favorite piece that I've ever built. I can't speak highly enough about it and it was a lot of fun to finish and put together. I love seeing everyone's versions. Congrats!

 

[InTheAZone]

Hey everyone! I just finished my steel ANH DL44 replica from Blaster Factory (full steel C96 Mauser with bulk barrel & flash hider, elite Hensoldt steel scope, and wood grips) and I thought I’d share a few pictures.

The kit is more than great, and while finishing it may be a bit tricky, the result (especially the final assembly) is so satisfying that it’s worth every second (and every penny) spent.

Here goes!

How did you get those exact scratch/wear marks like that on the scope mount? I see a lot of replicas and everyone seems to have the exact same wear on the mount.

 

[Filandrius]

I built one over a year ago and it remains my favorite piece that I've ever built. I can't speak highly enough about it and it was a lot of fun to finish and put together. I love seeing everyone's versions. Congrats!

Funny you should say that, it was one of the most gratifying prop building experience for me too. It instantly became one of my favorite props.

 

[Filandrius]

How did you get those exact scratch/wear marks like that on the scope mount? I see a lot of replicas and everyone seems to have the exact same wear on the mount.

That's because people want to replicate the weathering of the screen-used prop:

Most people use stencils. Here's a thread for some great accurate stencils, by (who else) Scottjua.

Limited Run - LTD Run: Han Solo ANH super accurate Stencil RUN

Ok folks, I've been using the stencils I made for a few years now and have been very happy with them. I've been asked countless times to make them available so this is your chance. This will be a limited run only, and I don't plan to make them available on a constant basis, so now's the time...

www.therpf.com

 

[orntar]

How did you find the quality of the steel replica? I have been thinking of getting the aluminum version. According to his videos, they use the same cnc, so the only difference is the material.

 

[Filandrius]

The quality of the parts is top notch. No reason to believe that the aluminum kit wouldn't be any less well made. The only difference would be the finishing of the parts, why is why I chose the steel version... First it's more accurate, and second the finishing method is more accurate because of the material used. As far as I know you just can't heat blue aluminum, so those parts won't have the correct finish (deep blue) if they're aluminum. But there is still ways to darken aluminum so that it looks like blued steel (gunmetal grey) and the painted parts are a moot point (since they're flat black, no matter the material) There's also the weight... On the other hand deburring aluminum is a lot less tricky than deburring steel, so there's that. One way or another I'm sure that the aluminum kit can look just as awesome as the steel kit once done.

 

[orntar]

Thanks for the reply. It does look good!
It appears that the aluminum kit comes annodized. Except the "white" metal parts.

I was looking at the aluminum to save some money (and weight?). Do you know the difference from what you bought vs this kit (and choosing the steel option)?

ANH HERO - DL44 BLASTER KIT - Blaster Factory

blasterfactory.com

 

[orntar]

I think it figured it out. On the regular anh kit page where you select either denix or steel... if you select steel, it's 899.

On the page for the steel replica, you choose anh with aluminum scope mount, it's 899.
If you choose anh with steel mount, it's 974.

Not very clear. I wish they would update the site with more info, or a better selection system/ specifications.

They also don't answer emails or messenger. Not sure I want to pull l the trigger on something of this cost where the company service is nowhere to be found.

 

[Filandrius]

Yeah that's it. Options can be a little confusing. I had to contact Chris directly to figure out how to order exactly what I wanted and what exactly was included in the kit.

Messenger worked best for me, but he can take a few days to come back. Same thing with emails, but the service definitively is there: some parts were missing in my kit (nothing major, some small screws) and they sent them to me free of charge when I contacted them about it (he has several people working customer service for him)

 

[orntar]

I ended up getting the steel kit after all.

How did you go about bluing it?