The Man from UNCLE replica pistol

Here are some photos of my UNCLE arsenal. I'm indebted to ed-209 for the information, parts, advice, photo references, etc. that he's provided over the many years he and I have been friends. I've been fortunate to have acquired a couple of the old MGC versions and later the Maruzen versions. On both I was able to use a real Bushnell Phantom scope to replace the replicas. On my Maruzen version I thought the plastic extended mag with the simulated holes looked too ... plastic and unrealistic so I took a real P-38 mag and grafted it to a short Maruzen (airsoft) magazine which allowed the real mag follower, spring, and some inert 9mm rounds to be used. The holes in the real mag allow you to see the rounds, etc.

I also didn't like the perfect, pristine look of the Maruzen's finish so I weathered it with paint, Rub 'n Buff, and graphite. Hope you enjoy the pics.
 

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Looking good, eltee!!! The worn look gives it that "I've been fighting THRUSH Agents" look.
Good job. The extended mag was a great idea that I'm going to "Steal" from you. ---Ed
 
I regret to this day never buying this from RMI when I bought my 1911 & PPK back in the mid 70's. Of course, had I bought it then I probably wouldn't have it anymore as I don't have the originals I bought back then even though I was able to replace them years later at a significantly higher cost. If I remember correctly I paid in the mid $20 range for each one.
 
I was recently contacted by a fellow fan of the show to purchase some parts for his Maruzen Detachable P-38. He also mentioned that he was lucky to find an MGC UNCLE Walther P-38 replica for $10.00!!!!

It was, I thought, in pretty good shape and agreed to restore it.

Upon receiving it, I saw there were plenty of problems that needed to be addressed.

The slide and trigger were locked in place, the barrel was split, the magazine just falls out, the safety lever would not lock in place.

The left-hand grip had, at one time, developed a crack from side-to-side and repaired with super glue.
Both grips had surface scratches and the grip retaining bolt was super glued in place on the grip.

After grinding out the original bolt, I saw that all the springs needed were missing!

Using my wire brush attachment on my bench grinder, I stripped off all of the original finish and used hand files to sharpen the edges and remove blemishes.

I was lucky enough to find springs in my parts box that were able to be used as substitutes.

As you look through the photos you'll see what I did in the restoration process.

All in all, I felt pretty good that I was able to bring this replica "back to life". I know he'll now proudly display it alongside his collectibles.

Hope you enjoy the post. ---Ed View attachment 1704252View attachment 1704253View attachment 1704254View attachment 1704255View attachment 1704256View attachment 1704256View attachment 1704257View attachment 1704258View attachment 1704261View attachment 1704263View attachment 1704264View attachment 1704265View attachment 1704266View attachment 1704267View attachment 1704268View attachment 1704269View attachment 1704269View attachment 1704270View attachment 1704271View attachment 1704272View attachment 1704273View attachment 1704275View attachment 1704276View attachment 1704277View attachment 1704278View attachment 1704279View attachment 1704280View attachment 1704281View attachment 1704282View attachment 1704283View attachment 1704284View attachment 1704285View attachment 1704286View attachment 1704287View attachment 1704288View attachment 1704289
Awesome Job.
 
Here's my future project. I have 2 replica P-38's to work with. This one is a plastic airsoft version with a removeable magazine and the other one is a Denix that is all metal but has a fixed magazine plate. I'm open to suggestions on which one to use.
 

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Here's my future project. I have 2 replica P-38's to work with. This one is a plastic airsoft version with a removeable magazine and the other one is a Denix that is all metal but has a fixed magazine plate. I'm open to suggestions on which one to use.
Hi Skycop! I would suggest using the plastic Airsoft version as the Carbine Special because you could use an extended magazine. The Denix could be used as the standard field pistol. If you need parts for them, let me know. I'm currently working with a Motion Picture Leather-smith (responsible for making several famous holsters such the twin shoulder holsters from 'The King's Man") in making an UNCLE shoulder holster.
 
Thanks for the info.
Might have to see if I can scarf up another muzzle break and handgrips somewhere to convert the Denix.
I've purchased a Bushnell Phantom Magnum scope off Evilbay for a decent price for a possible project.
What ever happened to Brad at UNCLEGUNS as he had all the parts?
BTW, I was helping a friend paint some steel beams and he was using Rustoleum 2X Canyon Black that looks to be between flat black and more in in the semi gloss color. Thinking on taking my real P-1 (post war P-38) to see if it's a close match.
 
Thanks for the info.
Might have to see if I can scarf up another muzzle break and handgrips somewhere to convert the Denix.
I've purchased a Bushnell Phantom Magnum scope off Evilbay for a decent price for a possible project.
What ever happened to Brad at UNCLEGUNS as he had all the parts?
BTW, I was helping a friend paint some steel beams and he was using Rustoleum 2X Canyon Black that looks to be between flat black and more in in the semi gloss color. Thinking on taking my real P-1 (post war P-38) to see if it's a close match.
The Bushnell Phantom MAGNUM scope is not the correct version.
Brad has closed his business and is no longer selling parts.
I do have parts you might need.
MFU_Replica Replacement Parts (4).jpg
 
The 2 different type of suppressors, a muzzle break and a set of grips could be a player.
Agreed that the Bushnell Phantom Magnum is not exact, but it's very close.
 
Amazing restoration. Very cool prop.
Thanks!!! Working on another that one of our own members was gracious enough to gift to me. Thanks, Terry!!! --Ed

Only problem was the missing rear sight. I ground down the recess to allow fitting a real P-38 rear sight. Some E-6000 holds it in place.

All parts were then wire-wheeled to remove any finish still left. Parts were sanded to remove any imperfections.

The barrel was cut so the proper 'Birdcage' flash arrester can be fitted.

Grips are sanded prior to re-polishing.

First coat of paint applied

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Thanks!!! Working on another that one of our own members was gracious enough to gift to me. Thanks, Terry!!! --Ed

Only problem was the missing rear sight. I ground down the recess to allow fitting a real P-38 rear sight. Some E-6000 holds it in place.

All parts were then wire-wheeled to remove any finish still left. Parts were sanded to remove any imperfections.

The barrel was cut so the proper 'Birdcage' flash arrester can be fitted.

Grips are sanded prior to re-polishing.

First coat of paint applied

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A great looking transformation. Totally improved.
 
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