There are many options today when it comes to the DL-44. Especially compared to as recent as just a couple years ago. Night and day difference infact. I like to think I have played a role in moving that needle forward..
I appreciate the shoutout
masterjedi322. All those places mentioned above from “FM to DEC to Todd’s” are all truly great. I would say DEC is the most dated out of the 3 though. They are truly the OG in this DL-44 blaster world as they were the first to offer such kits. Years before anyone else did infact. But they also haven’t updated their kit at all since then and its missing some key details IMHO. From a nostalgia point of view and in this DL-44 blaster replica community, they are and will always be legendary.
For most beginner builders you will struggle with DEC bullbarrel though as it’s designed for an MGC/c96 and not a denix which is fatter than both of those. FM would be the easiest to work with as he has a slip fit bullbarrel plus an accurate off sent rail. Both of which were a great design ideas (wink, wink). While Todd’s is easily the best if you just want to buy a full metal finished build and you don’t care about the denix inaccuracies. Not only is the denix unmodified but it’s also the version with the plastic grips which is a bit of a letdown honestly. I think he’s milled the extraction mark now so that definitely does help.
My own Dl-44 builds are probably the most accurate of them all honestly. I do use 3d printed parts made from my own designs. My designs can’t be disputed as I’ve spent endless hours perfecting them and the proof is in the pudding. I can’t name another person that has created all the variances with all the correct details. They are industrial printed (meaning I use printers that cost a LOT and the parts are very detailed) for what it’s worth.
But regardless we have more options now than ever before which is amazingly awesome for us DL-44 lovers.
Pictured below from
top to bottom, left to right each blaster in the order as they appeared onscreen in the OT..
ANH - GK, Hero
TESB - Hoth, Dagobah (stunt), Han Bespin, Luke Bespin
ROTJ - Endor, Stembridge
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