Re: Han Solo Force Awakens Blaster is not a c96
Airsoft replicas have replaced the once abundant blowback cap guns for many productions. You guys all know MGC (Model Gun Corporation Sterlings were used as E11's in ROTJ and possibly ESB as was Robocops gun in everything outside of the first film, also they were used heavily in SPR and BofB) Reasons vary from budget to crossing borders internationally. When dealing with real or converted blank fire weapons the paperwork can turn into an encyclopedia and even at that, the weapon can be seized or denied entry into any given country. The original SW ANH ran into this when going to film in Tunisia hence the odd cast E11's.
Over the past decade airsoft replicas havent just become more affordable but the ability to make them dead nuts accurate it there. Ive seen them used in tv/film where even the actor to use them wasnt aware they were not real firearms until going through the handing walk through. Tricks range from modified magazines, cooled gas (to make more smoke plume) and tricked valves/springs for more kick and clank.
The Crow and death of Brandon Lee being so closely related to the death of John Erik Hexum ten years prior is what started the weapons master/armorer vs prop master weapons handling change in how things are done. New rules and regulations went into effect. Even rubber guns are treated and handled as real live fire weapons on set where back in the day it was common for extras to break for lunch in full costume, rifle slung over a shoulder and pistol in the holster. There is always the exception to the rule however much anyone will say different.
This airsoft is mostly steel and accurate down to the make and serial numbers. Its been modified to kick reaaallly hard and put out a plum of gas (smoke):
They were used in Terminator Salvation yet nobody seems to have caught that one yet either:
Real rubber cast off real steel 9mm on the bottom next to a highly accurate modified airsoft .45 up top
and the most used airsoft to date is the Beretta 92, next to a real steel rubber casting.
And someone asked "Why would Han have a blaster that was identical 40 years later especially since he had different blasters since then? ", this is my real steel .45 Colt Commander, it was my grandfathers, its over 40 years old. The OT blaster is a throw back to the OT. In reality only people on this board would even realize he had different blasters. There was concept art for a new Han blaster that would have had fans in an uproar. It may have been AK47 receiver based and although an awesome design, just not Hans gun. Maybe well see when the making of books come out.
