Go-Go Gadget Thread Resurrection!
In the 3 and half years since this thread has seen a new post, virtually every component of the ANH bowcaster has been identified.
The detailed history of the Original Model 7 4x20 scope has been researched by intwenothor:
http://www.therpf.com/f79/original-model-7-4x20-scope-telescopic-sight-found-part-191095/
We now know that the Imperial discs are from and several other discs on the body of the crossbow are from a JA Mitchel turntable. The source parts for the rest of the side panel pieces (from various Zorki and Kodak 35mm cameras, as well as some amplifier knobs) have all been discovered.
And finally, the crossbow itself: The Horton Magnum. There are now two people on this board who own this crossbow, and I will become the third in a week or two. Over the years I have collected every other BC part except those that have yet to be identified.
The only remaining unidentified parts are the barrel assembly, barrel support, and front sight.
It has been suggested that the front sight is an Enfield No. 4. I have an enfield No. 4 and it's not it, but it's clearly something like it. Its flat on top and has a split in the center. It's got "wings" attached to each side that are bent out a bit. Anyone want to take a stab at this?
Additionally, I was chatting with odiwan and he suggested the barrel assembly might actually be a "goat's foot" crossbow cocking lever, similar to this Barnett cocking lever from the 80's.
I think he's probably right. You can see how the basic design is very similar to the barrel assembly on the bc. The y-shaped lever looks similar to the arms/box that the barrel is attached to underneath the scopes. The handle is about the right diameter and length. Even the hinged part vaguely resembles the barrel support at the front of the weapon, which also appears to have a hinge at the bottom.
It's also an accessory that Bapty's might have picked up when they bought the Horton Magnum crossbow. I'm going to bet that the part we're looking for is an antique crossbow cocking lever, possibly made by Horton. Anyone recognize it?
Empire/Jedi Bowcaster differences
I've also been looking at pictures of the Empire/Jedi version of the bowcaster for differences, and there are quite a few. There are the obvious ones, of course, like the fact that the string is still on the bowcaster and the limbs are pulled back. You've also got the different, narrower sling.
In the photo above you can see that the barrel assembly is just a barrel that terminates just below the scopes. Also the side coiled cord is the same size as the one that that wraps around the back of the bowcaster. On the ANH version, that side cord is smaller.
Also notice the front sight and barrel support:
The front sight is round with no split, and the wings look like they are part of it rather than a bolted on piece like in ANH.
The barrel support is also smaller and the hole is much smaller and lower. There's still a hinge at the base, though.
And here, the JA Michel discs (not the imperial discs, the other ones) that are above the trigger on the ANH BC are gone:
Of course, we've never see the side panel much on the Empire/Jedi BC because Chewie's hair is always covering it. Anyways, thought I would update this thread.
EDIT: I suppose a mod ought to move this to the Star Wars forum.
