A different kind of MHS build.....DH-17 blaster

**chicago.jedi** · 03-08-2014, 02:04 PM

Ok, so I have been working on this little item in my spare time. My goal was to make a Star Wars blaster that?

A) Is not a DL-44. Nothing against Han and his signature blaster, but it will always be Han's blaster in my eyes
B) Is not a repainted plastic toy. Nothing against these either, I have made my share of painted NERF guns. I just wanted something that felt more like a real gun in my hands.
C) Would light up. Of course, why not?

I was rummaging in my spare parts bin and started looking a little differently at some of the old MHS parts I had lying around. The parts I had seemed to resemble a DH-17 Rebel Trooper blaster.

I always kind of liked the DH-17 blasters of the Rebel Troopers. I think in the Star Wars universe it is kind of overshadowed by other blasters with more screen time, but is no less iconic. It has a classic look but is just a little bit different than the E-11's (ironic since they are built off of the same real world machine gun.)

So, I decided to try my hand at blaster-smithing. The size of the parts dictated the size of the blaster so I am calling this a DH-17-S, for short.

The guts are set up just like a stunt saber but with a momentary switch as a trigger. It has an orange LED.

The pistol grip is from an AK-47 and creates the same general profile as the DH-17. It is attached with two 1/4-20 socket head screws and a coupling.

The "scope" is a cheap little laser sight for a bb gun and is held on by a Weaver scope rail made for a Remington 870 shotgun. The rail fits perfectly against the radius of the MHS parts.

I drilled a little button head screw into the blade plug to create the impression of a barrel hole.

The black parts were painted with etching primer and then black enamel spray paint and clear coat.

This was a fun little project and I think it came out pretty well. Next step will be a holster but I thought I would share these pictures now.

Enjoy.

**Forgetful Jedi Knight** · 03-08-2014, 03:23 PM

Nice work! It looks like it could be a smuggler's blaster.

**Nick Knight** · 03-08-2014, 04:53 PM

That is really cool. I Love the look and i bet it fees great like a real Blaster with the metal parts for weight. GREAT JOB!

**Starwinder** · 03-08-2014, 05:35 PM

That is really awesome - great job making this a familiar yet different kind of blaster!

**brett** · 03-08-2014, 07:26 PM

I have often looked at my spare MHS parts, (the same blade holder you have used), a choke, any main body, and thought how nicely they would look mounted on a pistol grip, to make a buck rogers or similar themed blaster. Where else could you get a precision machined aluminium blaster from at such reasonable prices? Kudos to your efforts! It looks great. I especially like the idea that you are happy with something that might COME from the SW Universe, but does not have to be an exact replica.

**chicago.jedi** · 03-08-2014, 08:17 PM

Thanks for all of the kind words.

One thing of note, the picture of it lit up does not do it justice. I used a clear blade plug and with the cut outs in the side of the blade holder, it really is bright. In a dark room, if you give the trigger a quick squeeze, it really looks like a muzzle flash. It really is a cool effect.