I'm finally making some good headway on my DL-21 variant!
Here's an original DL-21 as seen in ESB with Rebel troops on Hoth, and also Dengar's sidearm (with link to Wookieepedia article).
I'm starting with a Charter Arms Explorer II, a pistol version of the AR-7 survival rifle from which the DL-21 was based. Obviously, the grip is quite different, as is the back part of the receiver, and also the rear sight; hence, why it's a 'variant.' Personally, I think the grip looks similar to the Bolo Broomhandle Mauser.
Charter Arms Explorer II
ArmaLite AR-7 Explorer (with link to Wikipedia article)
Today, I went to the shop, not for work, but to play! I recently got my hands on a couple mortar fin assemblies: original WWII-era British 2 inch (50mm) mortar fins, which someone turned into a petrol lighter (I think this is what they call Trench Art)...
...which I'm saving for a screen accurate DL-21 build. The other is a modern US 81mm mortar fin assembly...
Compared to the 50mm fins, they were far too big! So, I drew some lines, did some cutting on the band-saw, then put it to spinning and started cleaning it up. (Sorry, in advance, for the crappy cell phone pics.)
I turned down the front half of my barrel and threaded it to the same pitch as the fins. There's a small, brass washer behind the fins (barely visible in the poor-quality phone pic).
I also have a bronze bushing that will soon be tapped to thread onto the barrel and turned down to an attractive emitter. Also on the agenda: scope mount rail.
More updates to follow!
