The Star Wars saga and its characters have entertained and inspired several generations of people, firearms enthusiasts among them.  Episodes IV, V and VI (as well as sequel episodes) had easily recognizable surplus firearms, despite the addition of extra parts fastened to them for a more space-age look.  One of those surplus firearms, the Mauser C96 pistol became iconic as Han Solo’s blaster, later dubbed the DL-44, mounted with an offset pistol scope and a large flash hider.  Some people have made their own DL-44 blaster clones from working C96 pistols, however, as time moves on, the old Mauser pistols designed in 1896 become fewer and more costly.

Original Mauser C96. Image from Wikipedia, by Askild Antonsen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Enter two Redditors, DorkHelmet72 and awesomecloud. Both Redditors built their own DL-44 blasters, but with more commonly available AR-15 parts, while still retaining the spirit of Han Solo’s original model.  Although the two AR-15 based versions do look different, the builds have enough aesthetic similarities to the C96 that they should get a reaction from any Star Wars fan to react, positive or negative.

DL-44 BLASTER BUILD #1

Awesomecloud started things off by posting his .22LR version of the DL-44 inspired blaster.  He added his specifications, costs, and a video of his new blaster in action.  I added a little extra emphasis on one of his specs.

Awesomecloud’s DL-44 blaster build from an AR-15.

Video is with different lower, scope, and dust cover.

.22LR

Aero Upper $49

Aero Barrel Nut $7

Magnesium lower $45

Aero LPK $30

Knock-off charging handle $18

Scope mount $30

Pearce Gun Grips PGAR15 1911 Grip adapter $18

Gun show grips $15

ST22 PISTOL PLUG $18.20

CMMG .22LR 4.5″ Barrel and Stainless Bolt Group Kit $239.95

ZAVIAR 1/2×28 THREADED BLACK COMPETITION COMPENSATOR $25

Leapers UTG 1-4X28 30mm $90 – had the longest eye relief I could find.

BF3 Binary trigger $430 for the pew pew factor

Decided to do a fun build. Took lots of time finding just the right parts.

DL-44 BLASTER BUILD #2

DorkHelmet72 had also built an AR-15 based DL-44 in .22LR as well.  His parts list was a little different, but still provides the same basic function of awsomecloud’s build (minus the binary trigger).  DorkHelmet72 did more customization to his grip and wood inserts, and went with a muzzle brake more akin to Han Solo’s original.

DorkHelmet72’s AR-15 based DL-44 blaster build.

U/awesomecloud ‘s post inspired me to post an update on mine. Used the same grip adapter but sanded it to round it off and laser engraved the checkering. I also upgraded to a push button safety that’s easier to use with the grips. The scope is a BSA 2x pistol scope and it really works well. This thing is tiny group accurate. The barrel shroud is a metal air soft piece that I drilled out and mounted with set screws. Been a fun build and always makes new friends at the range.

Edit: added links and costs to the build list about $640

It would be interesting to see a Mauser-based DL-44 on top of one of the AR-15-based DL-44 builds to see the size difference.  Otherwise, I can’t think of a better aesthetically similar base model to start role playing as Han Solo with.

What do you think about the AR-15 based DL-44 blaster builds?  Is it too far removed from the original C96 for your liking, or do you applaud the effort, and the saving of remaining C96’s?