New Replica S&W 1917

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 11:47 pm

Howdy! I thought you might like to see these. I just finished these two samples today. Here are a few pictures to give you an idea. There are lots more on my page along with some real good close-ups (they're large, but worth the wait!) Let me know what you think!

Here's the page where you can see all the pictures and details:

http://www.toddscostumes.com/indy/replica_s&w_1917.htm

IndyBlues · Post by **IndyBlues** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:18 am

Man! Those look great!! Gotta save up!!
'Blues

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:21 am

I am not an expert on firearms, or even prop firearms, but these look awesome! Just unbelievable!
You already have those nice holsters for them.
Gear yourself up for a bunch of orders! Great job.

Glurrk · Post by **Glurrk** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 1:03 am

I have a question regarding the lanyard rings- they appear to be solid pieces of metal, and not actual rings. Is this the prototype, or will the finished replicas have actual "holes"? (Pardon the nit-picking...)

Otherwise, they are impressive!

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 1:21 am

The lanyard rings (I explained it in detail on the web page) will be steel. I'm waiting on the machinist. What you see are sort of "place holders" where the real steel rings will go. They will swivel, too. I decided to reproduce the real swivels instead of using generic rifle sling swivels.

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 2:19 am

Now... you did such a wonderful job on those, but I have to ask....

Is that whole thing actually metal? Because if it isn't, you did an amazing, amazing job.

Beautiful!!
*crosses Keppler replica revolver off his list of items to get*
*scribbles in Todd's Costumes replica revolver*

Gorgeous... down to every detail! You've even got US Army markings on the bottom! Fantastic.

Out of curiousity... do you have a picture looking into the barrel?

In Christ,
Shane

IndianaGuybrush · Post by **IndianaGuybrush** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 3:49 am

Gorgeous, I wish I had the money to put into it. Ah well, with Xmas right around the corner who knows?

Also, I'd be interested to see a comparison with bowjunkie's if and when he ever finishes up. Imagine two replicas with that amount of detail available?

Scandinavia Jones · Post by **Scandinavia Jones** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 7:02 am

Todd -

you're the man! All of a sudden, a great-looking replica of both the Bapty and the Stembridge guns!?

We Euro-heads and others who have no possibility to buy the real thing salute you!

Fantastic!!!

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 7:14 am

Beautiful work - what a fantastic display piece.

I might have to look into purchasing one of these next year...

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 9:25 am

Do you have an idea when you will begin offering these?

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 9:31 am

Totally beautiful!

Someone needs to send Todd a Webley aswell it seems.

As soon as they are ready for sale I'm gonna get me the lightweight version I think. Splendid!

Regards,
Swindiana

Glurrk · Post by **Glurrk** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:21 pm

Puppetboy wrote: (I explained it in detail on the web page)

I apologize for missing that.

(It was rather obvious!)

(I got so excited looking at the pics, I scrolled down to check prices and completely forgot to read the rest of the info!)

Hopefully, being occasionally stupid does not prevent me from being a customer.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:44 pm

Thanks for the nice comments! I'm sorry, I should have given a little more detail on the replicas.

They are NOT metal! They do, indeed, have a good enough finish to fool an expert.

They are HEAVY - just 8 ounces shy of actual weight.

Features include spinning cylinder, rotating metal lanyard ring of authentic shape, and real dummy cartridges. I even made them with half moon clips.

Someone mentioned that the grips on the Stembridge gun were bakelite? Can anyone else confirm that? I can easliy change that detail, but I was sure they were really darkened walnut.

I will take orders when the metal lanyard rings are done at the machine shop - probably a week or so.

The heavy weight model is for DISPLAY only. The high metal content in the resin (for weight) makes it too fragile for prop/stunt/costume use. They lighter weight version would be the way to go for that. It will look exactly the same. I might also do a "budget" version later on which would sacrifice a few details to cut the cost. It would still be light years better than the Keppler/WSP version, and posibly cheaper.

And, yes! If anyone wants to loan out a Webley, I'd love to do it. Please be patient, though. This one took me about two months of concentrated effort. Your gun WILL NOT be harmed!

Also, a favor, if possible...could someone "in the know" let me know what the laws are regarding who I can sell these to? I'd appreciate it!

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:49 pm

Also, a favor, if possible...could someone "in the know" let me know what the laws are regarding who I can sell these to? I'd appreciate it

That sounds like a job for Jersey Jones! Try Pm-ing him. He is very knowledgeable on legal matters and could certainly point you in the right direction.

Scandinavia Jones · Post by **Scandinavia Jones** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:57 pm

The Bakelite/Ebonite/rubber grips are discussed on this French Indysite (I believe the guy is a forum member here):

Stembridge-type grips

Bapty version

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 1:33 pm

HOT XXXXXXX!!! Those are the best yet!! I'm all over it. Thank you Christmas!!!

So, who supplied you with the guns? Members here? I don't mean to pry into your business but I was just curious.

Most importantly, do you have prices in mind? Love to know that know instead of later if possible. GREAT job, man.

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 2:05 pm

Agent5,

He's thinking $99 for the lightweight version, and $149 for the heavyweight version. (They were posted on his website)

Todd, do the bullets... or... do the clips, come out of the cylinder? I mean for display purposes only, of course - such as, having the gun displayed on a desk or shelf, with the bullets strewn about it and such.

In Christ,
Shane

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 4:34 pm

Agent5,

He's thinking $99 for the lightweight version, and $149 for the heavyweight version. (They were posted on his website)

D'OH!!! I admit I was too excited and only looked at the pics.

Thanks.

Todd,
A few more questions. How much will the lightweight version weight in comparrison? Will it still be noticeably heavy? Will it be solid resin or will it have a smaller mix of metal? If not, is that possible? I love the sound of a heavy gun and in fact I think it add's to the overall credibilty and realism of the costume. The gun was heavy and made his belt hang more on the one side.
Man, your prices are very good. Thanks. I'm excited about this one.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 8:21 pm

So, who supplied you with the guns? Members here? I don't mean to pry into your business but I was just curious.

I bought my own for this one.

Todd, do the bullets... or... do the clips, come out of the cylinder?

No, they are permanently embedded. It would make a nice display. If you want some extra dummy cartridges for that purpose, let me know. I make my own.

How much will the lightweight version weight in comparrison? Will it still be noticeably heavy? Will it be solid resin or will it have a smaller mix of metal?

The lightweight version will be very light I'm afraid. About half a pound. The problem with a lighter metal mix is that the color doesn't come out even because the metal settles to the bottom of the mold. Not a problem if you're going to paint it later, but these guns aren't painted. I didn't want paint to obscure any of the great detail/texture. The lighter gun will be much stronger for carrying, etc. which is another good reason to do two versions.

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 8:26 pm

I also forgot to ask if the barrels will be drilled out as well. I imagine so because the rest seems so top notch.

Mola Ram · Post by **Mola Ram** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 1:58 am

Sorry to sound stupid,
I know nothing about guns,
But would be using this for a film prop.
When you say the chamber rotates,
Do you mean the whole sha bang?
does the trigger work, is what i mean.
Could it be made to?
Adam

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 4:17 pm

I also forgot to ask if the barrels will be drilled out as well

Acutally, no. Only the first inch is open with rifling, etc. The rest is solid to add weight. Without removing the cylinder, you can't usually see more than an inch inside anyway.

When you say the chamber rotates,
Do you mean the whole sha bang?
does the trigger work, is what i mean.

You can rotate the cylinder manually. If I were to make it work it would cost as much as a real gun and then there wouldn't be much point to it.

RelicHunter · Post by **RelicHunter** » Tue Nov 30, 2004 5:48 pm

Puppetboy wrote: You can rotate the cylinder manually. If I were to make it work it would cost as much as a real gun and then there wouldn't be much point to it.

So, the tirgger and hammer are frozen and don't move?

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Tue Nov 30, 2004 5:52 pm

It would be more fun if the trigger moved.

Mfisher · Post by **Mfisher** » Tue Nov 30, 2004 11:13 pm

Now that is a #### of a job on a replica... I'll be snatching one of those babies up as soon as they are available !!

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 3:33 am

Todd - That's simply amazing. I can't believe they look that realistic from RESIN. Your special finishing process must be some sort of trade secret! - J

Ace · Post by **Ace** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 7:17 am

Hey Todd. Im also very impressed by these replica's. They look stunning. Excellent craftmanship. Thumbs up.
When I deside to get my gun It will be a no brainer where I will get it from. Thanks for making things easy for me.

Ace

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 11:42 am

Dang it. I was planning on the pistol being the last piece...of gear I would acquire, but now I'm not so sure. Those prototypes look simply amazing! I might have to get a second and third job to support my Indygear habit.

Anyways, great work Todd. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished versions.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 4:05 pm

ShanghaiJack wrote: I might have to get a second and third job to support my Indygear habit.

When you have thoughts like that, you know you are hooked!

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 4:25 am

Any word on when these become available?

In Christ,
Shane

Indy_Fil · Post by **Indy_Fil** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 7:25 am

Would love to get one as well as soon it becomes available.

Glurrk · Post by **Glurrk** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:03 pm

There's been an update from Todd's Costumes on the revolver...

http://www.toddscostumes.com/indy/replica_s&w_1917.htm

(It looks pretty bleak.)

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 1:00 am

This *****...

Post by **Ken** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 4:19 am

Is there no way you can ship to the UK? I know the replica firearms legislation is strick but a lot of it is actually just puff trying to discourage people from having them and not much has actually changed except for availability - provided it can't be readily converted to fire there is no problem.

Ken

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 11:06 am

The hoops he'd have to jump through to get copyright permission from Smith and Wesson would probably make the project to cost prohibitive now, considering the volume of sales he'd have to make just to recoup his cost . Regards. Michaelson

prettybigguy · Post by **prettybigguy** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 1:01 pm

Even without the S&W logos and other copyrighted material, it's still the best looking replica I've seen. I'd still buy it without the logos. It will still look great IMHO. It's a drag that he'll have to recast them. I hope there is some interest in "non-logoed" versions. I just want a replica that fits my Keppler or Todd's costumes holster that I can display with the rest of my gear.
Do all those airsoft guns have logos on them? I see a lot of Gearheads buying those these days.

IndianaGuybrush · Post by **IndianaGuybrush** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 1:09 pm

I have definitely seen airsoft guns with logos on them, but those companies probably get permission because they expect such a high volume to be sold. As for an accurate airsoft option for the Raider's gun, I haven't found one that has satisfied me yet.

Dr._J · Post by **Dr._J** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 1:38 pm

Do Lee Keppler or WSP have legal issues selling their props? Those have S&W logos on them.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 8:29 pm

Howdy!

Here's the problem: I don't want to open myself up to prosecution. Regarding postal restrictions, it just isn't worth it. Postal laws have been used to put a lot of people behind bars and I don't want to be one of them for a few dozen plastic revolvers. Add to that the fact that they are fake guns...terrorism...no thanks. I would not mail these anywhere there is the slightest problem. As tempting as trying to "fly under the radar" might be, with my luck I'd be the one to get caught and punished severely. That's not fair to my family and it's not ethical either.

As far as logos, those airsoft companies use the logos without permission. Probably because they are overseas and they figure it is too difficult to be prosecuted by American companies. I'm sure the American gun companies would stop them if they could.

Removing or changing the logos is very difficult. Not so much on the grip as on the gun. I'd have to make a duplicate model with the lettering filled in and then carve/stamp new lettering. The process of using this intermediate step will not yield as detailed a casting, and there is bound to be some warping/dimensional inaccuracies as well as mismatched finish where the touch up work has been done. It's not an appealing option to me.

I'm almost more inclined to make a clean model from scratch and cast it in metal, like the metal replicas you see. I would have to enlarge the model by 5% so that when the metal casting shrinks 5% upon cooling it will be the original size. The result would be more durable and of course, close to actual weight. I'd imagine the cost would be about the same.

Sorry to disappoint everyone. I've invested a lot of money and time on this project, so it's not great for me either. Of course, I value your input.

Todd