Welcome to the Citadel

lightningsshadow asked: Hi there Citadel. I'm sure you've gotten this before and if so I apologise, but how did you build your Sniper Rifle? I've seen many different methods, but yours looks the best (Though I suppose it's not surpriseng, best Rifle belongs to The Sniper.) Hell, just basic supplies and glues/adhesives are a big help!

I really can’t suggest that my method for building the rifle is the best one. It was my first real attempt at prop building and there were several construction methods employed that I would change if and when I try building a rifle again.

I used pink insulation foam for the stock. At the time, it was an attractive material because I was trying to finish the gun for ACEN and I was short on time. I could cut and sand/shape it rapidly and easily. This turned out to be a mistake however. In order to finish the foam, my fiancee helped me out by brushing the surface with a few layers of Smooth-On Smooth Cast castable plastic while I was at work. This sealed the foam, which was important, because just about everything will dissolve pink insulation foam. Spray paint, superglue, bondo, you name it.

If I did it again, I’d use wood. Just pine would do the trick. Cheap, sturdy, easy to work with.

The scope was fun. I found a tutorial (which I can no longer locate) which showed that a Pringles can and a tall aluminum Arizona Tea can are pretty close to the right sizes to use for the different diameter areas. You can even use the Pringles can lid as the lens cover on the end of the scope. I filled in gaps with bondo, coated it in fiberglass resin, and sanded it to shape and smoothness.

All the little fiddly bits I either carved out of foam and sealed with resin, or sculpted out of wood, or found lying around. The laser sight is a telescope eyepiece, for example. The barrel is a PVC pipe, and the bolt action is a smaller pipe set inside and glued in place. I drilled holes into the scope and stock and set in wooden dowels that would run between the two for stability.

After that, and some finishing work, I masked off areas with painter’s tape and spray painted everything the right color. I finished with a bit of crystal clear gloss enamel, and that was that.

I hope this helps some! It’s late, and I might be rambling a bit. :P

3 months ago 15 notes

Welcome to the Citadel

Musings, pictures, artwork made by myself and others, and all of the finest quality bullshit you've come to expect. Ask me anything. Add me on Steam!

Musings, pictures, artwork made by myself and others, and all of the finest quality bullshit you've come to expect.
Ask me anything.

Add me on Steam!