All of Han Solo's blasters (Blastec DL-44's) were based on the German-built Mauser "Broomhandle" semi-automatic pistol. The gun was just slightly modified, adding a flash supressor, scope and scope mount, and a few other "decorations".

For Episode IV, there were actually two versions of the blaster. One version had a squared-off cooling grill, a longer barrel, and a flash supressor without holes, taken from and M-9 greasgun. This version is often referred to as the "Greedo Killer" version, due to the fact that it was used in the famous scene where Han Solo puts an end to the bounty hunter's miserable existence.

The second version of the blaster used in Episode IV had a shorter barrel, a rounded cooling grill, and a flash supressor with holes in it. Shown at right is a picture of my replica of this blaster. This replica is constructed of resin, and is comprised of 10 different parts. I acquired this blaster in trade, and re-built and re-finished it.

The famous Mauser returned in Episode V, this time with some new additions. The flash supressor was replaced with an aluminum one, and the cooling grill was removed. The Scope was now an M-19 azimuth scope from British military use. In addition, a piston from a Revell Visible V-8 engine model was split vertically, the two halves attached to the left side of the blaster as cooling coils.

Show at right is my replica of this blaster. This one is built upon a non-firing metal replica of the Mauser manufactured by Denix. The flash suppressor is machined aluminum, the scope mount is machined aluminum, and the scope is a resin-cast of the M-19 scope (real ones go for $600+). In addition, real Revell piston-halves are mounted to the other side with stainless steel screws. The Denix replica was stripped of the finish and the entire prop was finished in gloss black. I added faux lenses to the scope for a little added realism.