The Blaster Retrospective - 14 Years of Prop Making

Bill has been making space blasters for almost 15 years. With the completion of the Starfield Rattler, he decided to take a look back at many of the space sidearms he's made since 2009.
Team Fortress Rocket Launcher (2009)
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Jim Reynor Revolver (2010)
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Steampunk Cowboy Revolver (2010)
punishedprops.com/2011/09/23/s...
BSG Pistol (2011)
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N7 Eagle & Phalanx (2011)
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Carnifex/Paladin (2012)
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Kerrigan Rifle (2013)
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Prop Space Gun Project (2013)
www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Destiny Hand Cannon (2014)
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District 9 Rifle (2015)
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Jade Rabbit (2016)
www.punishedprops.com/shop/fo...
Malcolm Reynolds Pistol (2016)
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Boolean Gemini (2017)
punishedprops.com/2017/01/07/d...
Dead Man Walking (2017)
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Film Riot Rifle (2017)
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Sentinel: • SENTiNEL (A Sci-Fi Sho...
Sentry: • SENTRY | (Sci-Fi Mic...
Bladerunner Blaster (2018)
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Unkempt Harold Series (2019)
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Fallout Nuke Launcher (2019)
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Vash The Stampede Revolver (2020)
www.punishedprops.com/2020/11...
Noisy Cricket (2022)
www.punishedprops.com/2022/03...
Starfield Rattler (2023)
www.punishedprops.com/2023/10...
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[@punishedprops]

Thank you all for the absolutely delightful comments. I'm doing my best to read them all.

[@peterclegg2609]

Your skills humble me beyond reason, I keep working to achieve a tiny fraction of them.

[@DeaconXPS]

The 2015 Dist 9 rifle is how I found you!! Id been following Adam for some years and this Bill guy pops up with a killer prop. I subscribed immediately. You guys are great and we very much appreciate all of the creative and instructional content you work so hard to provide.

[@punishedprops]

The 3D printed Rattler winner has been chosen! Thank you to all who were interested.

[@transmutedelf7453]

Thank you for the opportunity.

[@whitewolfmystery]

You got someone trying to pose as you guys, they're going around telling people to message them on telegram

[@MDigitalProductions]

Oh no some scammer is already going around posing as you guys its so unfortunate.

[@CommanderPoptart]

My favorite is the noisy cricket! The amount of patience and delicacy to make something that small is astounding!

[@dawsonshawmusic]

The Rattler!!! I live in Sultan, one town over from Monroe which is one town over from Snohomish. We're practically neighbors! So proud to be neighbors with the most impressive artists I've ever seen! You inspire me to make things.

[@SGTwafflez]

The District 9 rifle will always be my favourite, I remember tuning into your live streams at the time just so I could get a peak at how it was coming along. Amazing to see where you've come Bill! Here's to the many years and many blasters yet to go!

[@deanhensley1317]

Starfield Rattler has to be my favorite blaster you have done, just the culmination of all your years of work! Really turned out an awesome prop!

[@jacobfisher8030]

I love the blade runner blaster! With all the molds and design iterations it's almost like it was actually mass produced!

[@xenon8928]

I've tried my hand at casting and it's way more difficult than the guide books make it sound. How you managed to make Deckard's gun so smooth with no paint or filler is beyond me and it's truly what makes that prop so special. Excellent work!

[@MrTheMighty]

That Vash the Stampede revolver absolutely has to be my favorite. That was my favorite anime series for a long time, and with the functioning mechanism and everything you added in pushes it from "amazing" to "holy crap!"

[@randallbourque1321]

The Vash pistol is my favorite. The amount of work that went into the mechanisms and the fact that it looks so real. Amazing work on everything else though. That Giant hand canon just does it for me.

[@theman5298]

The Rattler just came in the mail, and it looks absolutely fantastic! Thanks so much again

[@wanderingent]

Gah, it's hard to pick just one! Mechanically the Bladerunner blaster and Stampede's revolver are both beautifully executed and I can tell they're both milestones for you on getting those parts to work so smoothly. I love the finish work you did on Rey's blaster - that dark chrome finish is just *chefs kiss*. But I believe my personal favorite is the Noisy Cricket. You were able to achieve the details in such a tiny form factor so well and that in combination with the mirror chrome finish and moving trigger + light is so wonderfully crisp. As someone currently building an R2D2, I am a sucker for a nice clean chrome finish. The rattler is a close favorite though. It's a perfect culmination of many of the skills you've gathered through the years and how you've really honed the craft of blaster making. Thanks Bill and Britt for everything you give to this community!

[@ThePropSlayer]

That one you made from a gas powered air soft pistol is hands down the best, super easy to modify and a great intro for someone looking to get into prop making

[@maximilliondevonshire3272]

Vash's revolver looks so good, and the sophistication of the mechanisms put it as the number one. I started watching the channel when you did Rey's blaster and have learned a ton in the subsequent years. Thank you, Bill and Brit, for all you do!

[@russelljohn1374]

I nearly had a heart attack when you released the Vash revolver and I bought the files as I was walking back to my car from school and started printing it that night! It was my first big 3d printed prop and I'm totally in the same boat that I'd wanted one for years and now I do thanks to you! Thanks so much!

[@SuperVoodude]

I remember getting the Foamsmith books as part of a cosplay Humble Bundle years ago and found the channel. But I never realized how much you've done before that. Gonna have to look back at the older videos and see your sculpting and casting. EDIT: Also couldn't contain my excitement when I saw Alton in the thumbnail. I thought you might have made a prop for Good Eats lol.

[@DontDrinkTheLava]

The Blade Runner blaster will always be my favorite video of yours, I think. I love how you challenged yourself to make a prop without using any paint or glue.

[@MDigitalProductions]

Been subbed since the n7 mass effect days, you inspire us so much Bill!

[@zachtheanimator]

The noisy cricket will always have a special place in my heart. MIB was so big for me as a kid.

[@splatpixel]

Vash the Stampede's gun was my favorite. I love how you went into details to get the mechanisms to function properly. I still go back to rewatch it again from time to time.

[@MonicaWomble]

The cricket blaster is my favorite. It’s so small, it I can just imagine carrying it around in my purse and the reactions it would get when it sees daylight!!😄 The lights in it are so awesome!

[@woodlanderstudios]

I love blasters!!! I think the Rattler is my favorite! Though the Noisy Cricket is super cool as well. Amazing work!

[@stayatfoamdadcreations8591]

Aside from the rattler, in all its gorgeous glory, the Nuke Launcher build was so much fun to watch, I think it has to be my favorite.

[@Walletau]

The evolution of skills is examplary. Thanks for the creative juices over the years. I know there were some rough one's but I'm glad you're posting and making. Stay awesome.

[@rampynt]

The sheer creativity, skill, and perseverance required for this craft is so inspiring. It also gives us more blade runner-inspired props which is always welcome

[@ftlfabrications]

So hard to pick one favorite but I gotta go with the noisy cricket! The Rattler is absolutely stunning!

[@MikeLynchMakes]

Still to this day my favorite has been the Bladerunner Blaster. The kit you put together is astounding and highlighted how skilled you are in your craft. Second favorite though is the Boolean Gemini, so many great techniques in that build.

[@blizatrex]

It is a tie between your Replicant blaster because I made one and the Malcolm Reynolds Serenity pistol as the show has a special spot in my scifi heart..

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Loved the Rattler build Bill. So thrilled to see more content from you all. A pleasure as always!!

[@chrislenahan8179]

Best one has to be the Fatboy launcher. Ive now seen all of your videos on this channel, and to see you and Brit's face light up when that thing was shot was second to none. Keep up the great work guys!

[@marcodierenfeldt9061]

Its hard to find a favorite blaster in your wonderfull collection. I finally chose Rays Blaster, because I will build one myself as one of my next projects. Thank you for your contribution to my blaster addiction!

[@outonroad]

Great video. I really like the Rattler from Starfield, watched the build right through and was amazed at the result!!

[@TheAyaReina]

It’s wild to think about how many of these I remember, and realise just how long I’ve been following you both and watching you make these amazing creations ❤ I literally still get so excited every time I get a notification that you’ve posted a new video, it’s such a special treat. I think my favourite is the Boolean Gemini, for that exact reason - every new episode I would sit down with my food and watch and learn and see the project come to life. It was so fascinating!!

[@ThePirateviking]

Rey's blaster will always give me the happy mostly for watching people's faces as you gave them away. A genuine delight

[@gbell9297]

Vash's revolver is easily my favorite. I grew up on my dad's VHS tapes of the show. I found your channel through an SKS props video I think, and your video was what inspired me to start 3d printing. Whether I win the giveaway or not, thank you so much for demystifying prop-making as something so far out of reach. Your tips on prop making, painting techniques, etc. have helped me come a long way. I can't wait to see what you make next. Love and Peace!

[@Jetskigunner]

The Boolean Gemini was always my favorite. It was really helpful when I started 3D modeling myself!

[@theman5298]

For me it's gotta be the blade runner blaster, it's a massive throwback and was one of the first props I tried to make. Been a great ride and learned lots from you.

[@punishedprops]

Bravo The Man! You've won our 3D printed Rattler. Please send an email to 'punishedprops at gmail dot com' so we can get your address and mail it out as soon as possible.

[@irishgoku]

Amazing walk down memory lane, thanks for all the great projects past present and future love all your work and seeing all these just reminds me how much i love crafting and that without you guys out there lifting the curtain i would be nowhere near where i am now as a maker! Thanks again guys and see you soon on the next one

[@justinhines433]

My favorite is definitely your take on the Bladerunner pistol! Loved watching your decision making process as you worked through that one and how you had a story for your choices and how that fit into your world.

[@rily8329]

Mal's Liberty Hammer is 1000% my favorite, I've loved it since I first layed eyes on it. The blend of old west revolver and scifi blaster is just *chefs kiss*

[@kennyH20]

Noisy Cricket!!!! Love that build. Enjoyed seeing your timeline of blaster builds

[@ryanzahradnik2003]

Always blown away by your projects. Thanks for all the great projects and ideas. Think the noisy cricket is probably my favorite.

[@aprilblackregentart6647]

For my favorite, I will have to say the Fallout Nuke Launcher. All of the different engineering that went into that build was so inspiring and just fun to watch. The lauching mechanisms to the foam build up, and the paint! Watching the joy on your face testing it out with the mini nuke always makes me smile. Also, who doesn't love a giant launcher?! I rewatch this build often just because it's so much fun! But truth be told, I rewatch a lot of your builds just because I love the content, I swear I learn something new with each viewing.

[@DarthChief1995]

Really cool to see your maker journey through the medium of blasters. You can see the growth from prop to prop. I always loved your Airsoft'd Dead Man Walking. I'm a big airsoft/Destiny fan and I love seeing prop guns with proper rail action.

[@katealexander7278]

Always had a soft spot of the unkempt herald build, really helped me get the confidence to try more advanced foam builds.

[@lmlmanonfire13]

The Jim Raynor Revolver hits the sweet spot between space and cowboy for me. I always love a good sci-if revolver, and while I know people would say to go for Mal’s glorious golden glory, I just love the bolder (chunky? cartoonish?) dimensions of your Raynor piece. Love what you do!

[@Finixbird1]

It was so much fun to see all of these past projects, makes me feel so nostalgic! I found your vids back when you we're making the Mass Effect pistols and I still think the N7 Eagle is my favourite blaster of the bunch. My job has more recently kept me from spending as much time as i used to making things and painting stuff, but it's always a blast to watch what you make next and get inspired myself to try to use some of my time to paint and make things that inspire me! Thanks a bunch for bringing back these awesome memories

[@drthmrl1]

I just adore the noisy cricket. It is by far my favorite gun build you did. I loved watching your process when making it.

[@zakkshrout4461]

Its so awesome to see the evolution of your process. I actually started watching your channel with the destiny rifle that melted. Watching your videos really stepped up how i build and customize my own props. Thank you, your wife, and everyone involved for making such great content.

[@metalcookie12]

Found your channel during the pandemic and was just amazed at how cool and accurate you can make these props look. One of the first videos I watched was the fallout fat man one and I thought it was awesome that you made it actually fire. Thanks for all the videos and I look forward to seeing what you'll make next!

[@aggermane]

Your skill and grit when tackling these fabrication challenges is really inspiring. All of these are very impressive. The replicant blaster is my favorite.

[@TheRealAlpha2]

Each and every one of them shows how much your methods have improved from one cycle to the next I think by far my favorite is Vash's weapon, but anything where you can actually pull the trigger or has some extra function like an ejecting magazine or spinning chamber gives me the happy feelings.

[@rreep470]

Excellent visual history. Love the Mass effect and Firefly builds

[@RealAndySkibba]

Such cool builds. Can't pick a favorite.

[@muddy1052]

The Vash the Stampede revolver from Trigun has to be my favourite. A great design from one of my favorite properties exicuted beautifully. Thanks for the years of commitment, and good taste!

[@Justrex01]

Very cool collection. Think I started following you guys in early 2019. My collection isn't as large as yours but it still makes me happy. Love going back and seeing how far I've come since then. My fave has to be the Big Boy nuke launcher. I remember being quite impressed with that build. Thanks for the memories, Bill!

[@devinson9063]

Out of the blasters, I really love the amount of detail on the Blade Runner revolver and Rattler pistol. Definitely can’t wait to see what else you guys have in store!

[@scarcosplay]

The LOVE AND PEACE! revolver is my favorite! I am so impressed that you got it to open, spin the chamber and click the hammer

[@juanitawong]

They all look amazing. I don't know if one could pick just one, but I have to say I love the noisy cricket. It's so cute. Thanks for showing these projects.

[@emilyharper5810]

I LOVE them all!!! But partial to the Malcolm Reynolds Pistol. Have very much enjoyed seeing the progress you have made over the years and how you have ventured out into other mediums. Thanks for the retrospective!

[@willsalaz]

Such amazing work and growth

[@TacoTroubles]

Im blown away by how good the rattler came out. more so how quickly you guys were able to do it, i'd still be sketching it out in cad (poorly i might add)

[@Joseph.A.Creations]

I love all of your blaster build. My favorite is the replicant blaster for sure.

[@swampface]

love all of these, but the bladerunner blaster is chefs kiss!! thanks for all your awesome videos!

[@birwin]

What a great retrospective Bill. You’re an inspiration.

[@jsather89]

Honestly, I've always been a huge fan of your various Mass Effect blasters. Loved the game and your videos were what convinced me to start trying things on my own!

[@zeddoverkill]

This was an amazing look at your pro-building journey, Bill. Thanks for sharing it with us! I've been watching for a long while, and remember watching many of these being built! I will say that for a favorite, it is a hard choice between the Replicant Blaster and the Trigun revolver, but like you, Trigun has a special place in my heart, so I will have to say Vash's revolver wins out for fave. You and Britt stay awesome, and keep doing what you do!

[@davidfeston4370]

The version you created from a gas-powered airsoft pistol is undoubtedly outstanding. It's remarkably simple to modify, making it an excellent starting point for anyone venturing into prop making.

[@firespunalchemy]

it's tough because you always put so much love and care into your prop builds, but for me it has to be Vash's ridiculous giant revolver, partially because of my love of Trigun, but also because of all the awesome mechanical movement the gun has in your build!

[@battlejitney2197]

You’ve been a huge inspiration over all those years. Keep going!

[@childofthenite9244]

I remember taking two days to carefully cut out all the parts for the hand cannon out of foam using your template and then putting your video on repeat while I put it all together and painted it. I still have it on my shelf today

[@egm3037]

Vash's revolver would have to be my favorite. The fact that you were able to make a working trigger and cylinder mechanism inspired me to finish my own blaster build, the ace of spades from destiny

[@sjmaguirepdx]

They're all great and it's interesting to see the evolution of your craft. The rattler is by far my favorite as it represents the culmination of everything you learned along the way. Can't imagine you getting any better than that but I bet you'll surprise us anyway!

[@woejilliams]

I love the story behind all of them but the Rattler is my new favorite and a big leap for you in skill and execution!

[@djbabyboitony]

I love the Blade Runner Blaster so much! It’s one of my favorite builds to go back and watch. Watching all your hard work come to fruition is always cool to see and the excitement you show when you finish a project never gets old. My favorite part of the gun though has to be how shiny you made it. I like shiny things

[@transmutedelf7453]

Vash's hand cannon is an all time fave. A regret I still have to this day is that I followed but forgot to back your kickstarter prop space blaster. It's how I first found out about you and have been following you ever since.

[@robear_76]

My favorite has to be Captain Reynolds blaster. I just finished introducing my ten year old daughter to the series so she has the fresh heartbreak that we all had when it was gone. She lit up when I pointed out his blaster before you confirmed what it is.

[@VrangrRauthr]

My personal favorite is the revolver from Trigun! I purchased your models and it was my first 3D printed prop. It’s an amazing build and one I was able to finish pretty convincingly with just rattle cans (after a LOT of sanding 😊). You truly inspired me, and I’ve done several more props since. Keep up the amazing work!

[@tumbleweed8250]

I always loved your blade runner blaster but the noisy cricket will forever be my favorite blaster from one of my favorite movies.

[@johnydriessen6813]

Goombah Squad here. Been a fan for most of your journey (so far), but it's really cool to see it all laid out in a singular timeline! Of all the examples you laid out, I'd have to say Vash's Stampede is just simply a work of art.

[@techalicious7850]

I think the Replicate Blaster is the coolest. I love the idea of taking something from a universe and making it different and new. I wonder what other ways you could make existing props different?

[@jemalexander8886]

Not gonna lie this channel is the legitimate reason I didn't have to study for my product design a level haha. All the tools and materials and techniques I learnt here before even started the course. I appreciate all your hard work and I hope you have an incredible day❤

[@donavanagrella2606]

Overall they are great, but my favorite is Rey’s blaster. The simple design and the metallic finish is amazing. Looking forward to the next 15 years of blaster making!!

[@MrDoggss]

Love the rifle from District 9! Distinct look, and seems like some great moments came out of it for you!

[@tomHeyerman]

I loved the District 9 rifle, it was such a cool and complicated build, and it turned out so good!

[@kanielpatricksaint3458]

Watching your videos really got me invested in finally making the jump into crafting, myself! As for my favorite, the Dead Man Walking is definitely my #1. Love the execution, and I'm a sucker for a fully working prop... and a SUROS sidearm!

[@JoeLeeD5]

I'm a browncoat, so I'm always going to choose Mal's Liberty Hammer, however, I love the mechanisms and look of Vash the Stampede's revolver

[@Paul_Lane]

Pretty cool seeing this as I’ve seen most of these as you built them over the years. I liked the nuke launcher.

[@buildingthemagic]

Still a massive fan of your Rey build after all this time - it’s just so perfect.

[@LeonardChurch33]

The blade runner blaster is absolutely gorgeous with the cold-casting and the clear resin grips. Definitely my favorite. I still have the 3D print files I bought from you years ago and I've been dying to build one myself.

[@richardlecker3483]

Those Mass Effect blasters are gorgeous!!

[@whitewolfmystery]

Absolutely love the Destiny hand cannon, you guys have really helped me with a lot of projects.

[@OriginalSharpe]

I am a big Star Wars fan and I loved Rey's NN-14 blaster pistol that you completed. One day I hope to make one myself. Great work!!

[@tonythewopp]

Stampede Revolver is my favorite. Love the clean lines and over sized.

[@StevenFeng]

I love all of these but the Vash The Stampede Revolver is my favorite/most memorable one as it helped me get through Covid as well. Love all your videos and your positive energy/ attitude Bill! God bless and can't wait to see more from you!

[@alexstrickland5395]

Vash the Stampede revoler is one of my favorite's you have built. It was really cool to see how you built it out and troubleshoot fitment issues that arose. For Love and Peace

[@mysterdarque]

This is a great retrospective of your build journey. Thanks for sharing. My fav of all the ones you shared is the Rey blaster. I like it because I am part of one of the Star Wars costuming groups and would make a great prop for one of my Star Wars related costume build.

[@mcwhitie]

I love the Film Riot props. I love your Foamsmithing and your books.

[@davidwatchesyoutube]

Oh boy, there's no way I could pick a favorite, but if I absolutely have to, it's that Blade Runner blaster. So cool and so many moving parts! I had a cast resin one years ago that disappeared at some point in my life. Thanks for the chance at winning that Rattler!

[@SergeyChernyshev]

I feel that I learned both 123D and then Fusion after watching your videos so I'll pick the latest Rattler as my favorite although all of them have been awesome adventures, thank you for taking me with you through the power of KZbin!