Weapons Of The 76th
POSTED BY: DocJubal
UPDATED: Friday, December 22, 2006 08:55
VIEWED: 6402
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As the official longarm of the 76th Independent Battalion is the G36, and all its variants, I thought I'd start this thread with some basic information for our volunteers, whilst I am awaiting my shipment for kitbashing.
"Kitbashing", for beginning propmakers, is the art of taking an existing model and altering it into something else... so-called, I suspect, because sometimes the temptation to knock your base model about the shop is all but overwhelming. *g*
About the G36. The real-life weapons system, the Heckler and Koch G36, comes in several flavors.
This weapon:
... is a good, clear picture of the G36K (either "kompact" or "karbine"; I've found varying designations for the K-model). The G36K has a middling length front grip, with four lozenge shaped vent holes a side, as shown on this Airsplat model:
If you're a purist, the standard rifleman for the 76th would carry this arm.
If you're on a budget, though, any of the shorter-barreled airsoft models will do. These have two holes on the forestock, and portray what in real life is the G36C ("commando" or ***really*** compact. 
) Tristan has these pics to show:
Any trooper carrying these is doing right fine by themselves.
Here's a comparison view:
If you're a heavy weapon specialist, medic, or the like, I recommend looking for the G36C airsoft models put out by Double Eagle. They allow you to take the forearm guard and stock off, providing you a very very short weapon as your Personal Defense Weapon. (We'll speak of alternatives for the grenadier, anti-roller specialist, and the like later.)
For volunteers on a budget? Two other pieces of advice when Ebay surfing.
-- Look for the "spring" airsoft rifles; they are less expensive than the motorized airsoft rifles.
-- Make sure you look for a 1:1 scale model. Some airsofties are 2/3 or 3/4 scale, not full scale.
If there are G36Cs and G36Ks, what's the plain old G36?
This is a picture of the airsoft version of the G36. six vent holes, a long foreguard, long barrel. The real weapon has a slightly longer barrel forward of the grip, with a long flash hider.
Since the "average weapon" on the screen carried by Independents is a G36K (four holes), I recommend using models of G36s for sniper and LMG kitbashing.
Finally, there's the SL8, a civilian version of the G36, which makes a great looking sniper rifle if you properly repaint it:
Next: Sidearms of the Independents...
--------------------
"Jubal 'Doc' Harris" // Bill Ernoehazy
SGT, 76th Independent Battalion
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Thank you for this, Doc! Looking good so far.
When I get the chance, I'll take some photos of the Double Eagle G36 with the barrel and stock removed. It really is a very compact little piece after that.
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Another variant of the G36 is the MG36. 
Quote:
Details
The G36 family of weapons is an example of the new thinking in assault weaponry. They are constructed mostly of high strength polymers with metal used where appropriate. The MG36 is a light machine gun variant carrying 100 rounds in a single, dual ammo drum.
Real World Statistics
*
Caliber: 5.56×45 mm NATO
*
Action: Patented short-stroke gas piston
*
Country of origin: Germany
*
Design Company: Heckler and Koch
*
Upgrades: sights (laser-dot or telescopic)
So it's basically the full length G36 with a bipod and twin-drum magazine. Shouldn't be too difficult to kitbash one of these (says the guy who's never attempted to do anything of the sort).
**************
Demolitions specialist for the 76th Independent Battalion.
From blowing open locked fridges, to destroying Alliance gun emplacements, it's all fun for me.
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Quote:
Originally posted by Nicodemus:
...
So (the MG36 light machine gun) is basically the full length G36 with a bipod and twin-drum magazine. Shouldn't be too difficult to kitbash one of these (says the guy who's never attempted to do anything of the sort).
If you get one of the six-hole G36 airsofties, all you need to do is build a bigger magazine. Now, the occasional Hero Arms C-mag is out there on eBay, for 60.00 or so (plus s&h, of course)... however, another alternative suggests itself. One could make a "box magazine" instead of the double-drum. This is made easier by the fact that the G36 airsoft magazines have cunning little snaps on either side, so you can put 'em together side-by-side. Originally done to make it easier to do a fast reload -- since the full clip is right there, next to the one you emptied -- this would allow you to snap several together, cover 'em in cardboard or such, and hey presto! There's your box magazine.
After the holidays, I look to play around with various alternatives for the squad support gunners out there, and post the results here.
--------------------
"Jubal 'Doc' Harris" // Bill Ernoehazy
SGT, 76th Independent Battalion
Ever marched with the Independents?
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SIDEARMS OF THE INDEPENDENTS:
Our basic costuming rules set forth the G36 and its variants as the primary longarm of the Battalion, following the art direction of the original series.
That being said, the CO and XO recognized that many of us will have some pre-existing hall costumes, many of which come with prop sidearms. Consequently, the decision was made to allow personal sidearms of any reasonable type to be worn as part of the 76th's uniform, as long as the volunteer marches with a G36.
Let me start this off by reassuring the cash-strapped costumers among us -- you don't need a personal sidearm to make your costume work. One nice thing about the browncoat and vest is that hardly any belts, strapping, combat harness, etc. are needed to make a cunning 76'er costume. Think Civil War, not Desert Storm.
The lack of combat harness means, happily, that you don't need to spend money on filling up the harness with "soldier kit". Iff'n you have some props, great! But you needn't fret if you don't. Start with a simple brown leather belt... and then think about what to hang off it.
But let's say you're thinkin' to have a post-War hall costume as well as a 76th uniform. You want a fine sidearm at your hip. What to do?
We see a wide variety of pistols in the Sereniverse. This means, in practice, that almost any airsoft or prop piece would do in a pinch. However... y'all want a shiny piece, like the Cap'n carried, right? (I know you do.)
Some of you will have heard of http://www.quantummechanix.com/ ,Quantum Mechanix, the new prop firm which has been authorized by Blue Sun.... ummm, Universal... to issue props molded directly from the movie originals. They're offering a superb replica of Mal's sidearm. But the price is dear, at $249.00. I hope folks are buying this version, and showing Universal there's a market, but unless you're well-off, I think the price is too high.
Fortunately, there's another answer. Head over to eBay and look up Wilco Models. Better yet, let me point you there...
http://myworld.ebay.com/wilcomodels
This firm has a good reputation in the hobby modeling community for quality models at a reasonable price. They've decided to support the Browncoat community in a handsome way, with a goodly model of Mal's pistol... for only 40.00, plus s&h.
Now, you have to glue the grips to the frame, paint the thing... but that's a little effort for a fine prop, eh? And a MUCH nicer price than the prior one.
Another nice thing about Wilco? Look further in their listings. If you "want to be bad guys", they're also marketing a replica of Jayne's sidearm, based on the beautiful LeMat revolver. 45.00 plus s&h. OOOohhhhhhh... Now, this looks to be a mite more complicated to build, as they wanted the cylinder to actually move. (How fun is that?) But if you've built resin models, it's worth a look.
Speaking of Jayne... another option for the modeling challenged. Google around on "LeMat replica", and you'll find some replica weapons sellers with ranges of replica, non-firing, Civil War revolvers. Lemats can often be found at those stores. They won't have the toprail, or quite the same underbarrel, as Jayne's weapon, but they'll be quite close. About 60.00 a pop, near as I can conjure. Slightly more money, but you can slide it right into the (brown!) leather holster of your choice, no buildout needed.
Still speaking of Jayne... Jayne carried a bowie knife. If you feel a need to carry a knife on your costume, a Bowie would most fit the "look" of an Independent kit. Make VERY sure you secure the knife in your sheath, and secure it well. Trust an old Ren Faire hand -- there are people who WILL come up beside you and try and "see if the blade is real". DUMB people, but they're out there.
Next: Jubal finds (pictures) of grenades!
--------------------
"Jubal 'Doc' Harris" // Bill Ernoehazy
SGT, 76th Independent Battalion
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I must say, Doc, your post is perfect, right to the point for what we're carrying. Great for the new recruit! And us "veterans" (who signed up a month ago) 
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Quote:
Originally posted by fireflygal:
I must say, Doc, your post is perfect ...
In truth, ma'am, this isn't hard at all. The basic inspiration Joss worked from, and the very clear art direction provided in Serenity pt 1 and Message, make it very easy to do this sort of thing.
--------------------
"Jubal 'Doc' Harris" // Bill Ernoehazy
SGT, 76th Independent Battalion
Ever marched with the Independents?
Wanna?
Sign up and info here:
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Morning, weapons enthusiasts!
This is looking good! Lots of helpful info here...thank you again, Doc!
Quick note on the sidearms, and I am not trying to step on toes...it is not necessary to stick with the pistols of the BDH's. There were countless types of handguns used throughout the series, so just about any handgun will work. Airsoft and it's clones have literally hundreds of different types ranging from $5.00 up through a few hundred dollars apiece. The officers (myself and BWTP, actually) are probably going to be carrying the "combat" version of the P-99...extended barrel and extended magazine. It looks pretty good, and they are very inexpensive.
So, that's something else to keep in mind. Although I would not mind at all getting my hands on one of those QMX replicas....
______________________________________
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Quote:
Originally posted by Tristan:
... Quick note on the sidearms, and I am not trying to step on toes...it is not necessary to stick with the pistols of the BDH's. There were countless types of handguns used throughout the series, so just about any handgun will work.
Nary a toe stepped on, Colonel. It's a good point to reiterate.
Inexpensive is GOOD.
If you don't have a sidearm, you don't need one.
If you have a prop sidearm, it's already good enough, and follows the usages set forth in the series.
If you want a sidearm like the BDH's used, you don't need to spend in the triple digits.
Inexpensive is GOOD. After all, we need to get y'all TO Atlanta...
--------------------
"Jubal 'Doc' Harris" // Bill Ernoehazy
SGT, 76th Independent Battalion
Ever marched with the Independents?
Wanna?
Sign up and info here:
http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html
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Thank you, Doc.
I guess I should have said the same thing you did...sidearms are not a necessity, so there's no pressure to get one. I would rather have an army of people without sidearms than have the possibility someone would not show up because they did not have one. I hope that made sense...
Oh, and if you do get a pistol, and don't have a holster, check with Saxon, who has a large number of holsters available: saxon1014@hotmail.com
Feel free to make you own, too!
______________________________________
Commanding Officer of the 76th Independent Battalion
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