Introduction: How to Make Prop Guns
This instructable will show you how to make prop weapons out of Wood. I made my gun from pine but these can easily be made out of laminated MDF as well.
The materials you will need vary depending on what gun you need, but the basic stuff is:
- Solid Wood Block (Pine or Laminated MDF)
- Black Paint (any paint that will work on wood)
- Silver Spray Paint
Tools you need include:
- Set of Sharp Chisels
- Set of wood files (Optional)
- Set of Rasps ( Optional)
- Bandsaw/Jigsaw
- SandPaper
- Wood Working abilities and Artistic Abilities
Step 1: Draw Out Your Design
The first thing you will need to do is choose what weapon you are making, then find a picture of it online, then sketch that out onto the piece of wood. I chose the CAR-15 for this tutorial.
Step 2: Cut Out Design
Once your happy with your drawing, cut it out :D
you can use a jigsaw or bandsaw to do this.
Step 3: Start Chiseling
Next the time filling part, Start chiseling away at your blank wood. I attacked the barrel first, then the stock and mag.
Step 4: Paint
Once all the carving is done, Its time to paint. I used an oil based black matte paint but it is all up to personal preference. Give it a once over with the paint. Being wood, you will need to give it 2 or more coats, wood soaks up the paint a lot.
Step 5: Detailing
Once the base paint is dry, its time to start the detailing. I used silver spray paint sprayed on a tile and then lightly dusted onto the gun. I gave the gun wear where is was needed, where i thought it would cop knocks and bumps in battle. I also used my burning tool (similar to a soldering iron) to indent the wood with some "tags" in the stock.
Step 6:
And you Done :D congratulations if you bothered to read this or make it. I've made a few more guns using the same method. We are using these in a vietnam student film. Keep an eye out on (youtube.com/steamjunkprops) if you are interested in that.

Participated in the
Woodworking Challenge
8 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
sorry but this is not a good prop
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I know its not, it was done with limited time and supplies. I made this for a short film shot on a 13mm lens. I've made better and do make better every day. I am a professional Prop maker for the film and theatre industries.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I think it would be better if not for the wood texture. maybe another coat of paint and some gloss. I'm not exactly a professional, but I am good at making realistic props. Also, does the magazine come out?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Sorry for opening an old post but if you are good at making props please share with us!
Cheers!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Gave that up awhile ago, traded in for real guns haha
9 years ago
thats cool im going to make one
11 years ago on Introduction
Don't worry about what he says, its a great prop, or at least I think so.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Yeah, this is great!!