Or first weapon based on "modern" design (modern being 1960s vs usual ~1860-1920)...

In our megalomaniac plans for a cosplay (that were unfortunately never fully realized), there was a place for an Imperial Guardsman (well, for two of them, but this one is the theme of the today post ). We have decided that in the interest of diversity this one should be Tallarn one. Based on this picture mostly:


Picture did not have any weapons specified, other than ceremonial jambia type dagger (that I have also made), so I decided on something small and compact - in Warhammer 40k therms - autopistol.
Now, I did not want it to be standard Uzi-like autopistol, but have decided instead that something exotic, yet a bit crude should do a job.
So, some time later, after spending few weeks googling most obscure prototype weapons so I would find something appropriate and I have found this, Soviet 1960s АО-46 prototype self-defense weapon for the vehicle crew:


Cheap stamped steel look - check
Exotic looking - check
Unknown to a general public - check.

So, as usually first steps were to make a rough shape of it. As you can see, it is nothing really complicated - some plasticard, plastic vitamine tube, some wood for a front grip, perfume stopper and that was it:


Over that went a cover of the plasticard, thin brass sheet and decorations:


It was painted in a black finish, with heavy wear and rub marks on the edges and places where it would be held:


Tape wrapped grip/magazine, fire selector 1-3-0 markings, name (Nomine Imperator - all Warhammer 40k weapons should have a name in my opinion ) and a basic sling finished work:



And the pic of it "in action" with unfortunately only partially finished guardsman:


Simple enough project, it took only about 20 hours of the active work to do it.

Next for a guardsman was a signature knife - it is totally fake since most of it was made as one solid block of plasticard into which handle (perfume bottle wrapped with cord) was inserted into. Decorations were made of brass and copper sheet and sculpted skull. Old button with interesting pattern finished design:



One of inquisitorial pendants on the arm and a medal (that I don't have pictures off since it fell apart during con) finished design.


Uniform is cosplayer's own airsoft uniform, and he also has appropriate shemagh.

One day there is gonna be an overhaul of the guardsman cosplay for sure, but I have no idea when that day is gonna be....