Model 44 blaster pistol

The Merr-Sonn Model 44 Blaster Pistol is a model similar to the Merr-Sonn "Power" 5 Heavy Blaster Pistol. The 44 is a lower-power model, featuring a shorter barrel. This weapon was carried by many officers on the first Death Star, including the Gantry Officer who Luke and Han tricked into opening the door to the docking control room. His subordinate carried the Power 5.

The Merr-Sonn Model 44 is also the pistol carried by Princess Leia during her masquerade as the bounty hunter Boushh.

Behind the scenes
Like almost all the other weapon props used in the Original Trilogy, the design of the 44 was based on an actual weapon. In this case, the German "Broomhandle" Mauser pistol was used and modified. The Mauser is the same weapon upon which the Blastech DL-44 heavy blaster pistol (popularized by Han Solo) was built.

To make the Model 44, various odds and ends were attached to the Mauser, as well as certain pieces (most notably, the Mauser's long barrel) being hacked off.

The Merr-Sonn "Power" 5 heavy blaster was also based on the German Mauser. The most noticeable difference between it and the 44 is the Power 5's flash suppressor and full barrel.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi