How to Make a Paper Magnum Revolver

Stage props can be expensive and hard to find, especially when you are on a budget. Using a magnum revolver for use as a non-working stage prop may be necessary, but not always possible due to cost or safety issues. You can make your own magnum revolver prop out of paper for a fraction of the cost of purchasing an actual non-working weapon in only a few days and with only a few supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Chicken wire
• Wire cutters
• Revolver picture
• White glue
• Bowl
• Utility knife
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions

Mold

1. Cut chicken wire into small pieces with wire cutters to make the sculpting process easier.

2. Shape the chicken wire to the form of the desired type of magnum revolver. Use a picture of the weapon for reference, as needed.

3. Add new sections of chicken wire to the sculpture by wrapping the ends of the chicken wire around the existing section ends, then bending the wire to continue making your gun shape. Use wire cutters to trim the chicken wire as needed.

Add Paper

1. Prepare a mixture of two parts white glue and one part water in a bowl. Stir the mixture until you have a paste.

2. Shred paper into ½ inch strips.

3. Dip the shredded paper a strip at a time into the glue mixture and then apply the paper to the chicken wire mold. Apply at least two layers of paper to the mold, being sure to cover the chicken wire completely. Allow the paper to completely dry. This may take a few days.

Finishing Touches

1. Cut the newspaper with a utility knife at the part on the gun where the barrel meets the handle. Cut the paper all the way through both layers and all the way around the barrel.

2. Remove the barrel from the chicken wire frame by pulling it off of the chicken wire, then slide the rest of the chicken wire mold out of the handle of the paper revolver.

3. Glue the barrel back onto the handle with white glue and allow the glue to completely dry.

4. Cut out details of the gun, such as the barrel hole and the trigger, using a utility knife.

5. Paint the paper magnum revolver as desired with acrylic paint and a paintbrush.

Tips & Warnings

• While traditionally paper mache calls for a flour and water paste mixture, flour and water also attracts insects over time.

References

• Cockeyed: Paper Mache

Resources

• HGTV: How to Paper Mache a Dog Sculpture