M7S/Caseless SMG Replica

Continuing along with my current Halo 3: ODST replica obsession, after finishing up the M6C/SOCOM Automag replica, I decided to try and model something a little bit larger and potentially more complex. Specifically the M7/Caseless SMG. Now the Halo SMG is one of those weapons that have been around for several games, introduced in Halo 2, and appearing in Halo 3 and beyond. Because of this, over the years, many people have made their own models, replicas, iterations, and compiled all sorts of reference material, now spread across the vastness of the internet. More so than the M6C/SOCOM pistol it felt like. And so, with all this reference material at my fingertips, I decided to create my own version to add to the collection of replicas online.

Starting with the weapon’s overall length, as detailed in the Wiki, I found a nice layout view posted on the Replica Prop Forum to start from. I worked my way along, starting with the body of the SMG, them moving to the barrel, front grip, and then main grip. As I modeled, I kept a gallery of reference images I’d compiled up on my second monitor; frequently zooming in as close I could on the images to make out hard to discern details that, while not necessarily noticeable on their own, added to the weapon’s overall aesthetic that Halo fans came to know.

Similarly to the M6C/SOCOM pistol I started with modeling the base M7 SMG from Halo 3. As the ODST Silenced M7S was based off the original Halo 3 SMG model, I figured I would add on the sight and silencer as accessories that could be removed should one want to just wield (or dual wield maybe) the base M7 SMG. As I completed the base model and was moving on to the silencer, I was feeling pretty confident about this model, everything was coming together surprisingly quickly, more quickly than it did with the M6C/SOCOM pistol, which I had struggled with several it’s features. Although, that said, the geometry of the SMG’s stock did give me a run for my money to get it to look and feel just right.

Among the design features that I wanted for this model, as with my other replicas, I wanted to be able to assemble and disassembly it easily and use as little glue as possible. Additionally, I wanted to be able to fold up the front grip (not that you ever see it folded in game, but the original model and texturing makes it look like it could be folded), I wanted to be able to collapse and extend the stock, have a movable trigger, and a removable magazine. Similarly to the M6C/SOCOM pistol, I wanted an operational flashlight on the silencer as well. All these features were fairly easy to incorporate, and I was happy with how it came together.

It was only when I started printing it, did I notice something I’d missed in modeling the SMG, and this was a similar issue I’d encountered with the pistol. The scale was too large. Or rather, it was 1:1 scale to the dimensions listed on the Wiki, which were perfect for a 6ft Spartan II in Mjolnir Armor, but not so much though for your average sized human ODST. This troubled me, as I didn’t want to finish printing it at that scale, it just wouldn’t look or feel right. Heck, my hand barely fit correctly around the grip. Thinking on how I would fix it though… I’d already spec’d out all the hardware, sized all the screws and tolerances for it to fit together almost perfectly. All that would have to be changed the minute I decide to scale down the model. But, it was something I was going to have to do. So, in the end, as smoothly as it came together, I had to go back and fix what felt like a good third of the work I’d done, re-define tolerances, re-spec-ing hardware, and making sure everything fit together as intended.

Once I was finished with that, it was time to print it! And while I waited for the parts to print, I occupied myself with creating an exploded diagram of the model and all the parts that went into it’s assembly. It was something I’d always wanted to do for my 3D models, I had just never quite worked up the drive to do so. This time though, I was determined. And once I’d parted everything out and completed the bill of materials, I found it surprising as to how many parts were in this replica model. It was rather eye-opening as to the amount of work I’d put into it. Now if only Autodesk hadn’t removed exporting of drawings from the hobby-version of Fusion 360. While I understand why they did it, it’s still a bit annoying. Maybe someday I’ll make enough use of Fusion 360 to justify purchasing a license when it’s on sale.

With all the CAD work complete, all the parts printed, and all the hardware purchased, it was time for final assembly of the model. Even in it’s raw 3D printed state, with no finishing, I was happy to call it complete for now and display it on my wall. I’ll get around to finishing and painting it someday, along with the Portal Gun I still have to finish and paint, and the M6C/SOCOM pistol, and Vash’s Revolver… and… well. I’ll get around to it! You’ll see… cause I’ll have posted pictures by then!

Fun fact, the Silenced M7S/Caseless SMG, with extended stock, is roughly as long as the MA5 Assault Rifle.

Anyway, M7/Caseless and Silenced M7S/Caseless SMGs complete! Onto the next project!

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