Four Mr Minigun electric costume miniguns to ship today, with another going out tomorrow morning, and many more to follow those. The past week's been very busy, probably my busiest yet as far as sales go. My standard order-to-ship turnaround is seven working days, but I've been able to average five or six for most of last year. I would have liked to have seen this group leave on Friday, but well, it's Monday, and here we are.
Key to this success is making a minigun that is RELIABLE. Customers can rest assured that the device will operate as expected, with no issues. Because my minigun design is robust and simple in methodology, my involvement after the sale hasn't been required much. That's allowed me time to maintain production level AND quality improvements all along the way.
The minigun is in Tenth Generation now, it is radically different and far more user-friendly in its characteristics. First and foremost, it requires NO tools to assemble.
The six major components merely snap together in a simple, cannot-be-assembled-wrong layout. I researched Japanese "Poke-A-Yoke" assembly, snap-fits, and Tool-Less Design to ensure a solid background for each feature of my Costume Mr. Minigun M134's. Convenience was embraced, and gimmickry excluded: if it isn't necessary, it just isn't here.
Each of the major chunks of the minigun assembly have seen their own extensive revisions, based on customer feedbacks and my own continuing education. DFM (Design For Manufacture) guided evolution is evident in the 90 different components, all produced in-house on my own CNC equipment.
The metal barrels are permanently bonded into a rigid structure, using 8 CNC-perfect, 6mm thick ABS parts. DFA (Design For Assembly) forms ensure great alignment of parts utilizing my assembly jigs. NO fasteners are used, keeping the rotational mass low for fastest spin-ups.
Massive gear teeth are over 1/4" tall, and have been over-designed 300% to ensure a long, long service life in heavy use. The bearing-less minigun's barrel pack should be lubed with synthetic grease (included) only, and will likely out-live its owner in most cases. Testing has shown them to be "bullet-proof".
This low barrel mass also contributes to the minigun's perfect balance: the gun's Center Of Gravity is directly below the front carry handle for the best control, one-handed or both.
The gun will hang level when held from the front grip alone (with the included 18v battery docked underneath). Large alignment pins locate the crossbar to the front of the minigun body, and a snap lock holds the rear of the rugged, Classic Minigun Y-shaped frame.
The gun will hang level when held from the front grip alone (with the included 18v battery docked underneath). Large alignment pins locate the crossbar to the front of the minigun body, and a snap lock holds the rear of the rugged, Classic Minigun Y-shaped frame.
The Minigun's DC motor is a simple but effective mechanism comprising the 18volt motor, planetary gearbox, safety clutch, and heavy duty output drive. Again, large pins locate the front (hidden in this view) of the minigun motor, and a simple snap lock holds the tail end securely in place. The CNC made housing is water-resistant.
The minigun rear grip is the subject of much refinement. Technically, the only moving part is the HD micro switch actuator nub inside. The trigger button and its cantilever-style return spring are literally one piece with the main handle body to eliminate any slop or rattling. The ten CNC parts use but two fasteners, the handle cover screws. The entire mini is assembled with cold-bonding techniques to keep the overall weight low, both for handling by the user, and for the lowest ship cost. Some of these go the the other side of the planet, so secure packaging and careful packing ensure a safe arrival in all cases.
The miniguns use a standard power pack, a Drill Master 18volt NiCad Rechargeable, item #68413 from Harbor Freight. One is included with each gun, along with a charging dock and 110v wall adapter. For filming or Cosplay, being able to get spares and have them charged and ready allows nearly continuous use.
The battery docks out of sight underneath the gun chassis, eliminating the need to conceal or manage power cables or other wiring. These costume miniguns are truly self-contained, a feature many customers have requested.
The Ammunition Chute (simple prototype shown, see our new Deluxe Ammo chute, HERE) and Back Pack are a new addition to the Mr Minigun M134 Setup.
Using a full-sized REAL US MIL ALICE Frame with harnesses, the Back Pack is both authentic and lightweight.
The Mr Minigun Deluxe Ammunition chute is rugged and extremely flexy. It looks fantastic on screen and in person.
Get Yours at: www.mrminigun.com
Using a full-sized REAL US MIL ALICE Frame with harnesses, the Back Pack is both authentic and lightweight.
Get Yours at: www.mrminigun.com
