Phil Steinschneider has informed me of the following replica accessory he has available. If you would like to get more information about this accessory, please e-mail him directly. Images below are © Phil Steinschneider, and used here with written permission.

Few movie prop weapons excite the imagination like the Pulse Rifle. Ever since the release of the now classic James Cameron movie ALIENS in 1986, this unusually designed firearm has fascinated movie prop enthusiasts. Furthermore, thanks to the efforts of fans from around the world, an entire mythos has evolved around this weapon of science fiction. Not only do solid-cast reproductions of the rifle exist, but fan propmakers have also created nearly fully functional versions of the piece employing the same components used to make the film-used gun. Publications like the official ALIENS Colonial Marines Technical Manual, a privately produced Pulse Rifle technical manual, and dozens of websites dedicated to the prop have helped enhance the legend as well as strengthen the Pulse Rifle following. It was only fitting that someone would eventually be inspired to create one of the most practical items in the long list of Pulse Rifle minutiae.

Master propmaker Steve Dymszo and Ed Maggiani, his partner at the time, originally conceived of the Aliens Pulse Rifle Box in 1995. Mr. Dymszo was just completing a small run of Aliens Pulse Rifles for himself and a very tight circle of friends when it was decided that a military-style container would be necessary to complete the effect. Although no such prop had ever appeared in the movie, was it not conceivable that the Pulse Rifle was delivered in some kind of box? After some debate, it was determined that a painted wooden box with a padded interior and cloth lining would be an appropriate solution to the problem. Maggiani and his brother-in-law, Tony Kunz, proceeded to sketch ideas. Once a design was attained that Dymszo also found to be acceptable, it was agreed that Kunz would construct the unit.

The resulting piece was a hinged rectangular pine box with a pair of parallel external support rails running perpendicular to the container's length. The outside dimensions were 35"L x 18"W x 8"H (88.9 cm x 45.72 cm x 20.32 cm). The hinges, hasp, and closures were all standard items that could be found in any neighborhood hardware store. The interior was padded with two one-inch layers of Styrofoam, a thin layer of orthopedic mattress foam, and then covered with a camouflage fabric. The two handles, one located at each narrow end of the box, were made using polypropylene rope and a short length of white half-inch PVC pipe to provide rigidity and support.

Many have argued the merits of a wooden box to store a weapon of the 22nd century. Although their opinion is well founded, one must also take into consideration how wood has been used throughout history. From Egyptian sarcophagi in 2000 B.C. to shipping crates used to ferry supplies to the military during the Gulf War in the last century, boxes, storage units, and containers made of wood have continued to be popular. In fact, wood is employed in more applications today than ever before. In particular, pine's light weight, low cost, and breathability have made it a favorite of box, palate, and furniture makers of the 21st century. Who can divine what marvelous materials will be available in the next two hundred years? In all probability, however, it is unlikely that something that has served man so well for many thousands of years will be discarded; especially by cost-conscious armament manufacturers who would rather spend resources on a weapon system than it's shipping container.

Until about a year ago, this unique piece had only been available to those collectors fortunate enough to be part of Steve Dymszo's original group of friends - the box had been delivered with their limited edition rifle. Through a series of newly formed contacts and lucky coincidences, Phil Steinschneider, a fan propmaker, was given access to one of the original Pulse Rifle boxes. Steinschneider analyzed the piece and took careful measurements with the intention of reproducing this very interesting prop. Now, after several successful efforts, an identical version of the box originally introduced by Dymszo, Maggiani, and Kunz is available again.

Since the Pulse Rifle box is constructed around the dimensions of an exact reproduction of the Aliens Pulse Rifle, this container can be employed universally. In other words, as long as one's Pulse Rifle is within the size range of the movie-used prop, this container will serve to house it.

In conclusion, the wooden Pulse Rifle box is a perfect addition to the evolving mythology of the Colonial Marine Corps. Not only does this piece serve as a superb display system and storage device for all versions of the Aliens Pulse Rifle, it also fits seamlessly into Pulse Rifle lore.