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- M41-A Pulse Rifle Data Card, Manual, and Poster

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

© Derrick Baena

The M41A Pulse Rifle poster is a large one; measuring in at 37x24". It is in full color and custom printed per customer order. The M41-A represented in the poster is an actual/exact working replica, not a resin model. It is depicted in 1/1 scale (actual size) and shows both left and right sides in detail. Two smaller views are also included that call out and list the rifles various components. On the right margin full specifications can be found to include detailed cross section/cut-away views of the 10mm and 30mm cartridges. A United States Colonial Marine Corps emblem and camouflage background are also used to enhance the poster's authenticity and connection to the famous Aliens film. It is both an awesome addition to any Aliens collection and a truly unique piece of art to be hung on the wall of you favorite room.

© Derrick Baena © Derrick Baena

The posters are $85* plus shipping. They are expensive due to the large size, detail, and that they are custom printed per customer order. Shipping is $6 (Includes cardboard shipping tube and USPS 2-3 day priority shipping). *See special offer at the bottom of this page.

In addition to the poster, I also offer the ultimate M41-A companion; A 58 page military format field manual. Be sure to visit the following web sites to see more actual pages of the manual. Each site has something different.

ALIENS Collection - Derrick Baena Productions - (poster & manual info)
Weapons of Science Fiction - Section VII: Accessories - Manual - (older manual)

© Derrick Baena © Derrick Baena © Derrick Baena

P>Since its release in 1986, Cameron's 'ALIENS' has been a personal favorite of mine for its accurate/plausible depiction of future military tactics equipment and of course the infamous M41A Pulse Rifle. There's no doubt, that to sci-fi weapon enthusiasts, the M41A was THE star of the show. Being a military small arms manufacturing/design consultant and collector, the M41 was of particular interest. It's ergonomics, envisioned capability and overall appearance was of great appeal. Cameron's M41 weapon system represents an attention to detail and realism in futuristic firepower never before seen in the Sci-Fi film genre. The key is plausibility. What sets it apart from other 'movie guns' is the fact that actual thought was given to its design and capability; not only what it had to do in front of the camera but what it was envisioned to do for a colonial marine of the 22nd century.

I am not a sci-fi prop collector, However, I have made an exception for the M41 for the previously mentioned reasons. It holds the position, as I'm sure it does with thousands of other fans, as the #1 fantasy gun.

When I became aware of Brimmicombe's technical manual, I rushed right out to get a copy. Expecting to see vast amounts of information on the M41, I opened the 159 page book to see a mere page and a half dedicated to it. I must say I was very disappointed. It was obvious that the M41 did not grab his attention nor imagination as it did with myself and many others. Cameron's efforts to make the M41 a plausible weapon system, were somewhat diminished by Brimmicombe's lack of creativity and an inaccurate application of current technologies. It should be noted however, that Twentieth Century Fox issued very tight deadlines for the technical manual, and although not up to par for many of us M41 fans, Brimmicombe's should be commended.

So where does the hard-core pulse rifle fan turn? That's what I asked. I turned to the inter net but found next to nothing to supplement Brimmicombe's manual. All I found was either taken verbatim from the manual or reworded and mixed with even more bullsh*t. I would ultimately have to do something myself. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind bullsh*t, it is the foundation of the entire sci-fi prop & weapon industry. Its just that one has to be an artist with the stuff in order to establish some amount of credibility. My manual is full of it, but the difference between my bullsh*t and theirs, is that mine doesn't smell nearly as bad AND it makes sense.

The experience I've gained in the small arms industry and technical report writing would be perfectly suited to produce a document that would go much further in satisfying ones curiosity and imagination with regards to the pulse rifle; to continue where Brimmicombe left off or never intended to go. However, such a document wouldn't be worth while just doing it for myself, there would surely be others interested in it as well. I began testing the waters.

Steve Dymzo of SD Studios expressed enough interest in the project for me to seriously begin development. After I mailed him a few sample pages we came to an arrangement that allowed me to obtain one of his pulse rifle replicas at a discounted price in exchange for the rights to reproduce and distribute a limited supply of my manuals with each of his rifles. SD Studios became the much needed launch customer. For a short time, the only way to get one of my manuals was to purchase an SD Studios Pulse Rifle or kit. And even then there were only 20 authorized copies of it available. Soon I would have to produce the manual myself.

While gearing up for production, I decided to update the original version and set it apart from what was available through SD Studios. This new 'Revision A' includes more pages, detail and accessories. The colors have also been slightly modified to give it a more authentic look. One of the biggest differences though is the customization that I offer on each manual (details below). This Rev 'A' has now been available for the last 9-10 months and work on the Rev 'B' looms on the horizon.

The 58 page manual has been designed to resemble an authentic military field manual. Although its been modernized somewhat to represent an FM of the 22nd century, you military vets and aficionados will recognize its format right off the bat. I've incorporating the look, colors, language and overall layout.

© Derrick Baena
Front Cover
© Derrick Baena
Deluxe Front Cover
© Derrick Baena
Back Cover

Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Operating Instructions
Chapter 3. Ammunition
Chapter 4. Assault Fire Requirements/Positions
Chapter 5. Accessories

Each chapter is fully illustrated with tables and figures listed throughout the text. Due to the popularity of Brimmicombe's technical manual, I had to maintain some continuity with his specifications and designations but this is where the similarity ends. I address everything in detail not just vague phrases that sound good. Included are rifle specifications, service variants, principles of operation, and step by step operation of both the rifle and grenade launcher. There is also detailed descriptions of various 10mm and 30mm cartridges to include their cut-away views. I also introduce several different electro-optical accessories and depict their installation and use on the M41A rifle.

You may notice that the front cover says Department of the Army, not USCMC. This was done on purpose. I'm not inferring that the Marine Corps would one day be under the Army. Today, the Dept. of the Army has the responsibility of producing ALL small arms Field Manuals for ALL branches of the armed services (even the Navy and Corps). It is not feasible for all branches to produce their own FM for the same weapon system. The only exception is if a particular weapon (or variant) is used solely by a branch other than the Army. According to the technical manual, the M41 is used my both the ARMY and USCMC. I wanted to make this manual as authentic as possible so I kept the same Army (original) format. Customers have the option to purchase a transparent dust cover with the USCMC emblem; however underneath, the manual remains an army publication.

This guide has been quoted by one prominent ALIENS collector as "THE ULTIMATE companion to the weapon we all know and love".

All images are original, (except the M41 of course) and designed/drawn by me. They are fresh and never before seen.

This is just the beginning. This manual will be subject to modifications updates and revisions (just like the real things). When revisions become available, manual owners will be contacted, and for a nominal fee, be sent updated inserts for their manual. The M41A Field Manual is a prototype, a tool to test the potential market. If it is well received, what awaits on the horizon is a series of illustrated technical and field manuals all based on USCMC equipment; the M56 smart gun, Motion Tracker, personal armor, the APC, and maybe even a pilot's operating handbook for the Dropship.

The manual with standard color cover is $70. Like the poster, the price of the manual is steep. It represents a tremendous amount of effort, and each one is custom printed. From the reviews and gossip I've been monitoring on the web It is apparently well worth it. The above price includes velo binding and a CUSTOM BACK COVER. The owner can specify any name, rank, serial number and mailing address. You can choose your favorite Marine such as Cpl. Hicks or Pvt. Hudson; or put yourself on the cover, its your choice! The information is incorporated into a simulated department of defense mailing label. I can also add unit and company badges, seals and logos at additional cost.

Other options include:
Camouflage Front cover =$5.00
Three Hole punch for your 3-ring binder, $2.00
Custom clear Dust Covers with USCMC Shield and your name, rank and Serial No. = $8.00

© Derrick Baena
Data Card Back
© Derrick Baena
Data Card Front

I also offer a 2 sided 8.5x11" data card that's a must have. = $20.

Shipping and handling for the manual is $6.00 (USPS 2-3 day Priority within the U.S.) International customers please contact me for shipping information. Personal checks and Certified funds are accepted, (Personal checks will be held to clear). Money Orders or Cashiers Checks are preferred. Credit cards are accepted, but unfortunately there is an extra charge of 8.7% to cover bank fees.

Orders usually shipped within 3 days of receipt of payment.

SPECIAL OFFER: I am offering all three items (Poster, standard Manual, and Data Card) for $166.00 shipped within the U.S. (credit card fees will still apply and options are extra).

If interested payment can be sent to:
Derrick Baena
4440 Village Dr SE
Olympia, WA 98501



All content © Kurtis Harris unless otherwise noted.