I've heard from a few people and I think even from some of the making of Aliens videos that the smartgun was a heavy thing that needed rest after a while. I was wondering what peoples experiences were and what the longest someone has carried a smartgun for? Im a Roman reenactor on my other days so lugging around a shield and forming walls isnt too much of an issue but I wanted to know how much worse I'd expect from a Smartgun.

think its more to do with the size of it never carried a smartgun but have a resin and metal dlt-19 for my star wars and it get heavy after abit lol just have to keep holding it at different angles to rest muscles lol

Having a proper cam arm mount helps, but my all metal (converted airsoft) version still weighs a LOT and is rather unwieldy. The one parade I was able to attend was less than a 2 mile march, but the wait in the staging area (2.5 + hours) really showed me just how out of shape being a bus driver has made me.

I had to stop working on the 3D printed M56A2 for now,
but I can tell it is so light that I will upgrade/reinforce it with metal and would still be able to carry it the whole day.

For the real deal full metal replica well, you have to get used to it to carry it for longer than an hour.
With proper training and the right arm and _vest_ you can do this like the whole day if you're fit enough.

For me the tricky part is how good you are carrying it when it comes to corners, stair ways, elevators etc. at Cons.

We once did a fun training exercise video (running, jumping and all the fun stuff) about 15 minutes, don't ask if the vest had a "certain" smell.
But it all was possible with the 12kg setup.

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Sgt. Frank Peters 'reload' Smartgun Operator
A03/TQ3.0.12136E1 "It will be no picknick!"
AL Colonial Admin. - Sergeant at Arms (SgtA) -- 2020-2022
GERCM - Executive Officer (XO)
UKCM Foreign Legion: The Deviant Dragoons

Mine's based on a de-ac MG42, with genuine bike parts welded on.
Thankfully, I have a real steadicam-type arm and vest for it ( Albeit a Chinese clone, probably about 15% smaller than the screen used versions, but 1/10th of the price! )

I've managed a full day at a con with it, but it's a workout and a half!

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MSgt, UKCM 42nd Reg., 1st Batt. : Hadrian's Wall. UKCM

Wasteland Workshop
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Steve Fletcher : Maker, Scavenger, and Junksmith.
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I have a Matsuo smartgun, which is resin. I wear it using a Camtree steadicam.

When I troop at 'cons I usually wear it for 3-4 hours.

Last year at SpringCon I wore it for just about 10 hours. I was happy to take it off at the end of the day!

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I also have one based on a deactivated MG 53. Sadly I found out after building it that at 46 years my back is no longer what it used to be. Even though I have a nicely working steadicam arm I can`t wear it longer than a couple of minutes due to pain in the back. Really frustrated about that, but yes, it IS heavy.

I have an airsoft build up with scratch built arm. The longest I have worn it was 3 hours, but that was due to circumstances not fatigue. My dad, in his mid 50s at the time, was able to wear the same rig for about 7 hours with minimal complaining.

Overall I would say it mostly comes down to whether or not you can find a comfortable 'resting position' with it. You know, swing it in close and vertically to center the weight up and down instead of horizontally where it strains your core/back. Just whip out the action stance for photos to save yourself for the long haul.