Sci-Fi Weapon Design Task

For this assignment we have to design a concept for a futuristic gun, and the best place to start is to research real guns for reference and inspiration, as well as to get an idea on what core features they retain when found in science-fiction games, which I'll also research.

First, I looked at shotguns, which all seem to be consistent in shape:

(http://www.coupay.com/topoften/top-ten-shotguns-you-must-have-one-of-them/) (12/10/15)

And then I look at some miniguns, the barrel end is quite simple however the base usually has a frame and a lot of parts:

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minigun) (12/10/15)

(http://www.battlefieldvegas.com/collections/mini-gun) (12/10/15)

(https://forums.warframe.com/index.php?/topic/307481-minigun/) (12/10/15)

Lastly, I'll look at sci-fi guns, and present them in a moodboard.

(http://boyluya.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/fps-weapon-sci-fi-rifle.html) (12/10/15)

(http://digital-art-gallery.com/picture/5341) (12/10/15)

(http://seannash.deviantart.com/art/Sci-fi-Gun-Concept-Art-426445538) (12/10/15)

(http://bflynn22.deviantart.com/art/DS-Prototype-Weapons-319694715) (12/10/15)

(http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php/267728-SciFi-weapon-design-study) (12/10/15)

(http://www.writeups.org/fiche.php?id=5382) (12/10/15)

(http://es.halo.wikia.com/wiki/Archivo:Halo-Weapons-1600x1200.jpg) (12/10/15)

(https://steamcommunity.com/id/wetaworkshop/myworkshopfiles/?appid=440) (12/10/15)

(https://wiki.teamfortress.com/wiki/Phlogistinator) (12/10/15)

(http://www.nexusmods.com/newvegas/mods/45301/?) (12/10/15)

(http://samplereality.com/gmu/portal/items/show/222) (12/10/15)

Looking at these, it's easy to see that on pure sci-fi themed weapons the angles and curves are highly exaggerated and highly layered in comparison to real life firearms, however they still maintain a similar shape to the real thing and have little details you can probably find on them. I noticed that some sci-fi weapons don't take from real guns at all and give a sort of "alien" theme.

I have produced 3 sketches of gun concepts, first was the pistol (bottom right), which was intended to look toony and simple, but ultimately looked rushed; I attempted to use coils and little gizmos but I couldn't find a way to put them onto the design so as a result it ended up looking a little dull.

Next is the shotgun, where I took my time and tried to create a pure sci-fi themed weapon, for this I used the ruler a lot and started from the barrel to the base, where as it appears my experimentation got more prominent. My critique on this is although it looks like a realistic gun, the design doesn't look the most unique I think it could've been, as well as the fact that the proportions seem off.

Lastly is my minigun, which is my favorite. I started with the base and built outwards accordingly, adding smaller details like a handle and pressure barrel. I found that this was easier to do because it was a larger weapon, so I could include more things. I then quickly converted this into a stylistic final design.

I feel that although simplistic this final design looks unique and interesting, I wish however I could've add some little details to this but I feel it's fine as it is.