i also usualy start out with one wide models, then i get a view from the other side, the top, and the bottom, usualy resulting in about 20 minutes of work for a better-then-average model

@Aejax: Yeah, I do the same here. I usually use Wikipedia for reference, find a side picture, and make a one-layer gun using proportions from the image. Then I find some quarter-views and odd-angled views to add the layers on either side.

I have a 5 across model, but that's because the clip sticks out to the left side.

My stuff is normally 3 across, but I recommend starting with 1, and once the base model is down, add the other 2 layers to it.

Most of my stuff is three-wide, but occasionally I make larger five-wides. I generally reserve one-wide for handgun models.

It depends, usually its 3 across, however some guns are 5 across.

Usually i make mines 1 or 2,During the updates before 0.45 i always made 1 block thick,Now i go to 3,and future guns... i go about to 4 just for fun :)

Use the original semi model ti start with, don't try to make it from scratch. And I usually make my guns 3 thick.

About how thick are the guns people make. 3 across or 2? even 1? Please help. I will be posting some of the works I do.