From Firearm Legends to Miniature Rifle Masterpieces: W.POLAH’s Artistic Journey
W.POLAH miniature guns would have never had their own rifles (mini rifles) if it weren’t for these challenges…
In distant 2018, I was focused on creating highly accessible realistic models of miniature pistols for the broad public. I chose a clear and widely used 2mm pinfire standard for the cartridges. We systematically created model after model to provide our customers with as wide a selection as possible. I didn’t even seriously think about rifles back then.
Pinfire Cartridges
I didn’t like the adaptations for pinfire cartridges available on the market because they distorted the original proportions of the weapons too much. I understood that the design features of rifles didn’t allow for any other approach. Setting up production for cartridges of a new standard is no easy task; it requires serious motivation. We hadn’t even produced our pinfire cartridges yet; we were sourcing them from Austrian manufacturing. We simply added a steel ball by hand, making the shots from our mini guns more impressive.
And we would have continued doing that if we hadn’t encountered difficulties with these cartridges. Because the strike on the pin in most models occurs from the bottom rather than the top, the pins must be well-secured in the casing and stick out to a uniform length. The purchased cartridges didn’t perform well in that regard. Some of the pins even fell out during transportation. Eventually, the quality of the cartridges started to decline further. The deterioration became so significant that I began to worry it might ruin the experience of the miniatures and my business reputation. So, I had no choice but to develop my own cartridges.
Once I established the production of 2mm pinfire cartridges, it was easy to apply the same technology to develop 2mm centerfire cartridges. This truly opened up limitless possibilities for us in manufacturing rifles.
Miniature AK-47
THE FIRST MODEL WE RELEASED WAS THE FAMOUS AND MOST REQUESTED AK-47. WE IMMEDIATELY PRODUCED TWO VERSIONS: A FULL METAL VERSION – PRIMARILY FOR SALE TO OUR FORMER RESELLER – AND A SLIGHTLY MORE INTERESTING VERSION WITH WOODEN PARTS, WHICH ALIGNED MORE WITH MY TASTE.
The main snag with the AK was the lack of suitable springs available. I searched everywhere and even tried disassembling a specific lighter type to find a more or less suitable option. Eventually, this forced us to learn how to make these springs from steel wire.
AR-15 Rifle Scale 1:6
We achieved the perfect size for the part and improved the reliability of the entire mechanism. We applied this experience to similar mechanism models, such as the AR-15 and M16.
The AR-15 is currently our only mini gun; we use metal and real glass for the optics. None of my colleagues have done this yet, even though this technique of combining materials looks super cool and makes the miniature much more realistic.
The AK-47 and AR-15 were re-released in 2024 with a slightly larger scale. This made the shooting process more convenient and improved the mechanism’s reliability. However, this would not have been possible without our customers sending us their miniatures for service and repair. We are truly grateful to them because this is not an extra burden or hassle for us. Instead, it’s an exciting and valuable research process that helps us identify weaknesses and continually improve our skills in creating miniature models.
For example, we developed the M16 after the AK-47 and AR-15. We were able to incorporate our previous experience into the design. As a result, this model does not present assembly difficulties from the start and performs well for our customers over time.
We also have a category of more complex models that we’ve developed based on individual client requests. We only take on such projects when we see potential in the model, meaning it could become popular among other collectors and weapon enthusiasts. This is because the development process itself is lengthy and costly. We don’t want to pass all these expenses onto just one customer. However, our forecasts don’t always come true. There are models that have yet to recoup their development costs despite being excellent. Underappreciated models include the Wilson Shotgun, the MP40, and the MAT-49. I sincerely recommend that you look closer at them; they are unique, well-made, and rare. We’ve only made a few pieces of each.
Wilson WP870 Shotgun
THE MINIATURE WP870 SHOTGUN IS MY FAVORITE, ALTHOUGH IT’S CHALLENGING TO ASSEMBLE. IT’S AN INTERESTING MODEL DUE TO ITS FUNCTIONALITY AND THE COMBINATION OF MATERIALS: BLUED METAL AND WOOD. IN THIS MODEL, THE WOODEN FORE-END MOVES BACK AND FORTH ALONG THE BARREL, REVEALING THE LOADING PORT. THE NECESSARY POSITION IS SECURED WITH A SAFETY LOCK ON THE BACK OF THE FRAME. THE HAMMER IS PRESSED, AND THE MODEL FIRES.
MP40 Submachine Scale 1:6
We also developed an MP40 model based on a custom request from a client in the Netherlands. This model serves as a reminder of his family’s history, who fought against the Nazi army during World War II. The MP40 is also favored by collectors from Ukraine. The theme of World War II is prevalent here, as almost everyone has a dramatic family story connected to this historical period.
MAT-49 Submachine Scale 1:6
We developed the miniature MAT-49 submachine gun based on a custom request from a regular client in the U.S. Later, a client from France ordered it, as he had used the MAT-49 during his military service in 1991. It was incredibly touching that we could bring back fond nostalgic memories for him.
The submachine was developed for use by the French Army. When creating the miniature version, we did our best to preserve the functionality and key features that the French arms factory had originally designed into the model.
First, the magazine receiver can fold under the barrel to reduce the size for easier transport and carrying. The magazine in the miniature can also be removed. The stock is foldable as well.
Secondly, the miniature MAT-49, like its full-sized prototype, is equipped with an automatic safety mechanism in the form of a button on the back of the pistol grip. To fire, you first need to press this button. Only while holding it down can you pull the trigger. This mechanism is unique to this model, and its functional features set it apart from others.
To sum up, I don’t consider the development of these models a mistake. At the very least, I like them, it was exciting to create them, and they bring cherished memories and joy to their owners. I believe the commercial success will come in time.
I NOW ALSO HAVE A THOMPSON SET. FURTHERMORE, I WROTE A DETAILED ARTICLE ABOUT MY CHALLENGE WITH THIS UNIQUE MODEL
Crafting Thompson Submachine Gun
Mauser K98 Miniature Rifle
Each of my rifles is the result of a certain challenge I set for myself. These models are significantly more complex than any 2mm pinfire pistol. With size, the level of complexity of the models only increases for me. This naturally leads me to the next category—our longest-barreled rifles, such as the Mauser K98.
Winchester Miniature Rifle
The complexity of crafting the carbine lies in combining many metal and wood elements. As for the Winchester, we went all out and created a colorful design with a hunting theme. This model features an exciting lever mechanism, a combination of several types of metal with wood and bluing. It is one of our most striking models, which I am passionately fond of. It’s so captivating that it was even featured in Gun Tech magazine in a wide shot and in detail.
Musket — the Brand New Miniature Rifle
And not many people know, but we developed this musket as well. It was also an individual order. The client requested a non-firing model, and I underestimated the complexity and agreed. I had hoped that we could quickly transform it into a firing version. However, creating the prototype took us so much time and effort that we haven’t offered this model to anyone else yet. I will consider redesigning this model to expand our assortment only if I receive positive feedback and your requests.
IN GENERAL, MY WORK AND LIFE HAVE TAUGHT ME TO HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD DIFFICULTIES AND MISTAKES. I’M LEARNING TO ENDURE CHALLENGES STOICALLY AND SEE EVERY SITUATION AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND GROW. AND I NEVER FEEL LONELY OR SAD, AS A BONUS.
AK-47 Kalashnikov Scale 1:6
Into the wood box with nice wood parts
Handmade nice detailed metal miniature rifle.
AK-47 has active moving shutter, fuse-translator, aim bar, trigger.
Measurements: 6.06 * 1.81 inches
About the Author
My name is Olha Polah, and I have been working in miniature weapons production since 2015. I started the mini firearms brand and have been running the brand’s Instagram page since 2016. The brand’s miniatures are popular worldwide, with fans in 25+ countries. I became the sole owner of the brand in 2018 and created a comprehensive line of miniatures. More than 60 models of miniature weapons from various historical periods have been created. In November 2023, I was interviewed by Robert Dunn for the GunTech magazine, where I talked about the hardships I had to endure in my business. I also run a newsletter for the brand’s customers, which has evolved into a full-fledged magazine with in-depth articles published on the wpolah.com.
My mission is to make people’s lives more joyful by sharing interesting facts about miniature weapons and inspiring everyone to express themselves.