The Model 44 blaster pistol represents a blaster pistol design from Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc., pre-dating the Galactic Civil War. It shared design similarities with the Power 5 heavy blaster pistol.
The Model 44, a blaster with lower power, featured a barrel that was shorter compared to the Power 5. Imperial officers carried this weapon on the first Death Star. Furthermore, Leia Organa used the Model 44 pistol while disguised as the bounty hunter Boushh.
A Model 44 blaster pistol was utilized by Alliance to Restore the Republic pilot Mazer Rackus.
The 44's design, like almost all weapon props within the Original trilogy, took inspiration from a real-world firearm. In this instance, the German "Broomhandle" Mauser pistol served as the base, undergoing modifications. Notably, the Mauser was also the foundation for the DL-44 heavy blaster pistol famously used by Han Solo.
The creation of the Model 44 involved attaching various miscellaneous components to the Mauser, and also cutting off certain parts (specifically, the Mauser's long barrel).
The German Mauser also served as the basis for the Power 5 heavy blaster pistol. The most prominent distinction between it and the 44 is the Power 5's full barrel and flash suppressor.