The DC-17 repeater hand blaster, alternatively referred to as the DC-17 hand blaster or DC-17 blaster pistol, functioned as a heavy blaster pistol and served as the standard-issue sidearm for the Grand Army of the Republic. BlasTech Industries manufactured the DC-17, which was typically issued to weapon teams, vehicle crews, and officers. This weapon stood out as one of the most dependable and resilient blaster pistols ever designed, boasting significant stopping power despite its compact size. Its design also featured excellent balance, a commendable firing rate, and a lightweight construction.
During the [Clone Wars](/article/clone_wars], the blaster was used by Republic clone troopers, notably high-ranking commanders, captains, and ARC troopers. Throughout the war, the DC-17 was utilized by ARC troopers, along with other special forces units such as Clone Force 99 within the Special Operations Brigade, for close-range engagements and as a secondary firearm.
Rex, a distinguished clone trooper officer and Clone Captain within the renowned 501st Legion, favored wielding two DC-17s simultaneously. Following the Clone Wars, clone stormtroopers, including Captains Howzer and Wilco, continued to employ the blaster. In the time leading up to the Galactic Civil War, Twi'lek rebels Numa and Gobi Glie also made use of these blasters. Lieutenant Dicer from the Phoenix Cell also used this blaster model when she was attacked by krykna, spider-like creatures from the planet Atollon.