hehee Springfield
i think its a good start, but i'd work on shape better. Try to outline the general shape with as few polygons as possible, then add polygons for detail as and when you think you need them.
Remember a refference picture is just that, a refference. So try to use some artist eye and shape it slightly away from the refference to make its visual appearance seem better.
whenever i work on a weapon, generally i make the barrel first as they're perfectly cylindrical, this then gives you the width of the weapon too
this one didn't have one, but i'm sure you could find a similar weapon that does - just to start you off.
you don't need to keep the barrel it'll just be for refference itself too and probably deleted post development.
also when you texture try not to use photos, they make models too ugly because they're so still and lifeless (some people like then, just look at flashpoint) but to me they take away character and weapons like in STALKER or TR:AoD have far more character and look more realistic in the given environment.
remember curved surfaces don't need to be exactly right when you low poly them - just try to keep the curve rather than the overal shape. It will look better in the long run.
