No-Brand Semi-Auto Blaster - Review!

Wish your beloved Maverick could be a true semi-auto blaster, yet still keeping to its compact form factor?

Well... i found No-Brand blasters which offer a glimpse at how semi-auto firing can be possible in a compact spring plunger blaster.

This No-Brand Semi-Auto Blaster has internal mechanisms similar to a Nerf Maverick, it has the requisite 6-dart capacity with an auto advancing barrel, using a spring powered reverse plunger. It is compatible with most Nerf foam darts too.

But the big difference lies in the fact that it does not require any separate priming action to pull back the spring plunger, it does this by incorporating the priming action into the trigger pull.

This action is controlled by a "rocker-catch" component in the trigger that pulls back the spring plunger when the trigger is pulled and releases it when the trigger reaches the end of its travel, at the same time the barrel advances to the next dart in time to fire it.

As expected, the plunger and spring is smaller than usual (for ease of trigger pull), therefore its firing range averages just around 10-15 ft.

It is possible to increase firing range by putting in stronger springs, but then the big question would be: How strong are your trigger fingers? :)

Still... with 2 of these semi-auto blasters, players can finally dual wield "pistols" for close quarter office cubicle Nerf games!

Watch a video of how the internal mechanism works Here.

Review:

No-Brand Semi-Auto Blaster - Side Profile

No-Brand Semi-Auto Blaster - Scale Comparison with Nerf Maverick




No-Brand Semi-Auto Blaster - Internals Comparison with Nerf Maverick




No-Brand Semi-Auto Blaster - Internals

No-Brand Semi-Auto Blaster - Test Fire Video



Yup... i'm sure many of you modders out there can get some ideas from this blaster's semi-auto mechanism design. :)

Buzz Bee Berserker - Review!

Behold the Buzz Bee Berserker!

The Berserker is indeed one of the more unique blasters around, it combines both a foam dart blaster and foam missle launcher in one unit!

Its foam dart blaster section uses a spring plunger mechanism and is primed via a foregrip pump action. It has a 20 dart ammo capacity within an auto-advancing barrel system. Firing range for foam darts average 25-30ft. The blaster is compatible with Nerf foam darts too.

Its foam missile launcher section uses an air tank system that is filled up by a pump handle positioned at its rear. It can hold 1 foam missile and takes around 7-8 pumps to fill up its air tank. Firing range for foam missiles average 30+ ft.

The Berserker uses a dual trigger system to control the firing of the foam darts and foam missile.

Side Note: A really odd thing i've noticed on this blaster is how tiny the trigger firing grip is (check out the scale comparison photo below), it seems to be designed just for little people! For some users, replacing the grip with a bigger and more comfortable version would most likely be part of their "to mod" list. :)

Review:

Buzz Bee Berserker - Box (Front)

Buzz Bee Berserker - Box (Front)

Buzz Bee Berserker - Un-Boxed

Buzz Bee Berserker - 20 Foam Darts + 1 Foam Missile Capacity

Buzz Bee Berserker - Scale Comparison with Nerf Maverick



Buzz Bee Berserker - Test Fire Video

Overall, the Berserker quite an interesting combo blaster, ideal for those who like integrated blaster designs.

It would also be useful in game scenarios that feature special rules for foam missile hits too (ie. with "foam missile eliminates shield players" rule).

Marshmallow Mforcer - Review!

It's marshmallow time!

Check out the new Marshmallow Mforcer!

This marshmallow blaster is powered by an air tank system that is pumped up by a handle which is also designed as part of the front cover. The overall build quality is quite good and its logos are nicely etched into the casing.

It has an auto-rotating barrel and offers an ammo capacity of 15 mini-marshmallows. It also features a rear-loading ammo system too. After loading all the mini-marshmallow ammo, the blaster will require around 25+ pumps to fill up its air tank, then just pull the trigger to fire.

The Mforcer features a firing system that portions the air output per shot, therefore just continue pulling the trigger to fire more shots, the air tank stores enough air to keep firing the marshmallows in semi-auto.

As with such firing systems, as each shot is fired, the pressure in the air tank would steadily decrease, thereby providing less power to each subsequent shot. Therefore, to maintain the pressure and firing distance, it would be a good idea to add a few more pumps after every 5-6 shots.

With mini-marshmallows that fit properly (try out different marshmallow brands), the firing range is around 20-25ft with a full air tank.

Just right for firing shots into your co-worker's cubicle! :)

Review:

Marshmallow Mforcer - Box (Front)

Marshmallow Mforcer - Box (Back)

Marshmallow Mforcer - Side Profile




Marshmallow Mforcer - Pump Handle & Auto-Rotating Barrel




Marshmallow Mforcer - Rear Loading Ammo System




Marshmallow Mforcer - Mini-Marshmallow Ammo (Example, Sold Separately)

Marshmallow Mforcer - Scale Comparison with Nerf Maverick




Marshmallow Mforcer - Nerf Foam Dart Barrel Fit




Marshmallow Mforcer - Demo & Test Fire Video:



Looks abit like Earthworm Jim's Raygun huh?

Interestingly, the Marshmallow Mforcer could also fire Nerf foam darts (though in its original state, just one at a time).

All it requires is just some re-barrel and front cover customization work, and it could be a very nice semi-auto Nerf blaster! :)

Lanard Sawed Off Shotgun - Review!

The Lanard Sawed Off Shotgun is an air powered blaster that shoots 1" diameter foam darts. It uses a spring air plunger system which is primed by a pump-action front grip.

The individual foam darts have to be manually loaded and the blaster primed before firing each shot. The firing range averages around 25+ feet.

Review:

Lanard Sawed Off Shotgun - Profile




Lanard Sawed Off Shotgun - Ammo Comparison with Nerf Streamline Dart




Lanard Sawed Off Shotgun - Scale Comparison with Nerf Maverick

ERTL Outdoor Sportsman Gun - Review!

The ERTL Outdoor Sportsman Gunis an air powered blaster that shoots 1¾" diameter foam balls. It uses a spring air plunger system which is primed by a pump-action front grip.

Its orange barrel section can contain up to 3 foam balls and the blaster has to be primed before firing each shot. The stock firing range averages around 15-20 feet.

Review:

ERTL Outdoor Sportsman Gun - Profile

ERTL Outdoor Sportsman Gun - Ammo Comparison with Nerf Streamline Dart
 

ERTL Outdoor Sportsman Gun - Scale Comparison with Nerf Maverick

Lanard Scatter Blast - Review!

Ever wondered about the possibility of equipping foam dart grenades to add new gameplay tactics to your nerf games?

Now you can! With the Lanard Scatter Blast!

The Scatter Blast operates via an air tank system which is filled by a pump stalk that also acts as its stabilizing tail fin. Around 15 pumps is recommended to fill up its air tank. The trigger system is a foam covered orange pressure cap situated within the front tip of the Scatter Blast.

There is also a safety switch which prevents the Scatter Blast from triggering off while being carried around... very important! :)

As the Scatter Blast is designed to be thrown over distance to its target, it is light-weight and its body is covered in soft foam, this cushions any impact if it happens to come into contact with people or objects. I've tested being hit directly by the Scatter Blast itself at close range, the effect is similiar to just being hit by a soft foam ball or tennis ball, so it is safe for usage in nerf games.

It has an ammo capacity for 6 foam darts that are distributed evenly around the middle of the Scatter Blast. In this configuration, when the trigger cap is struck, the foam darts fire outwards in a spread pattern.

The Scatter Blast package comes with 10 foam darts (Lanard actually includes 4 extra foam darts as spares). It is also compatible with all Nerf foam darts too!

In terms of range, there are 2 aspects to consider... how far you can throw it and the area effect radius.

Because the Scatter Blast is light-weight and shaped somewhat like a rugby ball, if you have a good throwing technique, its possible to lob it quite a distance!

For maximum effect, it is best to throw the Scatter Blast at a high trajectory. As its front section is designed to be heavier than the rest of the body, if thrown correctly, it will land directly on the orange pressure cap to fire the foam darts.

On impact, i've measured the foam darts firing outwards on average 10 ft vertically with a potential (though unpredictable!) 10 ft area effect radius. This makes it useful for lobbing around corners or over walls to tag hidden players!

Review:

Lanard Scatter Blast - Box (Front)




Lanard Scatter Blast - Box (Back)




Lanard Scatter Blast - Un-Boxed




Lanard Scatter Blast - Ammo Capacity (6 Foam Darts)




Lanard Scatter Blast - Safety Switch




Lanard Scatter Blast - Scale Comparison with Nerf Maverick

Lanard Scatter Blast Demo & Test Fire Video:




Lanard Scatter Blast Test Fire Video (Outdoors):



The Lanard Scatter Blast is definitely a fun addition to any nerf collection! Think i'll need a few more... :)


Alternative Tactics: If you ever need to unleash multiple shots at close range, just point a Scatter Blast backwards and press the trigger cap, it'll fire off a hail of 6 shots at your opponent's direction!

Buzz Bee Big Blast (2009) - Review!

This is the latest updated version of the Buzz Bee Big Blast!

It is mechanically the same as the previous version, except that it now features a new green/blue colour scheme, along with improved box graphics.

You can check out the more detailed review of the previous version Buzz Bee Big Blast Here.

Model Update Review:

Buzz Bee Big Blast (2009) - Box (Front)




Buzz Bee Big Blast (2009) - Box (Back)




Buzz Bee Big Blast (2009) - Box (Un-Boxed)



These new Big Blasts are now avaliable at all Toys R Us outlets in Singapore.

Now you can finally grab a few to counter those pesky "armoured" nerf targets (ie. foam ballistic shield players!).

Just make sure you set "foam missiles eliminate all shield/armour" rules for your nerf games! :)


When, Where & Price?
Date of Purchase: 24th May 2009
Location: Toys R Us Suntec (Singapore)
Price: SGD$24.95

More New Buzz Bee Blasters in Stock!

More New Buzz Bee Blasters are now avaliable in stock at Toys R Us (Singapore outlets), and they come in the latest colour scheme too!

More New Buzz Bee Blasters @ Toys R Us (Suntec)



Toys R Us Retail Prices
Buzz Bee Big Blast: S$24.95
Buzz Bee Ball Blast-zoo-ka: S$19.95
Buzz Bee Mega Missile: S$14.95

Happy Shopping! :)

Buzz Bee Belt Blaster - Review!

Want a blaster with lots of ammo capacity yet not too bulky?

Buzz Bee has answered this call... with the Buzz Bee Belt Blaster!

The Buzz Bee Belt Blaster uses a pump-action spring plunger firing mechanism. The unique feature about this blaster is that it utilizes an ammo belt system and comes with a 30 dart ammo belt!

To fire the Belt Blaster, pull the front grip handle back to prime the spring plunger, at the same time this action also turns its ammo belt gear to rotate the next foam dart into position, then pull the trigger to fire.

To fire a steady volley of shots, just keep repeating this action as fast as you can!

The Belt Blaster comes packaged with 30 foam darts and 30 ammo belt shells. The ammo belt shells are all individual pieces which can be unclipped and clipped to each other easily, therefore it is possible to shorten or lengthen the ammo belt specifically to your requirements.

This blaster is 100% compatible with all Nerf foam darts too, there is enough clearance in the ammo belt chamber to rotate in all the different dart types!

Average range is around 25-30 ft, rate of fire will depend on how fast you can prime and fire the shots!

Review:

Buzz Bee Belt Blaster - Box (Front)

 


Buzz Bee Belt Blaster - Box (Back)

 


Buzz Bee Belt Blaster - Un-Boxed & Assembled

 


Buzz Bee Belt Blaster - Ammo Belt Shells (Notch/Clip System)

 


Buzz Bee Belt Blaster - Nerf Foam Darts vs Buzz Bee Foam Dart (Yellow)

 


Buzz Bee Belt Blaster - Scale Comparison with Nerf Maverick

 


Buzz Bee Belt Blaster - Test Fire




Note: To demonstrate its foam dart compatibilities, i fired the 30 dart ammo belt using 2 different dart types:

15 x Buzz Bee foam darts
15 x Nerf Tagger foam darts

Adding to its appeal... its design also bears some resemblance to the Halo Assault Rifle too. Cool!

Imho, this is one of the most effective blasters i've tried out so far, definitely worth getting one! :)

Buzz Bee Tommy 20 - Review!

Inspired by WWII movies featuring the famous Thompson SMG and its drum magazine?

You will like the new Buzz Bee Tommy 20!

The Buzz Bee Tommy 20 reviewed here is the newest 2nd generation version, which can now fire foam darts in full-auto mode, along with a new green colour scheme (the 1st generation version was only semi-auto with a yellow colour scheme).

The Tommy 20 uses a fly-wheel based firing system, this is different from the usual spring plunger or compressed air systems usually found in Nerf blasters.

Fly-wheel based systems do not use air pressure to fire a foam dart, instead it utilises 2 fast-spinning motorised wheels at the front of the blaster to "throw" the foam dart out of the barrel, similiar to tennis ball launchers.

To operate its full-auto firing mode, the new generation Tommy 20 now features a motorised dart pusher to push darts forward in sequence into the 2 spinning wheels, with the drum magazine rotating in sync to position a new foam dart after every shot is fired.

The Tommy 20 comes packaged with 20 foam darts. It also requires 3 x AA Batteries to operate.

Point to note: Buzz Bee foam darts are shorter in length than Nerf foam darts and the Tommy 20 drum magazine feed gap is quite narrow, therefore although its possible to use Nerf foam darts, you might have to trim them shorter to fit properly.

With fresh batteries, the firing distance of the Tommy 20 can average around 25+ feet, and the average rate of fire is approx. 2 rounds per second or 120 rounds per minute (RPM)!

Review:

Buzz Bee Tommy 20 - Box (Front)




Buzz Bee Tommy 20 - Box (Back)



Buzz Bee Tommy 20 - Un-Boxed & Assembled
 



Buzz Bee Tommy 20 - Fly-Wheel System (Close-up view from Front Barrel)




Buzz Bee Tommy 20 - Nerf Foam Darts vs. Buzz Bee Foam Dart (Yellow)





Buzz Bee Tommy 20 - Scale Comparison with Nerf Maverick




Buzz Bee Tommy 20 - Test Fire





Note that the Tommy 20's firing performance depends on battery power. If battery power is low, firing distance will decrease and the rate-of-fire becomes slower, so make sure you stock up on fresh AA Batteries (or use rechargables/alternative power sources).

Overall, the Tommy 20 definitely offers an interesting alternative to the conventional spring plunger or compressed air firing systems.

This blaster is compact in size and provides a steady rate of automatic firepower... very suitable for close-quarter skirmish games! :)