Board Thread:Questions and answers/@comment-35274096-20180509220604/@comment-27306930-20180510021745

1. Well, there's debate over what constitutes a "Nerf blaster". The Blast-a-Ball was the first blaster to shoot balls, but the Sharpshooter was the first to shoot darts, as we know them today. Arguably, the Sharpshooter is the earliest blaster that has all the recognizable features of modern Nerf blasters.

2. Most people agree, it's best to start small. There are two schools of thought: the Springer fanatics who feel that mechanical mods are the easiest, and the Flywheeler folks who think electrical mods are easier. Both have their merits. There's nothing more satifying than drilling out the AR and putting a better spring in a NiteFinder. However, a simple IMR upgrade to a flywheel blaster is also pretty awesome. If you have a particular blaster in mind, google it first to see what mods can be done.

3. There are several good sources for parts and supplies. Containmentcrew.com, NFStrike.com, OutofDarts on Etsy.com, just to name a few. Orange Mod Works used to be awesome, but something bad happened over there.

4. It depends on your tastes. The Jolt is the cheapest blaster to mod, but not necessarily the easiest or most satisfying 😉 Good candidates include the LongShot, the Disruptor, the HammerShot, FireStrike, the Retaliator & Recon MKII, and the Mediator. For flywheels, the Stryfe is king. Sorry.

5. Yes and no. Technically, Hasbro says the Stryfe is discontinued. Despite that, I just got two Frustration-Free Stryfes yesterday from Amazon, and I grabbed a brand new Modulus Stryfe a few weeks ago. Very pretty, btw. There are also a ton of new Stryves on eBay for various outrageous prices. Hasbro might say they're discontinued, but they keep cranking 'em out, don't they.

6. I think we covered in #2. How about starting with a spring replacement on your favorite blaster, or a battery upgrade on your favorite flywheeler. Start small. Be prepared to make a few mistakes.

7. I'm chock-full of modding tips, but many will depend on the blaster being modded. Here are a few tips regardless of what you do, in no particular order. Get some simple tools - you'll be unscrewing a lot of screws. Get a magnetized screwdriver. A Dremel is an awesome investment. Start small. Learn how to use spray paint the right way. Shop around. Watch modding videos first. It's okay to make mistakes, that's how you learn, but avoid making the same mistake twice. Don't give up after you destroy your first blaster. Use low-tack masking tape. Make sure your glue works on ABS. Get good darts. My e-mail is on my talk page.