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Nite Finder Rifle 2.0


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#1 ACnerfshop

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Posted 02 March 2012 - 11:13 PM

Nite Finder Rifle 2.0

Introduction:
We built our first Nite Finder Rifle just under a year ago have built quite a few since. Over time we have improved up on our design and this is our most current to date

We understand this modification is not new and has been completed by many others long before we first attempted it. We’re just sharing our best method thus far in hope of helping any others who want to attempt a Nite Finder Rifle.
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Materials:
- (8”) 1” I.D Polycarbonate Tubing
- (8 ½”) 3/8” Square Nylon 6/6 Rod
- (1) [k26] Spring
- (½”) Catch Spring
- (1) ½” PVC Coupling
- (1 ¼”) ½” PVC
- (3) ½” 6/32 Machine Screws
- (2) 3/8” 6/32 Machine Screws
- (2) 1” 6/32 Machine Screws
- (1) Zip Tie
- Goop / Other Sealant
- PVC Glue / Primer
- LubricantTools:
- Screwdriver(s)
- Dremel
- Drill / Drill Press
- Pipe Cutters
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Band Saw / Scroll Saw / Jig Saw (Recommended)= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Step 1: Disassembly
Unscrew the Nite Finder and remove the plunger system. This will be necessary during shell modification to prevent the loss or damage of the internals. The plunger tube and spring can be omitted.
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Step 2: Shell Modifications
First remove the area shown below, I prefer to use a Band Saw, but a variety of cutting tools will work.
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Then widen the hole shown below with a dremel for the polycarbonate tube to fit. It will remove the screw port. After this all major shell modifications have been completed and may put to the side.
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Step 3: Plunger Tube
Take the 1 ¼” section of ½” PVC and PVC glue the stub into the coupling. The wrap about 13 layers of e-tape or until it has a tight fit in the 1” polycarbonate tube. Apply the goop or your other sealant and push the PVC into the polycarbonate tube.
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While the goop is still setting drill three 1/8" holes equal distance from each other around the polycarbonate tube into the 1/2” PVC stub. Take the ½” 6-32 machine screws and secure the coupling. These will also act as a dart stop.
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Screw the shell together and take the plunger tube assembly and slide the end without the coupler into the shell. Drill a 1/8” hole on either side near the front end of the Nerf logo as shown. Make sure to note the correct orientation of the plunger tube from here on.
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Step 4: Plunger Rod
Now take the 8 ½” section of the 3/8” square nylon rod and measure 2 ½” from one end. Cut the catch notch as shown.
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Next drill 1/8” holes about ¾” deep on both ends and using the 1” 6-32 machine screw secure the plunger head from the stock Nite Finder. Replace or double the o-ring with a few layers of e-tape beneath to improve the seal. (Not Shown)
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Cut down the [k26] spring to 7 ½” then slide the spring and catch onto the nylon rod making sure to orient the catch correctly.
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Cut the plunger handle off the end of the stock plunger rod and drill a 1/8” hole through as shown below. Using the other 1” 6-32 machine screws screw in the plunger handle to the nylon rod.
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Step 5: Final Assembly
Unscrew the shell and put the internals into the shell as shown below. Thoroughly lubricate plunger head and plunger tube. Replace the stock catch spring with about a 3/8” of another suitable spring.
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Screw the shell together then use the 3/8” 6-32 machine screws to secure the plunger tube into the shell.
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Finally drill a 5/32 hole on the top right corner of the shell as shown below. Slide the zip tie through and tighten to secure the front.
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Step 6: All Done!
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Video Tutorial:
(Coming Eventually)
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This is our first write-up so constructive criticism is appreciated! If you have any questions we missed in the write-up we will do our best to answer them.
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#2 Eraser475

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Posted 02 March 2012 - 11:17 PM

Very nicely done. I need to make one of these so badly!
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#3 magnum

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Posted 02 March 2012 - 11:21 PM

THIS IS AWESOME! i loved your first nf rifle and now you made a second version but cleaner and better. but one thing concerns me. why did you cut down the spring? is it for less draw weight? and it must be killing your ranges right? but i still want to make this awesome gun. and where did u get the nylon rod. i heard its much better then 3/8 pvc square rod that you used in your original video on youtube

#4 ACnerfshop

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Posted 02 March 2012 - 11:51 PM

THIS IS AWESOME! i loved your first nf rifle and now you made a second version but cleaner and better. but one thing concerns me. why did you cut down the spring? is it for less draw weight? and it must be killing your ranges right? but i still want to make this awesome gun. and where did u get the nylon rod. i heard its much better then 3/8 pvc square rod that you used in your original video on youtube


I cut down the spring because the NF Rifle has been shortened overall since the first version. It still has pre-compression and gets near full-compression and I haven't seen much of a decrease in performance at all. The Nylon rod was purchased from Mcmaster. Item#: 8732K13
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#5 MattTheSasquatch

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Posted 03 March 2012 - 09:58 AM

Nice update on it. I bet this would look cool in a clear Nite Finder.
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#6 Bchamp22795

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Posted 03 March 2012 - 10:12 AM

One thing that I advise for all Nite Finders is making the plastic pullback hit the rear of the shel instead of the plunger head hitting the bushing. I make all of mine that way and they last much longer for try firing. This puts less stress on the harder to replace parts like the coupler up front, and the screws in the shell/plunger tube. I don't doubt that yours will last a long time, I'm just sure that mine will last longer through repeated dry fires. Also, I tend to use Nylon Spacers for Pullbacks because I like pulling back with two fingers. Great writeup otherwise!
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#7 lech

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Posted 03 March 2012 - 06:08 PM

So you use Nylon spacers which rest flush up against the shell as your pullback handle? Wouldn't that be hard to get a grip ?

I think it's better to let the easily replaceable homemade parts take the impact rather than the shell. It amazes me how strong the catches are on these things but I still want to remove as much stress around them as possible.
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#8 Bchamp22795

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Posted 03 March 2012 - 06:44 PM

So you use Nylon spacers which rest flush up against the shell as your pullback handle? Wouldn't that be hard to get a grip ?

I think it's better to let the easily replaceable homemade parts take the impact rather than the shell. It amazes me how strong the catches are on these things but I still want to remove as much stress around them as possible.


Nope.
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I use another nylon thing. I suppose its up to the builder, but I would rather not have to replace or cut down the polycarbonate tube. You can try it out and see what you like, but from my experience the screws rip the plunger tube if dry-fired. But I only use goop to make my seal, not pvc cement. This is due to the fact that I like complete mechanical fastening, and goop is easy to break apart and still creates a good seal.
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#9 The lord of fish

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Posted 03 March 2012 - 10:26 PM

Best method?
http://www.nerfhq.co...13564#msg113564
http://www.nerfhq.co...11177#msg111177
http://www.nerfhq.co...09232#msg109232
http://www.nerfhq.co...g89366#msg89366
http://www.nerfhq.co...g78267#msg78267

And those are just my methods, I don't think you can claim a "best method". The best method is whatever method that the individual person is capable of doing, not everyone has access to mcmaster/ able to order off the internet.
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#10 ACnerfshop

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Posted 04 March 2012 - 01:26 AM

Best method?
http://www.nerfhq.co...13564#msg113564
http://www.nerfhq.co...11177#msg111177
http://www.nerfhq.co...09232#msg109232
http://www.nerfhq.co...g89366#msg89366
http://www.nerfhq.co...g78267#msg78267

And those are just my methods, I don't think you can claim a "best method". The best method is whatever method that the individual person is capable of doing, not everyone has access to mcmaster/ able to order off the internet.


I did say "our best method" not the best method. I agree the best method is the most effective method the individual is capable of doing.
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#11 Exo

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Posted 04 March 2012 - 12:44 PM

Well, it's nice that this new member is contributing something that is potentially worthwhile, unlike lots of other FNG's. Nice job ACNS, a very cleanly done writeup, clear pictures, and a solid blaster.

A few complaints, though, although they are trivial points.
First, the front "bushing" thing is slightly deadspacey and a bit ugly. Just my opinion.
Second, the ziptie as a replacement screw, well, I don't like zipties on blasters. I'm sure you could find a bolt or somthing, which would add a bit of stability and complededness looking to it.
And lastly, why not put a gasket or skirt seal on it? I understand that it's cheaper and quicker to do it that way, but some of us (like me) hate teflon tape, or e-tape.

All in all, I would try this if I weren't so danged busy.
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#12 Vexal

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Posted 10 June 2016 - 10:49 PM

THE WHOLE FIRST POST, PICTURES AND ALL


Well done article! I do have a question though which I couldn't find in the article. What were the ranges that you were receiving with this?

 

USER WAS WARNED FOR THIS POST

PLEASE DON'T NECRO THREADS. THIS ONE IS FOUR YEARS OLD. THE OP HASN'T LOGGED INTO NERFHAVEN IN 2016 AT ALL, SO THEY ARE UNLIKELY TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION. START A NEW THREAD.


Edited by Ice Nine, 13 June 2016 - 10:43 AM.

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#13 charlie156

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Posted 11 June 2016 - 12:24 AM

Well done article! I do have a question though which I couldn't find in the article. What were the ranges that you were receiving with this?

First, don't necro a thread from so many years ago, and second, as the current owner, its getting 100+


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