4 replies to this topic

[Raisinbran]

This is a modified Nerf Retaliator with a paint job and other aesthetic mods.



The Modification Walk-Through
I started off doing the basic mods to a retaliator:

• Air Restrictor Removal
• Increase Plunger Seal
• Mechanical Locks Removal

All of those are basic mods and should be performed on all Retaliators for general performance increase.

After the basic mods we're complete, I went into the "bolt-action" modification. I didn't want the bolt action to be an actual moving bolt, just a 'bolt-like' feature that helps prime the blaster either than that of the top priming mechanism. I removed the original priming mechanism and cut out a small piece of it (the left side of the priming mechanism) and used it as the base of my 'bolt'. For the bolt, I used a custom bent metal (alumunium) flat bar. This was bent to comfort using, simply, two pairs of pliers. To attach the bolt to the priming base, I used hot glue as the original bond, for positioning, then I strengthened the bond with Epoxy Putty.



As we all know, the stock of the Retaliator is simply too short and a bit too low for a cheek rest. I chose to counter the low-ness of the stock by integrating a Super Soaker Point Break pumping grip to the top of the stock. The cheek rest was attached using hot glue. No epoxy putty or other bonding material was used here.

As for the barrel modification, I took a 1/2 inch metal rod and it perfect-fitted inside the original barreling of the Retaliator barrel. The metal rod was cut to a 2 1/2 ft length making it a tact-cool length, but not really functional because of its inner diameter and length. As a muzzle or flash-hider, I used a flashlight handle and attached it over e-tape for a tight fit. No adhesives were used. This was a friction fit.

The Paint Job
The base coat was Krylon Camoflage Brown applied to all the parts of the blaster: body, stock and barrel. After the base coat was set, I did detailing with Testors Blue Met. Flake enamel. Finally, to protect the paint job, I applied Rustoleum Semi-gloss Clear Coating.

The Ranges
2 tests for ranges were taken. 6 elite dart shots with the barrel, and 6 elite dart shots without the barrel.
Some Variables: condition of dart, weather (windy), my height (5ft3)
With Barrel
33 ft
40 ft
41 ft
43 ft
44 ft
45 ft
AVG: 41 FT
Without Barrel
45 ft
46 ft
49 ft
51 ft
55 ft
59 ft
AVG: 51 FT

Conclusion
TO conlude, I would like to say that I am very pleased with this blaster. I am happy about how it functions and am satisfied with how it performs because I know that the barrel is doing evil things. My goal was to make this blaster look cool, and to me, I have exceeded in that. There isn't very much room to improve except by making the barrel shorter and installing a new spring, but I am happy with how this blaster is.







Video Overview:

[blazenb]

This should be in the modification and paint jobs thread don't start a new thread to show off a blaster unless it is a mod guide

[Raisinbran]

Is it not a mod guide that also shows pictures and ranges? It tells everyone how I did it. There's a section LABELED for it.

[LordGiratia]

Is it not a mod guide that also shows pictures and ranges? It tells everyone how I did it. There's a section LABELED for it.

The problem is that no offense, but this thread does not go into enough detail to be classified as a mod guide. Next time you try to make a mod guide take pictures while you are performing the modification to document the process.

[Raisinbran]

The problem is that no offense, but this thread does not go into enough detail to be classified as a mod guide. Next time you try to make a mod guide take pictures while you are performing the modification to document the process.

Ok. I will take more in-depth pictures the next time I make a mod guide. Thanks LordGiratia.