SILICA-5_Mag Fed NERF String Blaster

INFO: Instructions available as a PDF in the attached files. 

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Hello hello Nerfers!

The Silica-5 is a massive Nerf stringer pistol, that uses straight talon mags. Essentially a blocky “Deagle” with an industrial sci-fi coat. Be warned that the grip is really thick, nearly surpassing Nerf Rival standards of grips. It can achieve between 100-110fps on a 4mm bungee with 100% elasticity and the right darts. There's iron sights for your epic aiming skillz and a small pica tinny rail on the blaster's underside.

This model was inspired by Frantz Foam Works' and Zeroblade's designs. I modeled all parts from ground up, with an industrial sci-fi aesthetic. The 90 degree grip style was just easier to 3d model and I own only straight talon mags. I originally designed it for an outdoor game, but didn't had to use it in the end \_(ツ)_/.

About the mag release: the pen spring for the release is nice but not necessary. You don't need it as your hand pressing against the release is stronger for holding the mags. Talon and talon-style Dart Zone mags can stay with friction inside the grip, and are still easy to remove. You need the extended release for the X-shot curved mags. Check what fits your style.

Print the muzzle piece in a bright color!

Performance tests, with fully stretch elastic cord (finally got a chronograph):

• Dart Zone Nitro + X-shot darts: 100-110fps
• Worker Gen3 Heavy (1.2g): around 100fps
• Black Raisin GOS 1g darts: 115-132 fps !! (highest I could get)

Hardware list:

• Filament pieces
• 3x 40mm long M4 bolts,  with flat (conic) heads // 45mm or 50mm long M4 if 40mm is too short
• 3x  M4 nuts
• Elastic string, 4mm with 100% elasticity // 3 and 5 mm thickness also works.
• Pen Spring (or any small spring) // Not mandatory, depends on mag tightness in grip

Print settings:

• Layer height: 0.2mm
• Infill: at least 20%
• Supports: YES (necessary for the Main Body and Mag release pieces, not for the others)
• Wall loops: 2 for most parts // 3-4 minimum for the Muzzle piece

Tutorial:

Simple string blaster mech: Secure the loaded mag in the grip, pull the slide back until the string is locked, push the slide forward, aim and pew pew!

You can use the lateral slopes on the slide as extra support for the priming. You can also use only your thumb and index finger to grab those side slopes;  it feels smoother to charge the string and doesn't demand much power. 

Also, important, don't forget to use firm darts for string blasters!! It usually prevents the string to flex the darts and skip it. I rarely encountered jams with the latest version, only when using soft darts. Darts from Worker are usually the way to go.

Closing remarks:

This was supposed to be released 2 months ago, but it turns out things do actually happen.

I did some tuning and reworked parts until I was happy with the final result. However, I won't be changing anything as it was sitting for too long and felt it was time to switch projects.

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this Sci-fi brick of Nerf blaster! 

And don't forget, happy nerfing!

PS: If you want a lighter, faster to build version that requires barely any hardware, without a massive grip, check out Zeroblade's design (it's a really nice Nerf blaster to print): https://www.printables.com/@ZeroBlade_2288341