Gladius - low-hardware modular mag-in-grip nerf stringer pistol (nerf homemade)

Right up front, I have something I need to get out of the way. THIS IS NOT A REMIX OF THE LANKA 2 BY LEEDLE DYNAMICS! THIS IS A COMPLETELY ORIGINAL BLASTER DESIGNED BY ME THAT JUST HAPPENS TO SHARE ESTHETICS AND BE INSPIRED BY THE LANKA 2!

with that out of the way, the gladius is a extremely low hardware, modular nerf stringer pistol with quick swapable grips, top slides, elastic bands, and cosmetic pieces. it uses elastic to fire short darts from various types of magazines. It can use straight talon mags, angled talon mags, or nightingale mags depending on the grip printed. These have to be sourced externally, but there are printed versions available if you search around.

IF YOU HAVE A BAMBU LABS PRINTER, PLEASE USE THE LINK HERE TO GO TO THE MAKERWORLD PAGE FOR INCREASED EASE OF USE. THANK YOU! Otherwise, please refer to the “print info” section before printing this blaster.

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Changelog:

• 6-6-2026: released

• 6-7-2026: parts updated

• 6-9-2026: released assembly guide video

• 6-10-2026: fixed an issue with the top slide normal file that caused it to be unusable.

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"what is the gladius?"

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• Cosmetically is based on the lanka 2 by leedle dynamics (link to blaster)

• Very smooth prime

• Fast to reload 

• Decent performance (100+ FPS)

• Cheap to build (only requires elastic cord 3-6mm in diameter, everything else is printed)

• Uses a lanka 2 style mag release 

• Easy to assemble and print 

• Extremely modular 

• Multiple different slides (normal, bucket handle, and t-pull)

• Multiple different grips for different types of magazines (straight talon, angled talon, and nightingale)

• Two different types of pivoting triggers

• Uses turnarounds to remain compact 

• Holster is work-in-progress

• able to be openly remixed into new designs 

• Completely free to download 

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sellers:

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Fully printed blasters are available from these sellers:

Gryphonsandmore:

• fully printed blasters: WIP

• Printed parts: WIP

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Print info

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180mm cubed build volume required (a1 mini) 

Overall filament used normally: 477g

• Purple (primary color): 273g

• Gray (secondary color): 160g

• Orange: 43g

All stl’s are exported in correct orientation for printing 

For Bambu lab 3mf files with all proper print orientations and all proper print layer heights/ wall count/ infill percentage/ support settings, please go to my makerworld page

Make sure your slicer supports are properly tuned, with enough wall clearance and top gap between the part and the support. Stuck supports aren't fun on any 3d print, including these ones.

The “default” print settings for the gladius are 20% infill, 3 walls (I use cubic infill pattern). 
Parts with different settings will have those settings marked in bold text. 

Purple:

• 20% infill, 3 walls: gladius Main body, Turnaround holder

• 100% infill, 5 walls: top slide priming reinforcement

• 20% infill, 5 walls: All top slides

Grey:

• 100% infill, 5 walls: PrimingSlide L, PrimingSlide R, turnarounds

• 25% infill, 5 walls: straight talon mag grip, angled talon mag grip,  nightingale mag grip

• 20% infill, 3 walls, BRIM and SUPPORTS: Both triggerguards

Orange: 

• 20% infill, 5 walls: All fastening pins

• 20% infill, 3 walls: All muzzles

• 100% infill, 5 walls: Both triggers, All mag releases, Meat tenderizer muzzle connectors

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Hardware

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Only hardware required is elastic cord, everything else is printed 

• Cord diameter can be anywhere from 3-6mm in diameter 

• Different diameters of cord will change performance

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Assembly guide:

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Edit: I apologize for the weird camera angle, I am new to filming videos.

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Misc:

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If you print any of my designs, I'd love to see yours! Please consider leaving a Make on my Printables or makerworld page, and leaving a review!

Huge thank you to theevilcreampuff, alkemeye, origami_hangar, jrschat, catnipclover, creepposter64, dalardan, and stozzerico for helping alpha test! I literally could not have finished this project without you guys! Thank you so much!

Thank you to alkemeye for helping provide photos!

FYI, the name for the gladius came from the Roman sword of the same name

Things I would like to potentially see from remixes:

• A stock for the blaster would be pretty cool.

• A pump action conversion would also be pretty sick

• A grip with a standard style thumb mag release would be awesome

• More muzzle options

• More top slide options

• Maybe bullpupped? (Like foxpup or vanishing point)

• Versions of all slides with RMR mounting points would be pretty sick

Disclaimer: This is not a toy. This blaster is meant for hobbyists, not children. Blaster must be operated correctly to avoid injury. I am not responsible for any injuries from this blaster. Please use a bright/blaze orange muzzle and barrel cap on this blaster. Consult local laws before building this high powered blaster.

set to non-commercial so frontline foam doesn’t get any ideas