The Firearm Awakens

Not long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, Hasbro launched its Star Wars Nerf Episode VII First Order Stormtrooper Deluxe Blaster.

The next in the evolution of the original Rampage, which was an updated version of the original Nerf Rapid Fire; this blaster is designed  based on the First Order (FO) Stormtrooper blasters from Episode VII. It features details on both sides of the gun, comes with a 12-round magazine, a magazine well and some ready-to-shoot darts.

That’s (not) a piece of garbage!

On top of the blaster is a tactical rail with a scope that doesn’t do anything because the scope does not magnify and only has one point of reference inside. Which is ideal for FO Stormtroopers because accuracy is not a criteria to be a Stromtrooper. It will fit on other Nerf guns as it’s sized to fit on the standard Nerf rails just like the magazine. Similarly, the rail will take on any regular N-Strike attachments.

At the back is a removable butt stock that is not extendable but comes off with a simple click of a button. The stock point is like any other Nerf Strike stock point so it is compatible with other Nerf butt stocks which means you can trade the butt stock for other Nerf butt stocks if you’d like to.

To the left side of the blaster is the click-to-attach magazine well. While the well is not removable, it seems to be made from the standard mold so you can attach other magazines to it -like a drum magazine- if you need more firepower.  The magazine sticks out on the side, just like in the movies (and the Nerf Raider) and does not effect how well the blaster performs but can make it a little awkward for left-handers. Try outfitting it with a six-round magazine and you might find that it feels better like I did.

Seven of the 12 darts that come with this pack feature the First Order, Star Wars and Nerf Logo. The other five are just the standard plain darts. And true to Nerf tradition, we lost one dart as soon as we took the blaster out to hunt for rebel scum.

Who shot first?

On the underside of the barrel is the priming handle – simply pull back and push forward to prime the blaster for action. To load or unload the clip and open the jam door, you have to pull the priming handle all the way back. The problem with this is that it results in unnecessary tension being placed on the spring if you want to store the blaster with the clip attached.

Like its predecessors, the blaster features a  slam-fire pump-action handle for continuously rapid firing without jamming. You may find the lack of range disturbing as the effective range is shorter than the average Nerf gun; falling behind at a mere 58 feet compared to the average 75 feet. Apart from that, the shotgun-style pump action is comfortable, intuitive and makes Wookie-level rage firing easy with many fast but inaccurate shots.

Which doesn’t matter because you’re a Stormtrooper, you’re not meant to actually hit anything.

Well, isn’t it a little small to be a Stormtrooper blaster?

While the blaster may seem a little undersized compared to other Nerf guns, it has an oversized grip handles well and fits comfortably in a child or adult’s hand.

If you love Star Wars and you’re looking to add something to your collection, this is indeed the blaster you are looking for.

The next thing Hasbro needs to release in this line up is the First Order Riot Control Stormtrooper spinning baton and the Empire can get ready to strike back.