Solution: Custom Fabricated Nerf Recon Aluminium Plunger!
These custom fabricated plungers are made from precision milled aluminium and designed for a perfect fit in the Recon, just swap the stock plastic plunger with it and its ready to go!
Nerf Recon Aluminium Plunger - Comparison with Stock Nerf Recon
(Left: Stock Plunger / Right: Custom Fabricated Aluminium Plunger)
Nerf Recon Aluminium Plunger - Comparison with Stock Nerf Recon
(Top: Stock Recon / Bottom: Modded Recon)
Custom Fabricated Nerf Recon Aluminium Plunger - Test Fire Video
Holy crap, does this mean that you can finally place in much stronger springs without the fear of destroying the recon?
ReplyDeleteAny chance these can be purchased?
ReplyDeleteorange mod works: google it
DeleteEhren,
ReplyDeleteYup, thats the objective of a Recon aluminium plunger, to eliminate the plunger breakages that often happen to modded Recons. :)
Logan,
ReplyDeleteIf you are in Singapore, the Recon aluminium plunger is currently avaliable at a local store called "Black Tactical":
Store Link: http://black-tactical.com/store/replica-guns-foam-gun-parts-c-10_30/nerf-recon-cs-6-aluminum-plunger-mod-p-558
If you are overseas, check out the NerfHaven forum trading section, there is a member called "Zinv" who has limited quantities of them for sale too.
So where is the aluminum plunger available? How much?
ReplyDeletepbc,
ReplyDeleteSee my above comment for the avaliability info.
Since the Recon plunger and Longstrike plunger are so similar, would this plunger fit in the Longstrike?
ReplyDeleteThey do not make Nerf guns like they did when I was a kid! Sweet invention!
ReplyDeletebro sg nerf, i've seen some folks modifying the recon by adding a small tube or straw to fill up the dead space on the plunger where the original AR is located..will it help in any performance gain?
ReplyDeleteAyesDyef,
ReplyDeleteYes, reportedly its possible, check with the sellers of the aluminium plungers (contact link posted in earlier comments), they can advise further on how to get it to fit in a Longstrike.
Leslie,
ReplyDeleteI've tried out the so-called "straw mod" before, supposed to reduce deadspace in the bolt... but i didn't notice any significant range improvements from that mod.
Hey SG, It's Gartha again.
ReplyDeleteYou know that stock darts have that hole thing through the bottom of them but stefans don't, why is that? Will it affect the range or accuracy?
P.S. I just bough a strikefire set. would my stefans be able to fit in if I don't do a barrel replacement? Thanks alot.
Is there a Nerf Mod shop in Singapore? If there is , can you please give me the address, thx bro.
ReplyDeleteGartha Theblu,
ReplyDeleteStock Nerf darts are hollow because stock Nerf blasters have dart positioning posts in their bolts or barrels. It basically helps to align the foam darts when they are chambered or loaded.
"Stefans" are not hollow because they are usually made from Foam Backer Rod (FBR). FBR are coils of solid foam that are commonly used by building and construction contractors to fill up gaps.
As most Nerf blasters have dart positioning posts in their bolts or barrels, you'll need to remove those before being able to use "Stefans".
Emman Hotstuff,
ReplyDeleteYou can check the NerfSG forum to find out the best places to obtain modding supplies, along with discussions on the latest modding techniques.
http://www.nerfsg.com
You can also visit the Black-Tactical shop in Bedok, the owner is also a member of the NerfSG forum and his shop stocks some modding materials for Nerf blasters too.
http://black-tactical.com/store/
Hope that info helps! :)
Hey SGnerf , its me again. I did not meant that. I meant, is there a shop that can mod our Nerf guns in Singapore? If there is, plz tell me the address. Thx (:
ReplyDeleteEmman Shafiq,
ReplyDeleteSo far, i've not heard of any local shop offering modding services for Nerf blasters.
Your best option is to check at the NerfSG forum. There are modders there who can take on modding contracts for a fee.
Okay, thx , but i am scared if i mod my raider myself, i'll break it.
ReplyDeleteEmman Shafiq,
ReplyDeleteJust take it step by step, open the blaster casing and study the internal mechanisms closely, look at how everything works. Once you have an understanding of how the components interact, modding them will be much easier. :)
Hey SG,
ReplyDeleteI am afraid to modify my gun in any way. I was wondering if there was any way to make foam backer rods hollow like stock darts. If so, it would help me a lot so that i would be able to use stefans without having to remove the dart positioning pin from my gun.
Thank you so much!
Gartha Theblu,
ReplyDeleteYup, a popular method is to just use a soldering iron to burn hollow channels through the back of the FBR pieces. :)
Hey SG,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
Are you supposed to burn hollow channels before or after you cut the FBR? before or after you heat and straighten it?
Thanks
Gartha Theblu,
ReplyDeleteYou have to cut the FBR into pieces first, then straighten them with heat, then burn the hollow channels into the completed "Stefans".
Thats so cool! now all we need is a metal LongShot bolt-sled...
ReplyDeleteFlameX,
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, Aluminium Longshot Bolt Sleds are actually already in the works. Once they're ready i'll do a review on them too. :)
Awesome!!!!! I would definatly buy one.
ReplyDeletewhere can i get a spring?
ReplyDeletejamespk3run,
ReplyDeleteIf you are in SG, check out the NerfSG forum trading section, there are modders there selling suitable-sized aftermarket springs. You can also check at the Black Tactical shop too.
If you are overseas, then just source around the spring manufacturers and stores in your area.
Is there an easier wa to get an alluminim plunger in the USA?
ReplyDeleteAlso i tried the dart compatability mod on the recon where you put micro darts in the recon, on my longstrike, but when i got to step 5 i could not remove the metal pin thingy, what should i do to get it out, can i eve do that mod on the longstrike? and if you do do that mod will the gun still be able to shoot streamline darts?
Galen,
ReplyDeletePerhaps you can try custom fabricating your own plungers too? :)
For the removal of the bolt sled metal pin, just use a small screwdriver and a hammer, then carefully tap the metal pin out.
The dart compatibility mod can be done on the Longstrike too, it just requires tweaking and adjusting to customise it to fit the various foam darts types.
If you do that mod properly, the blaster can still fire streamline darts.
Thanks so much :)
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome. It's given me an idea; would it be worth it to custom machine the entire breach with the plunger? I'm thinking of reverse engineering the components and modelling them up in CAD software with modifications so it will be able to take dart tags as well as effectively eliminating the need to do an angel breach.
ReplyDeleteDat,
ReplyDeleteYup, if you have the means to replicate and re-design the parts accurately, and have access to metal fabrication services, its definitely possible.
In fact, i'm currently testing out a Custom Fabricated Aluminium Bolt Sled for the Longshot, and will be putting up a review on it soon.
The main issue when fabricating such items is usually the cost. Each individual custom fabricated aluminium component often ends up costing more than an entire blaster, so custom fabricating a full set of components will push up the total cost.
Though if you can successfully custom fabricate an entire air-tight breech and barrel system in aluminium, i believe there will be Nerf enthusiasts and modders who would be keen on it. :)
I look forward to seeing your review on that aluminium bolt sled.
ReplyDeleteI'm aware that custom fabrication may be costly but if there is enough interest I'll seriously consider producing a limited batch to bring the costs down.
I'm not too keen on hacking away at my blasters and I'm a bit of a purist so I'd prefer to improve on the design intent of components through better material selection and tighter tolerances on component assembly.
By the way, I think you've got one of the best mod write ups and site layout for nerfing. I really appreciate the attention to detail and consideration for aesthetics in your mods and on your site in general. It's a pleasure to read.
Anyways, I'll get around to CAD-ing up those components in my spare time. It'd be an interesting exercise for me - I'm an industrial designer. :)
Dat,
ReplyDeleteThats great! I guess in your job role you'll have the best capacity and contacts to custom design and fabricate such components.
Btw, if you have access to plastic or resin moulding services, perhaps you could also see if you can create new blaster casing designs too, those would be really cool projects. :)
Does this aftermarket plunger work on the nerf deploy? I just removed the ar on mine and padded the inside of the plunger to keep it from breaking but I dont feel like its enough... So does anyone know if this aluminum recon plunger will work on the deploy?
ReplyDeleteNick,
ReplyDeleteThe aluminium plunger that is reviewed here was designed specifically for the Nerf Recon. It could be trimmed and adjusted to fit the Longstrike too.
But unfortunately, we've tested and it cannot fit Nerf Deploys due to differences in the plunger design.
Hmmm are there any local fabricators in SG? or did u get this of line? cool though and what springs were u able to add? and what were ranges?
ReplyDeleteVersatileChicken,
ReplyDeleteYes, the Aluminium Recon plungers were custom fabricated in Singapore.
Just like stock plastic plungers, it can fit the same stock and aftermarket springs.
Ranges are the same as when used with stock or aftermarket springs respectively, the Aluminium material just helps to prevent plunger breakage.
I'm in the process of making al plungers for the recon. I have already made a wood plunger
ReplyDeletechris,
ReplyDeleteInteresting, first time i've heard of a plunger made out of wood. By any chance you have link to a photo of it? Would be quite an unique item. :)
SG Nerf, is there any place in Singapore that sell similar screws as the Nerf Guns???
ReplyDeleteGabriel Ho,
ReplyDeleteCheck at the NerfSG forum "Modifications Material Directory" thread, lots of information on local places to get materials and parts for Nerf blasters there.
Any chance of uploading the schematic or posting a link, with the dimensions of the plunger? My class has a CNC machine and I want to make one of these.
ReplyDeleteJack,
ReplyDeleteWell, i don't have any detailed schematics as it was outsourced to a metal fabrication company which did all the exact measurements of the original plastic plunger to fabricate the aluminium plunger.
I guess you'll just have to get an original Recon plastic plunger to obtain the exact measurements of its sections, then use that info to replicate it in your CNC machine.
How can you make these plungers i need one for my
ReplyDeleteUSNerf,
ReplyDeleteFind a metal fabrication company around your area, pass them one of your original plastic plungers to measure, then get a quote on the cost for them to be fabricated.
I wanna buy a couple of those how can i get them!!! oh btw does it improve the range at all?
ReplyDeleteDaniel,
ReplyDeleteCheck at the NerfSG forum (www.nerfsg.com) trading section and look for the sales thread by "Zinv", he still has Recon Aluminium Plungers available.
Ranges are the same as when used with stock or aftermarket springs respectively, the Aluminium material just helps to prevent plunger breakage when modifications are done on the blaster.
Hi.... If I change my recon to the aluminum plunger... Do I need to change other parts as well?
ReplyDeletekhai eerr,
ReplyDeleteThe stock Recon plunger is the common weak point for that blaster, so the aluminium plunger simply helps to prevent that part from breaking.
Other parts are less likely to break, but in theory, you could replace everything with stronger materials, just depends on how much money and work you want to put into it. :)
Hey SG...is it possible to make the whole interior aluminum? just wondering because mine is kind of wearing out...
ReplyDeletedavid,
ReplyDeleteSure, its possible... you could make the entire blaster aluminum if you want, it just depends on how much time and money you want to spend to do it. :)
HI can this metal plunger fits the longstrike gun?
ReplyDeletejerome,
ReplyDeleteApparently its possible, but some additional modding and trimming will need to be done on the plunger so that it can fit the Longstrike.
Can this fit the raider?
ReplyDeletejerome,
ReplyDeleteApparently not, the Raider plunger has enough different sections that the Recon version wouldn't be able to fit even with trims or adjustments.
Another version would have to be made to fit the Raider specifically.
Dear SgNerf,
ReplyDeleteDo you know where is black tactical located at?
nerfer200@sg,
ReplyDeleteFunan @ 5th floor.
Hey, SGNerf. If I were to buy the aluminum plunger, and get a really powerful spring, would I need to replace the trigger catch thing, (and that spring) as well? In other words, should I get the recon internals set from BT, or just the alu plunger tube?
ReplyDeleteThanks
cathylazarou,
ReplyDeleteCheck directly with BT about it, they would be able to better advise you on what is more suitable for your application.
Ok. Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteis it really unbreakable?My friend done the mod but his recon spoiled
ReplyDeletenerfer200@sg,
ReplyDeleteWell, an aluminum plunger tube basically helps to prevent breakage as its definitely much tougher than plastic plunger tubes.
dude, is there any way I can get it for less than $50?
ReplyDeleteare there any how i can make these plunger?
ReplyDeleteAidan,
ReplyDeleteCheck with Zinv at the NerfSG forum on the pricings, he might still have spare aluminium plungers available.
wah_239,
ReplyDeleteSure, just contract a metal fabrication workshop or company to custom make them for you.
How likely is it to break the plunger and I just put in some padding and ot still makes that loud cracking noise and I put three of them and it still didn't work the one I got was a soft white and very soft so maybe that's the reason if so do you know where o can buy volkmar-fix in the USA cause o trust you disition mor than mine please help
ReplyDeletejunwang2007,
ReplyDeleteWell, there will usually still be the cracking sound even with padding applied, the padding just helps to reduce the impact, it can't totally eliminate it.
It also depends on luck, some users have been able to use their padded plastic plungers for months (even years) of Nerf games without issue, while some users encounter broken padded plungers after just a few shots.
I've no idea which stores in the states stock Volkmar-Fix brand padding but you don't actually need to get the exact brand to install in the plunger, just try out various types of padding that you can get at hardware/craft stores and test to see which work best.
At the end of the day, all modders have to accept the fact that blaster modifications will result in breakages eventually. So only mod if you are ready for that.
i bought the metal plunger and the metal plunger catch at BT. but when i put the black thing that is used to lock the buttstock. the pluger wont lock when i reload! but when i used the recon without the black thing it works. why is that happening?
ReplyDeleteblack,
ReplyDeleteSince you bought the parts from BT, please check back with them on any issues you encounter with their products.
what spring did you use in this test firing video?
ReplyDeleteblack,
ReplyDeleteIn that particular test fire video, i was using a 7kg load aftermarket spring, but i've since switched to stronger 11kg load aftermarket springs for my modded Recons.
can i get the springs you just mentioned from BT? if not where?
ReplyDeleteblack,
ReplyDeleteBT sells suitable aftermarket springs too, though their versions may differ slightly from the customized springs i use.
where can i get the springs you used then?
ReplyDeleteblack,
ReplyDeleteJust check with BT, they should be able to assist you on your queries.
Are there any combinations using Longstrike with Recon??
ReplyDeleteMohd Azizi B Sani,
ReplyDeleteNope, the Recon plunger has a slightly different design than the Longstrike plunger.
Hey SG Nerf,
ReplyDeleteWhat do you use to mod your nerf Recons? Also can you make a type of custom modded dart that goes further and make a tutorial?
Jake bullet thrower,
ReplyDeleteRead my Recon Mod Guide:
http://modworks.blogspot.com/2009/10/nerf-recon-mod-guide.html
Read my Custom Calibrated Foam Darts Conversion Guides:
http://modworks.blogspot.com/2010/08/custom-calibrated-foam-darts-conversion.html
http://modworks.blogspot.com/2010/10/custom-weighted-foam-dart-tip-seal.html
Check out these new metal scopes for Nerf guns!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.customnerf.com/id117.html
Hey Sg,
ReplyDeletei have heard that putting aluminum plungers will reduce the blasters range.. is that true?
WhyRifle
WhyRifle,
ReplyDeleteIt depends on how the aluminum plungers are custom fabricated, if they are properly made to match the exact dimensions of the original plunger tube, the modded blaster's range and performance will be unaffected.
Its only when the aluminum plungers are not made properly that ranges decrease due to too much resistance (tube too narrow) or too much air leakage (tube too wide).
Hey(again),
ReplyDeleteare blacktactical's aluminum plungers properly made.... i would like to purchase a few of them....
THANKYOUSOMUCH WhyRifle
(FYI i am 13 years old....)
WhyRifle,
ReplyDeleteThe ones i tested from Black-Tactical work well, no issues encountered so far.
Can this Nerf Recon Aluminium Plunger,fits in the long strike ? It seems quite the same
ReplyDeleteNeox,
ReplyDeleteIt's possible to fit the Longstrike, but some parts of the blaster casing will need to be trimmed for a proper fit.
Hi there NerfSG! Just a quick one, have you yet tried BOTH this particular Recon metal plunger from Black Tactical & the Orange Mod Works' Massacre Kit (http://orangemodworks.com/reconmassacre.html)? Looking to purchase either, but apparently the lack of dart post in the Massacre plunger mechanism sounds more convenient.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I live in Singapore, apparently only the Massacre from OMW (polycarbonate) is allowed thru Singapore customs, not the full-metal kits, and many Singaporeans had their houses raided for importing the latter in..please advise. Thanks lots! ;]
DarkReaper,
ReplyDeleteI've tested both before and they work well. The aluminium plunger tube from Black Tactical is a direct replacement for the stock plinger tube. The OMW kit comes with a replicated set of the plunger, bolt and boltsled though, so you get more parts to install. I guess it just depends on what you need.
Do the Aluminium Plunger increase the range?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteOn its own it doesn't increase range, it just helps to prevent plunger breakage.
But due to the stronger material, it can be used with heavier springs with less chances of plunger damage, which is what improves range.
Hey there... random question- what is the outer diameter of a recon plunger tube?
ReplyDeleteThanks
and just a side note- I'm not trying to spam, I had a legit question ^ but I saw some comments below of people looking for mod help- I DO CONTRACTS- reply to this comment with contact info if interested.
Eagle694,
DeleteThe outer diameter of a Recon plunger tube is approx. 27mm.
As for your modding contracts, please post it at the NerfSG forum trading section.
Hi SGN!
ReplyDeleteWill padding be necessary even with an aluminium plunger?
I'm used to working with the drop free mag release on my Retaliator, and the plastic plunger's padding sort of prevents that from happening since the bolt can't retract fully.
Thanks!
Anonymous,
DeleteWhile padding is less essential when using the aluminum plunger, it is still recommended to install a layer of padding (if possible) to cushion the impact of the metal on the plastic bolt, as that can damage and crack the plastic bolt over time too.
If the padding restricts the bolt retracting fully, you can try trimming the edges of the bolt section to allow for more clearance and to not block the magazine or clip.
Like in this photo example:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ynWOAg4YQB0/SfLWNN7MFmI/AAAAAAAAAZc/nTcGsknHc5U/s400/Nerf+Recon+Mod+13.JPG