Yes, the Nerf Nite Finder EX-3!
This is probably one of the first blasters that most new nerfers might buy, as it is affordable and offers some interesting features.
The Nite Finder is a spring plunger blaster that is primed by pulling a tab at the back. Once the plunger is locked, simply insert a foam dart into the barrel and fire. Then repeat.
This is a manual reload blaster, therefore rate-of-fire is slow. But it makes up for that with good firing range for its size... average range is around 25-30 ft. The blaster is packaged with 3 micro foam darts.
In addition, it also comes with a built-in red-dot targeter (similiar to the Nerf Recon), powered by 2 x AA batteries.
Review:
Nerf Nite Finder EX-3 - Box (Front)
Nerf Nite Finder EX-3 - Box (Back)
Nerf Nite Finder EX-3 - Un-Boxed
Nerf Nite Finder EX-3 - Red Dot Targeter
Nerf Nite Finder EX-3 - Scale Comparison with Nerf Maverick
Nerf Nite Finder EX-3 at Amazon.com
erm hi nerf, do you have like step by step mods for AR removal and spring replacement for the Night finder?
ReplyDeleteIts quite easy, just dis-assemble the Nite Finder, then simply pull apart its plunger casing, the AR components will just fall out.
ReplyDeleteReplacing the spring is just a matter of swapping the original one for a stronger version. :)
Do i need like padding like the black one you introduced in your mods to prevent breaking?
ReplyDeleteFor the Nite Finder, it uses a direct plunger system, so its advisable to put some padding on the plunger head so that it can absorb impact against the plunger casing.
ReplyDeleteCan I pad the plunger with a foam fin from the Big bad bow? The stabilizer fin. And what spring would you recommend, what kg load? And what ranges should I expect from a spring replacement and an AR Removal? I might rebarrel it too...
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteYou can try using craft foam for plunger padding too, but i'd still recommend getting proper foam padding that is designed to absorb impact.
Aftermarket spring choice and load will depend on user strength, its no point installing a strong spring if the user has difficulty priming it anyways. You'll just have to try various spring loads to see which suit you the best.
Common mods like AR removal, spring replacement, rebarrelling etc, should be able to yield improved parallel-to-ground ranges up to 60-70ft (depending on modding quality).
Is the trigger catch spring the spring behind the trigger? And where could you get springs to replace them with stronger catch springs? And what is the best material for re barreling?
ReplyDeleteDoes replacing the o ring or adding a new one increase range or accuracy?
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteThe catch spring is the spring above the plastic "hoop" behind the plunger. For stronger catch springs, you could try using the small springs from ballpoint pens.
For rebarrelling, it all depends on the foam darts that you are using, the better the dart fit the better the performance. You'll have to test and find the best combination. Most modders use either pvc or brass tubes for such barrel replacements.
Replacing the o-ring can help increase the air seal efficiency within the plunger, which would result in improved range (no direct effect on accuracy though, thats based on other factors). Just be careful not to make the seal too tight or else it'll end up slowing down the plunger instead.
So, could I add a second one to the plunger head without there being lots of friction? And should I re lube the plunger tube with silicone spray? And is that all the mods that can be done to increase the range and accuracy? Thanks, and sorry for so many questions. I want to be absolutely sure about everything. And would a 10 pound spring load increase the range that much?
ReplyDeleteWas I supposed to remove this piece in my hand?
ReplyDeleteIt fit into the piece below the one im holding.Link:
http://picturesofnerfgunsinternals.wikispaces.com/nerf+gun+internals
Ill probably jack my nite finder up modding it. But, there only 10$ at walmart, so...
ReplyDeleteWould PETG work well for rebarreling?
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteWell, i have no idea of the exact o-ring dimensions you plan to use, so you will have to just test them out to see if they work, part of the modding process is tinkering with various materials and methods to get your intended results.
A 10 pound load spring isn't very much stronger than the stock spring, ideally you should try to use stronger 15-20 pound springs as replacements to get more noticeable improvements.
The piece in your hand in your photo link can be removed, it looks like part of the AR assembly. As long as the air flow from the plunger to the barrel is airtight it will be optimal.
PETG can be used for rebarrelling, again it all depends on the foam darts you are using and the dart fit in the barrel. You have to test them to find out.
There are probably other mods that can be done on the Nite Finder to improve it, I guess it's all up to your creativity. :)
Would nerf tagger darts be good after modifying the nerf nite finder? Would they fly strait after modifying.
ReplyDeleteWhat should I do to install the new barrel into the gun? I will be using 17/32 brass tubing. And is that the best for use with nerf tagger darts?
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteNerf Tagger darts are okay for usage in modded blasters, their tips are slightly heavier than streamline darts so that does help in keeping the dart's flight path more straight.
17/32" brass barrels are a good choice for stock Nerf darts, it fits them well.
I don't have epoxy handy, could I use hot glue to secure the brass barrel in place? And should I use silicone lubricant spray to re lube the plunger tube?
ReplyDeleteShould the after market spring be the same size as the stock spring? Or can it be longer? If so, how long should the maximum length be for the aftermarket spring? As in,how long can it be. And, should I do maintenance on the Nite Finder after modding? And how long have your modded nite finders lasted?
ReplyDeleteAnd is there anything else I should do to reinforce the internals? I don't want it breaking.
ReplyDeleteCould I use this to pad the plunger?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xh9/R-100174724/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
John,
ReplyDeleteYou could use hot glue to attach the barrel in place, but it'll be much more secure with strong 2-part epoxy glue.
The aftermarket spring should be around the same size and length as the stock spring. If its longer or shorter, you'll have to test fit and see if it works properly.
Yup, you can use the foam insulation tape as plunger padding too.
After modding, just make sure the plunger o-ring is well lubricated regularly to ensure a good plunger air seal. Use only rubber-safe lube for the o-ring, i would recommend Super-Lube Synthetic Grease.
Do be careful with the exposed priming handle though, don't get your fingers clipped when its fired. :)
The ones i've modded have been used for almost 2 years and still working perfectly.
Thank you so much! I love your blog, and I hope my modification turns out well!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the lb load of the Nite finder spring? And what lb load is the switch shot ex-3 spring? And would taking the nite finder spring and intertwining it with the nerf nite finder spring have good results?
ReplyDeleteWhat lengths does brass tubing usually come in?
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteI don't have any data on the spring load of the Nite Finder or Switch Shot stock springs... my guess might be 2-3kg load? Just an estimation though.
Putting multiple springs in a plunger can help increase the power too, but you have to test to make sure the additional springs don't end up taking up too much space which prevents them being compressed properly within the plunger.
Depending on the stores, K&S brand brass tubes come in 1ft or 3ft lengths.
And, I would kindly ask all of you to check the dart in the firing chamber before pressing the switch. Because, if the dart isn't properly pushed in, the dart will just be pushed out of the gun an land 2-3 feet away.......... The laser sight is a total waste of space and mobility. Its only useful in less than 10 feet away targets because if its more than 10 feet away, you'll find yourself instinctively raising your gun so that the dart will fly higher and therefor, further. By doing so, the laser dot will be pointed upwards. But, its still a goo backup weapon.
ReplyDeleteI had some mistakes on my view of the nitefinder. In the second line, when I said 'switch', its actually trigger. And the last line's 'goo' is actually good.
ReplyDeletewhat does ex stand 4
ReplyDeleteSamza,
ReplyDeleteThe "EX" label is usually found on blasters that have plungers with external pull-back stems.
Is the Element EX-6 identical internally to the Nitefinder?
ReplyDelete--Andy
Andy,
ReplyDeleteYes, the Element is internally similiar to the Nite Finder, they both use the direct plunger system with pull-back priming stalk design.
I put this in my blog, @ http://nerfersufer.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteisnt it true that nitefinder springs are good for modding other guns with, i heard that they are more powerful.
ReplyDeletebobby,
ReplyDeleteYes, the Nite Finder stock spring is quite popular as an alternative modding spring by modders, as it can be fitted into some of the other Nerf blasters too.
I discovered, quite by accident, that the Red Laser Card module carried by Sparkfun.com fits perfectly into the red dot targeting tube. It's almost like they were made for each other, especially since the laser module will run off of the power supply built in to the gun :)
ReplyDeleteThis weekend I'm going to break out my soldering iron and put a real targetter in there :)
Where can I buy nite finder other than toys r us?
ReplyDeleteAloysius Lim,
ReplyDeleteNite Finders can usually be found at just about every major dept store that stock Nerf blasters too, its very common model.
hey sgnerf,i have already modded my nitefinder and wanted to make a speed-loader for it.so whats the best length that you will recommend for each speed-loader?thanks.
ReplyDeletesomebody,
DeleteIt depends on the spring load you are using, but generally most modders use 4-6" length barrels. You'll just have to test and see what barrel lengths are optimal for your setup.
REV-6 will always be near to my heart as it was my first weapon, but EX-3 just DOMINATES.
ReplyDeleteDoes the light in the nite finder come with an 'off' switch?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteThe light in the Nite Finder doesn't have a fixed external "on/off" switch, instead it is controlled by an internal pressure switch within the trigger section, so the light only activates when the trigger is half-pulled.