DIY Blasters

SGN-R Series Blasters - PAR55M Overview!

2011-04-28T15:30:00.074+08:00

Introducing the SGN-PAR55M!

Model name description:

"SGN" is the maker's ID.
"PA" denotes pump-action system.
"R" is the series name.
"55" indicates the plunger internal diameter (55mm).
"M" indicates the version's length (in this case, the "Medium" variant).

As mentioned in my SGN-R3L overview, many of the R-Series blaster component designs are based on and inspired by the popular blaster designs such as the +Bow by CaptainSlug, SNAP by Carbon, Rainbow by Stark and Mod Mans End Cap Catch Plate by Mod Man.

In addition, for this particular R-Series variant, inspiration for the pump-action system also comes from the excellent Rainbowpump by Ryan201821.

For those new to such blaster concepts, do read up on how the various designs work by clicking on the highlighted info links. :)

As an evolution of the SGN-R3L, here are the additional objectives of my SGN-PAR55M design:

- Frame and parts still made only using PVC pipes & joints.
- Still requires only minimal tools and working time.
- Use the same modular PVC catch ring and trigger system.
- Larger plunger air volume.
- More compact and ergonomic form factor.
- Fully integrated pump action system.

SGN-PAR55M - Introduction

The PAR55M is based on a 55mm ID plunger tube with 6" plunger draw. It uses a 7" length 14kg load aftermarket spring. The Catch Ring & Trigger mechanism is the same as in the R3L design.

The pump-action grip is a single piece custom shaped pipe section linked to the plunger rod via a series of priming slots.

Here is an initial comparison between the PAR55M & R3L:

Note: The R3L shown above is a special "Black C/F Skin" exterior design variant. :)

Plunger air volume comparison (approx.):

R3L (3.0cm ID plunger tube + 22cm/9" draw) = 155 cubic cm
PAR55M (5.5cm ID plunger tube + 15cm/6" draw) = 356 cubic cm

SGN-PAR55M - Pump Action System

The system starts with a basic plunger head build.

In my example i simply cut a circle out of a thick rubber sheet to match the 55mm ID of the plunger tube (i had to do a few test fitments with some trial & error to get the ideal circle dimensions), then sandwiched the rubber circle within 2 pieces of plastic discs (any other suitable disc shaped materials can also be used).

Its best to use rubber material which is thick and rigid enough not to fold when under pressure, this ensures there is no air leakage during usage.

The plunger head is bolted securely onto the plunger rod and end cap with a large screw.

Yes... i know, many expert blaster builders will bemoan my use of such a rudimentary plunger head setup, it definitely isn't as sophisticated as the skirt seal plunger heads seen on other blaster designs. It was actually intended to be just a quick setup for testing purposes, but surprisingly it could still achieve 100% air seal and optimal performance with this simple plunger head configuration, so i decided to just stick with it for simplicity (watch the demo video below to check out the air seal performance). :)

To create the pump action system, i cut guide slots into a length of 20mm PVC pipe at the shoulder stock section. I used a Dremel with a cutting bit for wood/pvc (metal disc with serrated edges) to cut the slots.

The slot length is around 15cm (approx. 6") to match my intended plunger draw. The slot height is around 5mm, to accommodate the bolt that will be used for the priming bar.

A pair of matching slots is also cut into the 13mm PVC plunger rod to facilitate the linkages within the pump action system.

The measurements on the cut-out slots have to be accurate and aligned correctly. Just take your time and measure everything properly beforehand. With abit of steady cutting and patience, its quite a straightforward task to accomplish.

Next step...

Remember the modular PVC Pipe Catch Ring & Trigger component from the SGN-R3L? If you have already built a set, then most of your work is already done! Simply take your existing catch & trigger component and just connect it up to the shoulder stock design of your choice.

The advantage of these modular components is that you can just swap them around or replace them easily. :)

If you've not built your modular PVC pipe catch & trigger component yet, then just refer to the SGN-R3L overview to see how its made.

Assemble the plunger tube. I use a section of 55mm ID PVC pipe with matching front and rear pipe reducers. The plunger rod and spring are positioned inside the plunger tube.

The pipe reducers are secured with counter-sunk machine screws, this is so that the pump grip can slide over the reducers without getting blocked by any protruding screw heads.

Notice also in the above photo... other than the catch, trigger and reducer sections, there are no machine screws securing the rest of the pipes and joints?

I discovered that with this design, most of the pipe parts are connected in a set and are not load bearing sections, so the entire blaster can work perfectly even when those sections are not bolted together. This also helps to facilitate easier and quicker swapping of parts.

To assemble it, simply pull the trigger (to open the catch), then connect the plunger tube/rod section and the catch/trigger/shoulder stock section together. Note how the plunger rod slots are aligned with the shoulder stock slots.

With this modular assembly method, both the front and rear section can also be easily detached by just pulling them apart for maintainence or transportation, no tools required. :)

The large plunger volume will generate alot more vacuum draw behind the plunger head when it propels forward during firing, so make sure there are enough air relief holes drilled into the rear reducer to offset the vacuum draw (if air relief holes are not done or insufficient, the vacuum draw will slow down or even stop the plunger from moving forward).

Next, we'll now proceed on to the pump grip.

In my example, i used a section of 70mm ID PVC pipe, this particular pipe size fits smoothly over the front & rear reducers i used, therefore perfect for use as the pump grip.

Do a test fit and match the grip length required, then cut out the shape (length will depend on the overall dimensions of your particular pipes and joints).

The pump grip is sleeved over the reducers and secured to the plunger rod via a long carriage bolt and nut threaded though the shoulder stock and plunger rod slots.

The grip section can be easily detached anytime by simply unscrewing the bolt.

Make sure the pump grip is able to move smoothly back and forth. Some additional trimming on the slots or parts in contact may be required to fine tune the fitment.

Its done!

The pump action grip also acts as a kind of blaster casing cover for the PAR55M, giving it a sort of "carapace" shell casing. Makes the design look abit more cohesive. :)

SGN-PAR55M - Operation/Attachments/Comparisons

Here is how the pump action system works:

There are various barrel attachment options that can be fitted, i have successfully tested and used it in Nerf games with brass barrel slide breeches, hopper clips and spring-assisted chopper clips (shown from top to bottom of photo).

Here are some scale comparisons with other blasters...

PAR55M & R3L

PAR55M & +Bow

PAR55M & Nerf Longshot

PAR55M & Nerf Swarmfire

Notice the slight similarity in "shape"... that contributed a little bit to the PAR55M design idea too. :)

SGN-R Series Blasters - PAR55M Demo Video

This video will provide a demonstration of how it works.

:: Sample Test Fire Data ::

PTG: Parallel-To-Ground (Shoulder height, no elevation)
ATG: Angled-To-Ground (Aimed higher, 30 degrees elevation)

Distance is measured at where the foam dart lands (Average of 6 shots).

SGN-PAR55M Blaster (1ft length Brass Barrel Slide Breech)
PTG = 140 ft
ATG = 155 ft

SGN-PAR55M Blaster (1ft length Brass Barrel Hopper/Chopper Clip)
PTG = 110 ft
ATG = 125 ft

Note: The tests were done under controlled conditions with custom calibrated foam darts.

SGN-R Series Blasters - PAR55M Preview!

2011-04-04T15:00:00.024+08:00

Check out the next evolution of the R-Series blaster design... the Pump-Action R55M (aka PAR55M).

This design is based on a 55mm ID plunger tube with 6" plunger draw. It uses a 7" length 14kg load aftermarket spring. The Catch Ring & Trigger mechanism is the same as in the R3L design.

The pump-action grip is a single piece custom shaped pipe section linked to the plunger rod via a series of priming slots.

SGN-PAR55M

Scale comparison between PAR55M & R3L...

The PAR55M has successfully completed field testing at Nerf games, operating flawlessly under actual game conditions.

Stay tuned for more details coming up soon! :)

SGN-R55S-PACS - Prototype!

2011-02-15T13:30:00.010+08:00

Here is a prototype of an N-Strike clip feed system for the R-Series blaster design!

Model name description:

"SGN" is the maker's ID.
"PACS" denotes pump-action clip system.
"R" is the series name.
"55" indicates the plunger internal diameter (55mm).
"S" indicates the version's length (in this case, the "Short" variant).

It works like a Longshot with a brass breech system, the front priming grip is connected to the bolt section which pushes back the plunger while opening the breech at the same time, then the grip/bolt is pushed forward again to close the breech and complete the loading cycle. Pull the trigger to fire, then repeat the loading process.

The breech system is created with 20mm, 16mm, 13mm SingaPlastics PVC pipe and 9/16" brass tubes nested in layers. :)

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SGN-R Series Blasters - Black C/F Skin!

2010-12-08T13:00:00.001+08:00

Time for some R-Series blaster customizations...

Check out the SGN-R3L in my latest [Black C/F Skin] design!

The "carbon fiber" skin design is made using automotive graphics wrap which features a realistic carbon fiber 3D etched print.

The joint sections are spray painted with matching "dark metal" colors.

SGN-R Series Blasters - Pipe Catch Ring & Trigger Design (Cross-Section Schematics)

2010-11-26T12:00:00.000+08:00

For build reference, here is a cross-section schematics of my SGN-R Series Pipe Catch Ring & Trigger Design:

Click on the picture to access a larger version.

SGN-R Series Blasters - R55L Overview!

2010-11-20T07:00:00.002+08:00

Following up on the SGN-R3L blaster... say hello to the SGN-R55L!

Yes, this variant uses 55mm internal diameter PVC pipe for the plunger tube.

Here is a R55L scale comparison with a R3L plunger tube:

Notice that the catch ring & trigger assembly is the same one from the R3L, it just takes less than a minute to swap the plunger tubes and rods. No need to make new parts. Thats the beauty of this modular design.

Those of you who still remember basic math will know... with almost twice the diameter, the plunger air volume works out to more than 3 x larger! And more air volume = more power! :)

:: Sample Test Fire Data ::

PTG: Parallel-To-Ground (Shoulder height, no elevation)
ATG: Angled-To-Ground (Aimed higher, 30 degrees elevation)

Shots fired from 2ft length Brass Barrel Slide Breech.
Distance is measured at where the foam dart lands (Average of 6 shots).

SGN-R55L Blaster
PTG = 160 ft
ATG = 175 ft

Note: The tests were done under controlled conditions with custom calibrated foam darts.

Stay tuned for more variants!

SGN-R Series Blasters - R3L Overview!

2010-11-19T13:00:00.004+08:00

After months of building and testing dozens of designs, the SGN-R3L Blaster is finally completed!

This is part of a series of DIY blasters i plan to build, so the naming conventions i will use from here on will be as follows:

"SGN" is the maker's ID
"R" is the series name.
"3" indicates the plunger internal diameter (which is 30mm).
"L" indicates the version's length (in this case, the "Long" variant).

Development credits go to all the DIY blaster builders at the various popular Nerf forums. Majority of the R Series blaster component designs are based on and inspired by the popular blaster designs such as the +Bow design by CaptainSlug and SNAP design by Carbon.

Okay, here are the objectives of the R Series blaster design:

- Parts all made with easy-to-source DIY materials
- Minimal tool requirement and working time
- Simple to build PVC pipe frame and parts (like SNAP designs)
- Secure catch plate and trigger system (like +Bow designs)
- Modular setup (able to be customize easily and quickly)
- Maximum priming draw (as ergonomically possible)
- Reliable and consistent firing performance
- Easy to transport and carry

Lets start:

SGN-R3L - Fully Assembled

The R3L is a hybrid DIY blaster, it strives to combine the simplicity of the SNAP blaster designs with the secure catch system of the +Bow designs.

This is the result...

The R3L unit shown above is equipped with a brass barrel slide breech attachment. With suitable couplers, any barrel attachments (ie. speed-loaders, rscb clips, hopper clips etc) can also be used too.

SGN-R3L - Main Blaster Unit

The R3L main blaster unit is fully built with PVC pipes.

I used locally sourced 13mm, 16mm and 20mm spec PVC pipes (Brand: SingaPlastics) which nest perfectly within each other to create the individual components, along with joints, couplers and reducers to scale down from larger diameter pipes.

In the R3L, 30mm spec PVC pipe was used for the plunger tube (slightly narrower diameter to +Bow plungers).

SGN-R3L - Modular Setup

The majority of components in the R3L are bolted together with machine screws, no glue is used to join sections.

Since machine screws are used to secure the frame and parts, the blaster can be easily modified and customized anytime, and the parts can be swapped around quickly. This helps to facilitate easy replacement and upgrading of parts.

SGN-R3L - PVC Pipe Catch Ring Design

This is the "heart" of the R Series design.

I wanted a catch system which could emulate the catch plate design that is commonly used in blasters such as the +Bow and in most spring plunger powered Nerf blasters.

But catch plate designs have traditionally been rather time consuming to make, with popular methods so far involving the use of specialized tools to do the cutting, shaping and tapping of polycarbonate sheets to make the multiple parts, along with specific screws and bolt setups.

On the other hand, the SNAP catch design of a trimmed metal rod and a clothes pin to form the catch, trigger and return spring is the epitome of simplicity, its so easy and quick to build, and it can work well in many blaster designs too. But the trade-off is that its naturally not as strong or durable as the catch-plate system.

So i tinkered with many designs, focusing on just using PVC pipe materials... and finally arrived at the PVC pipe catch ring design.

The design is inspired by the recent "Rainbow" design by Stark and "Mod Mans End Cap Catch Plate" design by Mod Man. The difference is i utilize only PVC pipe material for the entire catch system (no polycarbonate required).

The catch mechanism consists of a spring loaded 16mm PVC catch ring (positioned between 2 additional fixed ring sections for proper alignment) which sleeves over the 13mm PVC plunger rod. The plunger rod has a notch in it which will catch when the blaster is primed.

The entire catch assembly sits inside a 20mm PVC T-joint that is hollowed out to fit the parts. As you can see, this catch and trigger assembly is a completely modular set and can be easily swapped with other plunger and shoulder stock configurations easily.

The trigger is a metal L-bracket which operates on a simple pivot system, it links with the catch system via a cut-out slot in the trigger handle (the slot acts as a fulcrum point for the trigger). There is a return spring under the trigger with a bolt to position it properly. I wrapped the metal L-bracket in a rubber sleeve for better grip and comfort.

Pull the trigger and it pivots in an upward motion to push up the spring loaded catch ring, thereby releasing the plunger rod and firing the blaster.

SGN-R3L - Maximum Priming Draw

Another feature i wanted to achieve was to build a blaster with the maximum priming draw that i could still physically use.

Longer priming draw = More air volume = More power.

I chose to use the pull-back priming rod method as it was the simplest and most common design to build, but that also means that a longer priming draw would naturally increase the overall blaster length, and result in the trigger handle being positioned further away from the user.

After much trial and error, i managed to get the priming draw to a full 9" (+Bow priming draw is 6.5").

The 9" priming draw is almost at the limits of comfortable shoulder aiming for me (and i'm 6ft tall), any longer and i might have abit of trouble reaching the trigger handle! :)

Further pushing my arm reach limits, i made a proper full-length shoulder stock with a cheek rest (as you can see in the photos), so the result is a very long blaster...

Plunger Draw = approx. 22 cm / 9 inches.
SGN-R3L (with slide breech) = approx. 135 cm / 53 inches.

SGN-R3L - Folding Shoulder Stock

As some of you sharp eyed readers may notice, everything is machine screwed together except for the joint between the trigger handle and the shoulder stock. That is so that i can fold the shoulder stock to the right or left for easier storage and transportation.

Yes, the blaster could also be used with the shoulder stock folded, but great care will have to be taken to avoid getting cheeks or fingers clipped when the priming handle propels forward at high velocity.

SGN-R3L - Disassemble Sections

For transportation and storage, the blaster can also be taken apart in sections to be packed flat.

Here is an example of it in a protection case with layers of foam padding.

SGN-R3L - Scale Comparison with Nerf Longshot
(Without barrel attachments)

How does the R3L compare in size to other blasters?

Well, here is a scale comparison with a Nerf Longshot.

SGN-R3L - Scale Comparison with +Bow
(Without barrel attachments)

And here is a scale comparison with a +Bow.

SGN-R3L - Catch & Trigger Comparison with +Bow

This is an interesting comparison, the R3L and +Bow catch systems compared side-by-side.

SGN-R3L - Spring Plunger Internals

Standard SNAP style plunger head and rod layout using 13mm PVC pipe, end cap and T-joint. The plunger head is a rubber gasket originally designed for plumbing works, fits the 30mm spec pipe plunger perfectly with 100% air seal.

Note that the plunger head and rod are all attached together with machine screws too, so they can be replaced or upgraded easily.

The spring i use for the R3L is a custom ordered 11.5" length 14kg load aftermarket spring.

The R3L also has air channels drilled behind the plunger tube.

This helps to counteract the vacuum that forms when the plunger head propels forward, very important for maintaining the plunger velocity, especially in large plunger tube designs.

SGN-R3L - PVC Pipe Catch Ring Internals

Here is an "exploded" view of the catch ring internals, displaying all the parts in the assembly.

SGN-R3L - Trigger & Catch Ring Assembly

The L-bracket trigger shown here is assembled outside of the trigger handle for easier reference, you can see how the parts are attached together. Notice the spring in the front bolt? Thats the return spring to keep the trigger away from the catch when at rest. Notice also that the bolt and nut on the inside of the trigger handle are installed with washers to allow for finer adjustments in trigger pivot reach.

The catch ring consists of a section of 16mm pipe connected to a half-threaded screw with a catch spring, and everything is held down by a catch "bridge" made from a section of pvc pipe. Again, washers are also installed to help fine tune the spring load for the catch.

For build reference, here is a cross-section schematics of my SGN-R Series Pipe Catch Ring & Trigger Design:

Click on the picture to access a larger version.

SGN-R Series Blasters - R3L Demo Video

This video will provide a demonstration of how it works.

:: Sample Test Fire Data ::

PTG: Parallel-To-Ground (Shoulder height, no elevation)
ATG: Angled-To-Ground (Aimed higher, 30 degrees elevation)

Shots fired from 1ft length Brass Barrel Slide Breech.
Distance is measured at where the foam dart lands (Average of 6 shots).

SGN-R3L Blaster
PTG = 140 ft
ATG = 155 ft

Note: The tests were done under controlled conditions with custom calibrated foam darts.

- Notes -

Overall, i'm quite happy with how the design turned out and i'll be building more blaster variants based on the R Series design.

Stay tuned! :)

+Bow - Review!

2010-07-20T08:00:00.000+08:00

This is a review on +bows made by RyanMcNumberz (Ryan201821 over at NerfHaven). Ryan has so much experience making +Bows that i quickly jumped at the opportunity when he had a few newly built sets for sale.

I have seen and tested +bows from other makers before, but after receiving and testing out the +Bows Ryan sent me, i've got to say... the workmanship and the attention to detail on his +Bows are the best i've ever seen!

Review:

+Bow - Side View

+Bow - Split's Plunger Skirt Seal

+Bow - Bottom Plate for Added Stability

+Bow - Smooth Trigger Detail

+Bow - Smooth Trigger Handle with Shaped Foam Insert (Very Comfortable!)

+Bow - Plunger Catch Plate Detail

+Bow - Pull-Back Handle Detail

+Bow - Shoulder Stock with Shaped Foam Lining

As the +Bows are built with USA-spec 1"x½" couplers, i created customized collar adapters made out of nested locally sourced PETG tubes.

These customized collar adapters allow the in-built coupler to be able to fit various local-spec barrel materials that are available in SG.

+Bow - Customized PETG Collar Adapter for ½" ID Smoked Grey PETG Barrels

+Bow - With various lengths of ½" ID Smoked Grey PETG Barrels

And here is an example of how i attached a Brass Barrel Slide Breech to my +Bow:

I customized a 13mm PVC adapter with PETG tube rings to match the +Bow coupler.

Then i joined the Brass Barrel Slide Breech with the custom 13mm PVC adapter using a straight 13mm PVC pipe connector.

+Bow - With Brass Barrel Slide Breech

Brass Barrel Slide Breech - Build Guide: http://modworks.blogspot.com/2010/08/brass-barrel-slide-breech-build-guide.html

And finally...

+Bow - Coat of Arms!

Thanks for the +Bows Ryan!

SGN-R1 - Overview!

2010-04-14T23:10:00.001+08:00

After weeks of research & development, trial & error and many prototypes... its finally done!

Introducing the SGN-R1!

The SGN-R1 is a foam dart blaster that utilizes a custom-built spring-powered plunger, trigger and modular attachment system.

This blaster design has mechanisms based on the original SNAP plunger and trigger designs by "Carbon" at the NerfHaven forum.

Link to the SNAP plunger and trigger diagrams by Carbon Here.

This overview is intended as a reference for those who are already familiar with modding blasters and who are currently working on similiar spring-powered plunger blaster projects.

It is not a detailed write-up, as i still have lots of improvements and enhancements in the works before finalizing the design.

Overview of the SGN-R1:

Lots more improvements and enhancements are currently in the works.

Stay tuned!

Welcome to DIY Blasters!

2010-04-14T14:24:00.001+08:00

This is the place to custom design and build Foam Dart Blasters!