How to Modify a Nerf N-Strike

Disassemble the N-Strike gun. Remove the small screws that hold the gun together, and set them aside.

Deconstruct the bolt assembly. This is the large orange tube that runs down the center of the N-Strike. First, remove the metal retaining pin that holds it together. You then have at least three pieces: the bolt, the plunger and the bolt sled. You also have the spring that was wrapped around the plunger. Some models might have additional pieces.

For Recon and Raider models, find the joint seam on the bolt, where the two halves of the bolt are glued together. Run this area under hot water for 30 seconds. Firmly grasp opposite ends of the bolt, then twist. The adhesive holding the two parts together should be loosened, and the air restrictor should fall out. Reseal the bolt with two-part epoxy.

For the Longshot, the air restrictor is at the end of the bolt that slots inside the plunger. There are three small plastic tabs holding the air restrictor in. Clip these with a razor blade or snips, and the air restrictor mechanism will fall out.

Place a small piece of soft foam padding inside the plunger. Otherwise, repeated force from the bolt can damage the plunger.

Take the spring that was wrapped around the plunger, and stretch it out. Alternately, appropriately sized spacers can be placed at the base of the string. This will increase the tension when the N-Strike is reassembled, firing the dart with additional force. Experiment with different tensions to find what works best for you.