Details
The SnapFire is a small blaster advertised as being a stealth pocket blaster. As a budget-brand blaster it has been spotted predominantly in stores such as Big Lots in the United States.[1] It operates in a very similar fashion to the Jolt EX-1 with the exception that it features an inline plunger. As well, it also shares internals with the Jolt.
It is a simple spring-powered blaster that operates by pulling a cocking mechanism and pulling the trigger in the same fashion as a Firestrike. It has a similar appearance to the front of the DoubleDown. It features dart storage below the muzzle which can store up to two extra darts. The blaster has an orange color scheme with black logo font and silver in the area surrounding the Nerf logo.
History
The SnapFire was discovered on the back of packaging for the DoubleDown in European Toys “R” Us stores.[2] This was noticed and pointed out by a user on the forum Blasted.de on January 7, 2015.[3]
It has been identified that the SnapFire was previously known as the Splinter until final production. This moniker can be identified through early Amazon listings (coincidentally still featuring the SnapFire logo on the blaster in picture).
[4] In addition, an early description of the blaster has surfaced, including the following details: “Sneak up on your opponent with the compact Splinter blaster! This stealth blaster comes with 2 darts that you can load up fast or store on the blaster while you sneak into position. Then just pull back to ready and pull the trigger to fire! For mobile, fast-moving missions, you need the Splinter blaster!”.[5] Considering the title was used until at least pre-production, it is unknown why the title was changed for the final release.
It was later re-released in 2016 in a three-pack that was categorized under the N-Strike Elite series.
Color schemes
The SnapFire has been released with the following color schemes:
- N-Strike/N-Strike Elite (orange and silver)
- SnapFire 3-Pack (blue, silver, and orange)
- SnapFire 3-Pack (white and orange)
Modification
As a Jolt-based blaster, modification potential has a distinct ceiling. However, as the air restrictor is a separate piece not plastic-welded in place, it is a good option for cheap and simple mods such as banding [6] or spring substitution[7]. Nerfers who find the handle uncomfortable may choose to tape the handle to prevent the holes in the handle from irritating their hands. Barrel replacements are also possible (in the same vein as a Jolt).
Blaster sets
Three SnapFires were included in a three-pack blaster set, which also included six Elite Darts.
Reloading and firing
To reload the SnapFire, load a single dart into the muzzle. Pull back the priming rod to prime the blaster.
To fire a dart, pull the firing trigger.
Trivia
- The SnapFire, alongside the DoubleDown and SharpFire, did not have a widespread release in Canada.
- Although the blaster has the potential to hold up to three darts, it only comes with two.