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Best 3D Printed Nerf Guns to Buy in 2023 (Top 6)

3d printing nerf guns
Updated on 11/16/23

A 3D-printed Nerf gun is the key to leveling up your foam flinging fun. When you fire one for the first time, you will weep with joy like you just found a long-lost friend.

Okay, maybe you are not as emotional as me, but it is time to step up your game and check out how Nerf war is evolving. These blasters you are about to see are the cream of the crop, and I will tell you why.

Here are the main features that define most 3D Printed Nerf guns:

  • Created using high-quality 3D printed and metal parts
  • Designed for better performance and realism
  • Many customization options for colors and parts
  • More accurate and up to 3-4 times as powerful as the standard Nerf gun
  • Shoot half-length darts, or multiple types of foam ammo
  • Can be bought assembled and tested, or built by you from a kit

Break out the safety goggles and focus up because it’s time to find your new favorite toy blaster.

What is the Best 3D Printed Nerf Gun?

The best 3D printed Nerf gun is the Caliburn by Captain Slug. It is one of the biggest, strongest, and most customizable blasters available. The Caliburn can shoot both full and half-length darts, with options of up to 280+ feet per second dart velocity.

Popular Choice
Caliburn
  • Shoots Full and Half Length darts
  • Up To 300 FPS Power Options
  • Custom Parts and Colors
  • Great Size for Custom Sniper Build

Read Review

Top Choice
Lynx
  • Extremely Accurate
  • Up to 240+ FPS Power Options
  • Custom Parts and Colors
  • Immaculate Craftmanship

Read Review

Most Unique
Spring Thunder
  • Shell Ejecting Shotgun Blaster
  • Up to 120 FPS
  • Custom Parts and Colors
  • Shoots Many Types of Nerf Ammo

Read Review

There are a ton of other great options, and sure to be one that is perfect for you!

Here Are 6 of the Best 3D Printed Nerf Guns in 2023

Click on the name, or keep scrolling to see these blasters and get more detailed info!

1. Best Choice Caliburn
2. Runner Up Lynx
3. Shell Ejecting Shotgun Spring Thunder
4. Caliburn Variant Talon Claw
5. Lever Action Rifle SLAB
6. Pistol Zinc 2.0

Note: While these are referred to as Nerf blasters, it is because they shoot foam darts. The companies who design or sell them are not affiliated with the Hasbro/Nerf brands.

1. Caliburn V4 by Captain Slug

Top Choice

caliburn blaster by captain slug

The Caliburn by Captain Slug is the OG and probably the most well-known 3D-printed blaster. Now, version 4 has been tuned and tweaked for more durability.

It is naturally made for use with full-length darts, but also comes with an easy-to-install adapter for half-length compatibility

Once crowned the most powerful Nerf gun, it is now hard to say because blasters are so customizable. Still, this one can, like others on the list, can be customized to reach up to 300 FPS!

If you think that may be too much spicy power, you can always choose a different spring. Performance varies and depends on part combinations, but it is nice that there are plenty of options to choose from. 

Ammo and magazines are sold separately, but this is compatible with N-strike mags. However, Elite darts aren’t meant for high speeds, so I would just stick with shooting half-lengths.

If you have no idea what this means, no worries! See our 3D printed Nerf buyer’s guide below for more helpful info on springs, parts, and ammo choices.

When it comes to building your own and having options, the Caliburn is very popular and a great choice for those new to the custom Nerf hobby.

As with nearly all the blasters featured on this list, you will have to buy your magazines and ammo separately. While this can seem like a bummer, it allows you to pay for exactly what you want.

Who Should Buy The Caliburn

The Caliburn is the biggest on this list and could be ideal for a big custom Nerf sniper build.

Picatinny rails on top could be a nice resting place for a sweet airsoft scope.

This thing looks awesome and is very intimidating. If there is a Nerf final boss somewhere, I would imagine this is what he is holding.

Purchase the Caliburn fully built and tested, or choose the parts you want to get a DIY build kit.

Specs:

  • Ammo Type: Both Full and Half Length
  • Ammo Capacity: Many options
  • Velocity: 140-300 FPS (Custom Options)
  • Powered: Spring (Multiple options)

Reasons to buy:

  • Custom parts and colors
  • Dual dart length compatibility
  • Custom power options
  • Great for additional mods

Things to know:

  • $150-$250+ Price Range
  • Magazines and darts sold separately
  • Basic maintenance recommended
  • Longer, Less mobility

Buy At Out of Darts Buy At Frontline Foam

2. Lynx by Orion Blasters

Runner Up

lynx blaster from out of darts

If you want a guaranteed banger of a 3D-printed blaster, check out the Lynx.

The Lynx has a bullpup design with the magazine feeding into the stock of the gun. Maintenance is made simple as you can get to the internals for an upgrade in seconds.

Did I mention it has slam fire? Hold the trigger down and keep pumping to unload the mag fast while maintaining solid performance. Just remember, bigger springs require more strength to prime so longer periods of slam firing gets tough.

This blaster is stong, but you can choose from multiple spring options according to your power preference. You can expect 200+ FPS with a standard build using the 8KG OOD Lynx spring inside, or push it even higher with a 17.5!

A special 3D-printed mag release is included this one that allows you to drop the mag from the back or from just behind the grip.

There are also several options for grips and barrels, as well as more than 20 color choices to make it look exactly how you want.

Who Should Buy The Lynx

The Lynx is a great option for those just getting into the custom Nerf hobby. It has crisp construction and is easy to learn how to open up for a spring upgrade or barrel swap.

It is mid-size and the bullpup design allows for a longer barrel without having a super long blaster. It stands out for its accuracy, provides a bit more mobility, and has very competitive power choices.

This blaster can be purchased fully assembled or built from a DIY kit for less cost. 

Specs:

  • Ammo Type: Half-length darts
  • Ammo Capacity: 10-18+
  • Velocity: Custom (120-240+ FPS)
  • Powered: Spring (6+ options)

Reasons to Buy:

  • Great Bullpup design
  • Custom color options
  • Custom power options
  • Very accurate
  • Has slam fire

Things to know:

  • $160-$225 price range
  • Ammo and magazines sold separately
  • Basic maintenance recommended

Buy At Out of Darts

3. Spring Thunder by Shellington

Best 3D Printed Nerf Shotgun

spring thunder 3d printed nerf gun

For the shotgun lover, the ultimate 3D Printed choice is the shell-ejecting Spring Thunder. This bad boy holds four shells and one in the chamber.

The coolest part about this is that you can choose from multiple types of shells to shoot different Nerf ammo.

Shell options allow you to have tactical combinations of ammo in the blaster, such as Rival, Elite and Mega darts. Most shells hold one dart but there are few options that let you fire multiple darts at once.

You load the darts in the shell and operate this like a real shotgun. The satisfying shell-ejecting system kicks a shell out after firing darts and pumping the gun.

The included spring launches standard Elite darts close to 120 feet per second, and other ammo closer to the Nerf standard around 70-80.

Starting with the barebones version pictured above, you add custom attachments you want to be included. Add optional top rails and choose from several choices of stock and muzzle combinations.

Not only can you pick the color of the attachments, but you can also style your shell colors.

Who Should Buy The Spring Thunder

If you like Nerf Shotguns, the Spring Thunder is the pinnacle. It is a tactical choice that can spice up different types of Nerf wars.

While it should still be fired with caution, lower FPS makes this one usable indoors. 

This is ideal for those who want a very entertaining firing experience and aren’t worried about spending a bit more time reloading.

Specs:

  • Ammo Type: Multiple Options
  • Ammo Capacity: 4 shells in tube, 1 in chamber
  • Velocity: Up to 120 feet per second
  • Range: Accurate up to 100 feet
  • Powered: Spring (K26)

Reasons to Buy:

  • Satisfying shell-ejecting system
  • Custom Color Options
  • Shoots multiple ammo types

Things to Know:

  • $210-$250+ Price Range
  • Slower loading
  • Basic maintenance recommended

Buy At Frontline FoamBuy at Shellington Labs

4. SLAB by Sillybutts

Best Lever Action

slab 3d printed nerf blaster

Silly’s Lever Action Blaster, or the SLAB, is a really cool-looking lever action 3D-printed Nerf gun.

Its lever priming handle is the central feature and is interesting as it moves the whole mag forward.

The SLAB comes with four different spring options that produce 100 to 180 FPS dart speeds. This gives you some great choices of build ideas for both indoor and outdoor use.

It is compatible with straight talon magazines which are standardly available in 10-18 capacities. Slam fire works with the SLAB but is a little wonky and doesn’t really increase firing speed.

On the top, it has a nice iron sight that works plenty well when you choose to use them. However, I think most people will opt for hip-fire with this one for a bit more speed with the lever.

Design your primary, secondary, accent, and muzzle with 20+ color choices on specific ones.

This purchase also includes the Trivictus Mega XL Silly SCAR from Out of Darts, as seen on the end of the barrel.

Additional features included a Picatinny-style rail, as well as sling mounts located on the front and rear.

Who Should Buy The SLAB

The SLAB is for those who appreciate the lever action style over focusing on extreme power.

This one is suggested to be best at under 200 FPS, but can be upgraded to get crazier if you really want.

You can have yours assembled and tested, or choose the DIY kit route to save some money. 

Specs:

  • Ammo Type: Half-Length Darts
  • Ammo Capacity: 10-18+
  • Velocity: 100-180+ FPS options
  • Powered: Spring (4 choices)

Reasons to Buy:

  • Satisfying lever action prime
  • Quality design
  • Custom color options
  • High-quality parts

Things to Know:

  • $185-$250 Price range
  • Magazines and darts are sold separately
  • Basic maintenance recommended

Buy At Out of Darts

5. Talon Claw 4 by Captain Slug

Caliburn Variant

talon claw blaster from frontline foam

The Talon Claw v4 by Captain Slug, could definitely be higher on the list, as it is a variant of the Caliburn. The main difference being it is more compact and only shoots half-length darts.

Achieve similar power to the Caliburn with up to 110 – 280+ FPS options between the two sellers below. 

Like the Caliburn, it is very moddable with easy barrel, spring, and stock swaps. It is usable without a foregrip, but will come with one included. As always, upgrade choices for an additional cost. 

The Talon Claw might feel a bit short without a stock add-on, but that can also be the appeal. Stock options are available, and it still ends up being a bit shorter than the Caliburn with most options.

Who Should Buy The Talon Claw v4

The Talon Claw is for those that are considering the Caliburn but want a more compact choice.

There aren’t a ton of differences besides that. I should note there are also several more common variations of the Caliburn.

You can have version 4 of the Talon Claw assembled and tested, or pick up a DIY kit to save some money. 

Specs:

  • Ammo Type: Half-length darts
  • Ammo Capacity: 10-18+
  • Velocity: 200 – 280+ Options
  • Powered: Spring (4+ options)

Reasons to Buy:

  • Compact version of the Caliburn
  • Custom color options
  • Great for additional mods

Things to Know:

  • $150 – $250+ price range
  • Magazines and darts are sold separately
  • Basic maintenance recommended

Buy At Out of Darts Buy At Frontline Foam

6. Zinc 2.0 by 118 Design

Best 3D Printed Nerf Pistol

zinc 2.0 3d printed nerf pistol

A great option for a sweet 3D-printed Nerf pistol, is the Zinc 2.0. It is a realistic springer with impressive mag ejection for fun reloads.

The Zinc 2.0 comes with two 3D printed 5-dart half-length mags included, but darts are sold separately. There are also extended 7 dart mags available if you want a few more shots. 

This pistol comes with two springs that produce 130 and 175 feet per second dart velocity respectively.  

Something else to know is that it has a realistic dart stop feature that won’t allow you to prime the blaster when your mag is empty. This lets you know it is time to reload, like a real pistol.

Underneath the barrel is a Picatinny-style rail that could work well with a laser or flashlight attachment.

The optimal ammo choice for the Zinc is the Worker Gen3+ darts that will have to be added to the cart at purchase.

The Zinc can have a bit of an annoying sound when inserting the mag as the plastic on the plastic grinds a bit. However, this gets a bit better over as time goes on with use.

Who Should Buy The Zinc 2.0

Mobility, concealment, gangster firing; you know the benefits of a pistol.

If you fancy a fancier pistol over a rifle, the Zinc 2.0 will not disappoint. It also makes for an awesome secondary to one of the other big guns on this list.

The Zinc 2.0 can also be purchased fully assembled and tested, or as a DIY kit for a bit less.

Specs:

  • Ammo Type: Half-length darts
  • Ammo Capacity: 5-7 dart mags
  • Velocity: 130-175 FPS options
  • Powered: Spring (2 included)

Reasons to Buy:

  • Custom Color Options
  • Includes 2 magazines
  • Quick mag ejection
  • Two springs included

Things to know:

  • $120-$150 price range
  • Darts sold separately
  • Basic maintenance recommended

Buy At Frontline Foam

3D Printed Nerf Blaster Buyers Guide

When first entering the 3D-printed Nerf hobby world, a bit of research and guidance will help to be sure you are getting exactly what you want.

I would start by finding the design that fits your style, then dive a bit more into the custom options and upgrade specifics at multiple sellers.

Here are a few things you should know that will help you make more educated buying decisions.

Safety

These blasters are not recommended for those under the age of 14. Using eye protection and taking other additional safety precautions is always necessary when using 3D-printed dart blasters.

It’s not just the power, but the priming weight that is a concern with younger kids. The springs are stronger and require more strength to prime. Outdoor use is optimal, but indoors is viable with lower-strength springs.

Be sure to read the warnings and safety guidelines for each individual one on the seller’s website. One other major thing to note is that 3D-printed materials should not be exposed to overly hot environments.

Power (FPS)

Regular name-brand Nerf guns shoot on average about 70 feet per second and you can feel them. The most powerful ones shoot 110-150 if you include alternative Nerf brands like Adventure Force.

Most 3D-printed dart blasters on this list are on another level shooting up to 275+ feet per second with the different combinations of parts. More power is awesome for range and accuracy, but it is good to always remember these are not ideal for kids.

I recommend buying multiple springs so that your blaster is usable in more situations and game types. See the spring section below for more info.

The feet-per-second speeds advertised in this article are estimated and can vary according to the combination of parts and materials assembled.

Springs

Another great advantage of having a custom-printed Nerf gun is that you can raise or lower your power by switching springs. Most purchases include one spring, but you can get additional types for somewhere around 5-$7 each.

Not every spring is compatible, or works ideally, with every blaster. A bit of research will be necessary when upgrading springs outside of the options a seller provides.

Here are the most common springs in order from weakest to strongest.

K31 788 K25 K26

See Frontline Foam’s Spring Guide video for some more detailed information.

Ammo

As you can imagine, shooting darts really hard can be well, really hard on them. Nerf ammo, along with other cheaper brands will get destroyed and perform very poorly. 

In most cases, standard Nerf elite darts can be used or cut to half-length to be fired. However, they are one of the worst choices as they are not designed for the speeds these guns shoot. 

Adventure Force half-lengths work if you already have some, but next time you are looking to buy I would consider the Worker brand.

Generally speaking, going with the Worker ammo and magazines you will be in good shape. Worker produces strong shooting blasters as well, and their ammo is designed to handle the speed and power.

The Worker Short Gen3+ Darts are a great choice for high FPS and durability. 

See At Out of Darts See At Frontline Foam

Magazines

The magazine-fed blasters on this list are compatible with straight Worker talon mags. Angled magazines work with some using an angled magazine adapter.

Worker Magazine Compatability Chart

   Talon 10-Round Straight  Talon 15 Round Straight Curved 18 Round
Caliburn
Lynx
Talon Claw
SLAB

See At Out of Darts See At Frontline Foam

These are also available on Amazon, but I noticed they are more expensive than those sellers above.

Out of Darts also has a compatible Tachi 29-round Short dart magazine that is compatible with some recommended modifications.

Assembly Kits

Buying an assembly kit is a great idea because it costs less and you can learn how your blaster is put together. 3D-printed Nerf blasters can be like Legos for adults, in that you can have a lot of fun trying out new parts.

While these guns don’t require nearly the maintenance as a real firearm, cleaning and lubricating 3D Nerf guns regularly is a great idea. Knowing how to take them apart correctly will make maintenance safe and easy.

When purchasing an assembly kit, be sure to double-check that it includes everything you need. More often than not, magazines and ammo are not included.

That being said, having your first blasters built and tested by pros may be the way to go if you are just getting into the hobby.

Pricing & Shipping

Higher quality equals higher prices, it is just that simple. 3D-printed Nerf guns are made custom to your order and take some time to print and assemble. The custom blasters above are more than double the price of the high-end Nerf brand guns. However, it is easy to see they are much superior.

A lot of the listed guns are sold by many sellers, so remember you have other options. Generally, the pricing is really close but some sellers have different options for colors or attachments.

Please pay close attention when you are checking out as sellers will note delays and estimated shipping times.

Can You Print Your Own 3D Nerf guns?

Yes, you can 3D print your own Nerf gun parts and accessories. You will have to have access to a printer, materials, and the STL files.

STL files are easy enough to find, but you will still have to purchase the hardware kit to assemble the blaster.

Final Thoughts

The custom Nerf blasters hobby is fast-growing and for good reason. I don’t how many times I wrote the words “quality” and “options” in this article, but that is the theme.

Paying a bit more for customized blasters that are on another level of quality and performance is a no-brainer. You can change the look, feel, and performance in seconds to a few minutes to fit your style or play.

Normal Nerf guns can be awesome, but the excitement can be elevated with more accuracy, power, and creativity-stimulating designs.

Next time you are in the market for a Nerf gun, consider breaking from the mold and make your next blaster a 3d Printed one.

Happy Nerfing!