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Series: Nerf N Strike

Nerf N Strike Ammo capacity: 6 darts

6 darts Range: 25-30 feet

25-30 feet Released: 2010

The first thing I noticed when took the Deploy out of the box is that it comes with a strap. Finally! I don’t know why it took so long to get a strap on a Nerf gun, but it’s definitely a welcome feature.

At this point, I’d planned to play around with transforming the Deploy from gun to flashlight and back again, but I just couldn’t resist — I had to see how far it shoots before I could do anything else. The results of the range test were about as I expected. Shots ranged from 25-30 feet, which is not surprising at all, given that it uses a reverse plunger system like the one found in the Nerf Recon and Raider.

The Deploy’s clip holds a maximum of six darts. Of course, this clip is interchangeable with other N-Strike clips, including the drum (which looks really ridiculous on the Deploy and feels plain silly).

Unfortunately, the pump-action firing method is a bit of a mixed bag. The pump itself slides very smoothly and is easy to use, but the Deploy’s handle feels really flimsy (this is what happens when you make a collapsible handle to accommodate a transforming design).

Though it’s a little flimsy, overall the Deploy feels solid in my hands. It’s light and well constructed, as you would expect from a Nerf product.

As advertised, you can use components from other N-Strike guns on the Deploy. As I’ve said in the past, most of the components are purely cosmetic in nature, but it’s undeniably cool that you can customize the appearance of your blaster as you see fit.

Now to the flashlight transformation element.

First things first, using the flashlight requires 3 AAA batteries (the same batteries operate the ‘laser’ targeting system). Folding up the Deploy is simple enough — just fold up the handle and slide the shoulder stock forward, and you’ll end up with a device that resembles a briefcase – with a flashlight at the end of it.

Transforming the Deploy back into a blaster again is the best part, as you only have to press a button on the top.

All in all, the Deploy is a solid gun, and I’d heartily recommend it to avid Nerf fans and kids who would get a kick out of the flashlight part. However, if you’re new to Nerf and just want to have some casual wars around the house or office, there are better guns out there.

Below is a picture of the back of the box (found via Adult Fans of Nerf ).