How to Fix a Nerf Gun That Won’t Shoot

For parents and children alike, a Nerf gun that won’t shoot can be a source of frustration. Whether you’re trying to play an intense game of friendly competition or just need your kids to get their energy out, a broken Nerf gun can put a damper on the fun. Luckily, there are several troubleshooting steps that you can take to determine why your Nerf gun isn’t shooting. Let’s dive in and see how to fix a Nerf gun that won’t shoot!

Why Is My Nerf Gun Not Shooting And How To Troubleshoot It?

For the most part, yes! The darts used in Nerf guns are designed to be soft and squishy, so they won’t cause any real harm if they hit someone. In fact, many parents appreciate the fact that their kids can enjoy shooting darts without the risk of serious injury that comes with real firearms—which is why Nerf guns are often referred to as “toy weapons.” Of course, there are certain safety precautions you should take when allowing your child to play with a Nerf gun; for instance, you should always make sure that the darts stay within a contained space (like your backyard) and instruct your child not to aim them at people’s faces or eyes. For additional peace of mind, keep an eye on your child while he or she plays with the gun.

Why Is My Nerf Gun Not Shooting And How To Troubleshoot It?

Let’s take a look at some of the most common culprits behind an ineffective foam-shooting weapon.

• Check the Batteries

  If your battery-powered Nerf gun isn’t shooting, then the first thing you should do is check the batteries. Make sure that they are securely in place and have plenty of juice left before ruling them out as the source of the problem. If you find that the batteries need to be replaced, make sure to purchase ones with the appropriate voltage for your model—otherwise, you could end up damaging it permanently!

• Clean Out Any Clogs

  Sometimes a clog can cause your Nerf gun to malfunction. To prevent this from happening in the first place, always use clean darts in good condition. If you find that your Nerf gun has become clogged anyway, it’s important to disassemble it carefully and remove any jammed material (such as broken darts) before attempting to shoot again. Also, make sure there is no dust or debris inside, as these may also interfere with proper functioning.

• Inner Tube Leakage

  In some cases, an inner tube leakage can cause a Nerf gun to stop firing. A leakage may be caused by a worn or damaged o-ring, which is located in the shell of the gun. If you think this might be the problem, you will need to replace the o-ring in order to restore your Nerf gun’s firing power.

  In other cases, a leakage or crack may be present in the inner tube itself. In this case, you’ll need to replace the entire tube. There are signs you need to look for—such as air leaking out of the barrel or lack of pressure build-up when you pull the trigger—that can help you determine if this is the issue. Ultimately, you can fix the gun by simply replacing the inner tube or repairing the o-ring, depending on the issue.

• Make Sure You’re Using The Right Ammo

  Depending on what type of Nerf gun you have, you may only be able to use certain types of ammo with it. For instance, if you have an older model that shoots foam discs instead of darts, it won’t work properly with darts from newer models – so make sure to use compatible ammo! Additionally, some blasters require specific types of ammunition for optimal performance – for example, if your blaster requires Elite Darts rather than Streamline Darts, then using one over the other will affect its accuracy and range significantly.

• Not Pulled Back Far Enough

  If you have a Nerf gun that requires you to pull back the slide before firing, make sure it’s pulled back far enough. If your blaster isn’t able to compress enough air to the fire, then it won’t shoot properly. So if you think this may be the issue with your Nerf gun, then try pulling the slide back further and see if that helps.

• The Lever is Jammed

  Another possible cause of a Nerf gun not shooting could be that the lever is jammed. If this happens, you’ll need to carefully disassemble the blaster to check and see if anything is blocking its movement. Once you’ve figured out what’s causing the issue, you can resolve it by either cleaning or replacing the part that’s preventing it from working properly.

• Broken or Damaged Spring

  If your Nerf gun doesn’t fire, even after replacing the batteries and cleaning out any clogs, then you could have a broken or damaged spring inside of it. To check for this issue, take apart the blaster carefully and inspect the spring for any signs of wear or tear. If you find one, then you’ll need to replace it before your blaster will start shooting again.

• Dirty or Worn Trigger

  Sometimes the trigger on a Nerf gun can become worn or dirty, which prevents it from firing. If you think this might be the issue with your blaster, then try cleaning out the trigger mechanism and see if that helps. You may also need to replace any parts that have become too worn to work properly. To clean the trigger, use a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or debris that may be causing the issue. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure as this could damage the trigger.

Precaution Before Troubleshooting

It’s important to always exercise caution when troubleshooting a Nerf gun, as any improper handling can result in further damage. Before attempting to disassemble the blaster or replace any of its parts, make sure you read the manual that comes with it and follows the instructions carefully. Additionally, always wear safety glasses when working on your blaster, as pieces may fly off suddenly.

Make sure that no darts are loaded in the blaster while you’re performing any repairs as well—otherwise, you could end up damaging it permanently! OR worse, you can get hurt. In any case, make sure to take appropriate safety precautions when working on your Nerf gun. If there is some sort of leakage or obstruction, be careful with all the parts and the coming out force of any internal pieces. If all things fail, you can always take them to a shop for repair.