Introduction: Nerf - 3D-Print PlusBow

I've always wanted to make a +bow, a recreation of Nerf's storied Crossbow of the 90's. I tried once before with plastic sheet, but that somehow never came out right. But using the 3D printer at work, I not only made one finally, but I can alter the design however I like.

  • Almost entirely 3D printed in ABS, save for the plunger tube, spring, and fasteners.
  • Embellished the panels and grip with triangular cutouts. I kind of have a thing for triangles these days.
  • Customized skeleton shoulder stock. Not that it needs the stabilization, but it's more comfortable to shoot from the shoulder.
  • Customized plunger rod grip. I didn't like the original square ring; too big, too sharp.
  • Three levels of draw like the original design, but with an original plunger head since I can never get the right seals.
  • Built-in dart holder. I thought about including add-on rails, but I almost never use those except for dart holders. So for a scratch build like this, I decided to just integrate it from the start.

And I'm not even sure I'm completely done with this. I've got a couple more ideas kicking around on the CAD machine I might try later. It might get a smart restrictor/sequencing barrel cluster if I can make a design that works; if possible, I'd like to make one that can handle Mega darts alongside Micro darts. And I might integrate some kind of tool storage in the shoulder stock.

For now, I'd be comfortable calling this a Stage 2 bow, so stay tuned.