Hasbro likes to do specialty line releases with various retailers Gamestop has first dibs on the Overwatch blasters, Walmart gets Battlecamo, etc. Target’s case is one of these specialty lines. The Icon Series is a line that includes blasters from the past and has been rereleased, and apparently updated for today’s blaster era. The Stampede is Nerf’s large clip-fed automatic blaster. While it does seem to have better performance, it also comes with less, and costs more than the original. The blaster will still be loved by collectors or nostalgic people, especially when it’s on sale. You might consider looking elsewhere if you are only looking for modern performance at a reasonable price.
A Classic Reborn
I remember my first Stampede it landed on Walmart shelves a few days earlier than the intended release date, and I brought it with me to an NIC game in Canada, The results were hilarious, as we all tried to hit people with clouds of streamline darts that had no accuracy whatsoever. It was still a significant improvement to have a fully-auto blaster that is fed by magazines. Even if it was a big, heavy blaster.
Todays version is largely the same. There have been a few touch-ups it now fires Elite darts (still inaccurate, but nowhere near as bad as streamlines). The Tactical Rails use the modern sloped locking teeth instead of the old, spring-based variety. The original ECS-50 logo is also displayed on the front. This is a nod towards its legacy. The Stampede was originally intended to release with a 50-rd drum. Later production runs dropped the 50.
As before, the 6 D batteries in the tray make for a heavy blaster, even with them sitting in the stock. It is comfortable to use for a heavy and utilitarian blaster. The handle is comfortable and large, with ample room for all hands. The front is comfortable to grip. Turning the blaster on and off is as easy as flicking a lever with your thumb.
This Stampede still includes a shield attachment, but lacks the original bipod grip, as well as the additional mags of the original.
Using The Blaster
Although the blaster is simple to use, a trigger pull can cause delayed firing of one dart. The system is priming and firing on its own so it takes some time.
Once the trigger is released the system will end a cycle and then stop. This makes it simple to fire single shots or full-auto. To fire as many darts you wish, simply hold the trigger down for as long as it takes.
This is an electronic geared system that fires projectiles. It’s similar to airsoft.
Performance
The Stampede I bought had respectable performance compared to modern blasters, averaging 62fps with Nerf Elite darts. Although not as fast as some other cheaper blasters, it was still respectable. The blaster fired three darts per second. With extended use, a reduced rate of fire will be the easiest way to tell if you need to change out the batteries.
You can use the large jam door, but I have never experienced any problems.
Internals
The Stampede is beloved among modders. Can other blasters do more? Certainly. There are many dedicated fans due to the fun complexity of its internals and the sound and feel of blaster priming, firing, and the feel and sound.
The internals were essentially identical so I didn’t have to take any photos. The switch on the side serves as a master on/off, and the trigger serves to start a cycle of gears and moving parts. A secondary switch is activated when the trigger is pressed. The secondary switch supplies power throughout the cycle, even when the trigger is released.
The plunger is smaller than that of a Longshot, but still large compared to many modern spring-powered blasters.
