This past year, the Xshot line has updated many previous blaster models, like the Xcess. The new models feature better ranges and more stylish shells than past versions. The Hawkeye is another blaster that has undergone a remodeling. However, while the blaster has its charms, it has limited uses outside of simple target practice.

Faux Steel

The Hawkeye comes with twelve darts, five targets, and a scope attachment. The “scope” is there for looks, although the holes inside line up in such a way as to force you to hold the blaster at a slight angle.

Like the Recoil (or as it’s now packaged, the Kickback), the Hawkeye has an interactive feature. On the trigger pull, the stock (with its four dart storage spots) will retract into the shell, only to kick back into your shoulder. This doesn’t affect blaster performance in any meaningful way, but it does add some of that “play factor” for younger users.

The top of the blaster features a rail for attachments, which is similar to that seen on blasters like the Regenerator. Indeed, some pieces from the Regenerator will actually fit on the Hawkeye. Not all of them, however – it’s not quite a universal attachment point in that sense. The rail “wings” are a tad too thick. In any case, it’s nice to see more cross-compatibility among Zuru’s line.

Blaster operation is easy. The front barrel pulls down, allowing dart loading. Flip the barrel back up, prime the blaster with the pump grip, and fire.

Inside the Blaster

The Hawkeye features a wide plunger tube like its brethren. The plunger tube ID is 27.5mm, while the draw is about 47mm. The spring is also decently strong, although an upgrade couldn’t hurt.

With the included darts, the Hawkeye gets 83 fps on average. With Nerf Elites, I averaged 78fps. It should be noted that Elite darts just barely cleared the inside of the break-action barrel. Depending on the dart (and if you’ve loaded it all the way into the chamber), you may have issues.

While the break action is fun to use, it ultimately slows down your rate of fire by a large margin. The best I could accomplish was one dart every five seconds, and that was without really aiming the blaster. Don’t expect to be mowing down zombies with this blaster. It would, however, be a good blaster to start a kid with.

Final Thoughts

The Xshot Hawkeye looks better than the old model Hawkeye/Scope. And it has better ranges. However, it still has the same slow rate of fire that keeps it from being competitive. It’s still a fun blaster to use, but you should adjust expectations accordingly. Given the price point, it’s still hard to be disappointed.