First off, the ranges for the Airzone version are approximately 30 feet. Now, I can only assume that either they have been improved in recent months or the Airzone version is better designed than the Buzz Bee Hawk, because most of the videos I have seen online claim that the Hawk MAYBE gets 15-20 feet, but I tested it multiple times, and each time the darts landed around the 30 foot mark, taking into account for dart skidding. For anything that isn't Nerf, that is definitely a pleasant surprise.
The priming mech is very simple: you flip up the bolt, pull it all the way back, and then push it forward completely until it locks into place. That being said, it has a few issues. For one, the bolt has a tendency to feel as though it locks about 2 inches from the actual point. Also, the trigger locks if the bolt is not in the forward and locked position. So, that can be the rather obvious indicator that you did not fully prime the blaster. This is a relatively minor issue but could be fairly annoying if you're actively using the Hawk for something besides target practice and playing around.
Next up: comfort, and while I'm at it, durability. The Hawk is rather well made. It doesn't feel nearly as flimsy as Airzone and Buzz Bee blasters are famous for. I suppose they've decided to make improvements. Now, the stock certainly does not reach to my shoulder, so the stability is based on how steady or shaky your hands are. The handle, however, fits my large hands quite nicely despite the overall small design. The foregrip is also long enough to where there is a comfortable distance between my hands as opposed to them being right on top of each other.
The clip system is...decent. It works, well enough at least. It is not nearly as sturdy or well designed as the Clip System clips from Nerf, but it is passable. It does have a tendency to just shoot out all your shells while you're trying to load it, which makes reloading under pressure annoying, even if it is only a 4 dart capacity. Also, the inability to by replacement clips separately is a definite downside. The shells also tend to be rather annoying. It makes reloading difficult and it's just ONE MORE THING to track down at the end of a war. Not too bad if you tend to camp and fend off attackers from a position, I suppose, but if you're mobile, find something else.
Ok, I will give one thing to this blaster without even weighing it. IT'S SOOPER TACT1COOL. 1) it's bolt action, duh. 2) It has shells (OMG just like a "weal gun") 3) It has shell ejection, which is actually really cool, if annoying. and 4) there is storage for up to 4 extra shells in the stock.
So, for buying potential: It's not bad. If you can get it in good condition used, I suppose that would be your best bet, but if you lay down the money for it new, it's definitely not the worst decision you'll make.
You can see my video review here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJoxUgCMXKk
Long Days and Pleasant Nights,
Warden
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