Hasbro recalls 330,000 Nerf blasters

Hasbro has recalled 330,000 of its Nerf blasters after 46 children between the ages of 4 and 12 were injured while shooting the gun's foam darts. The problem is that the plunger can pull the user’s skin during firing of the toy resulting in injury to the face, neck and/or chest, according to the recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The reported injuries include bruising, abrasions, pinching/pinch marks, blood blisters and welts.

The bright orange and yellow guns have a black handle and orange plunger, trigger and reload clip. The word “NERF” in black lettering is on both sides of the blaster and the word “ARMED” is indented on the orange plunger. “RECON CS-6” is on the gray cocking mechanism. There are five interchangeable parts including the shoulder stock, the flip-up sight, barrel extension, quick re-load clip and dual-mode light beam. Model number 63552 and UPC codes 653569272021 and 653569311218 can be found on the packaging. Only blasters with an exposed orange plunger are included in this recall.

The blasters were sold at Wal-Mart, Target, Toys 'R' Us, discount stores and toy stores nationwide from November 2007 through August 2008 for about $20. The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the guns and contact Hasbro for a free cylindrical cover to prevent additional injuries. For more information, contact Hasbro toll-free at (800) 245-0910 or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hasbro.com/nerf

At Hasbro's Web site, consumers can find a form to fill out requesting the cover as well as a video that shows how to make the repair.