Rey’s Blaster: Origins of the Scavenger-Turned-Jedi’s NN-14 Blaster Pistol

Rey’s Blaster, a NN-14 blaster pistol, comes into the possession of the resourceful scavenger from Jakku during the events of the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). Rey continues carrying and using the weapon periodically throughout the Sequel Trilogy.

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The Origins and Backstory of Rey’s Blaster in Star Wars Canon

Early Life and Combat Skills

Rey grows up on the planet Jakku, scavenging to make ends meet. For much of her life she wields a quarterstaff made from salvaged wreckage on Jakku. She uses the quarterstaff both as a tool during scavenging and for defense, when necessary. When Unkar Plutt’s cronies attempt to take the droid BB-8 away from Rey, she skillfully wields her quarterstaff against them and sets in motion the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Rey carrying and wielding her quarterstaff
Rey with her quarterstaff | IMAGE CREDIT Lucasfilm

Arriving at Takodana and Maz Kanata’s Castle

When the Millennium Falcon lands on Takodana, Han Solo takes Rey aside. “You might need,” Solo says to her. He hands her a NN-14 blaster pistol. “I think I can handle myself,” Rey says. Through her hardscrabble upbringing on Jakku, Rey had developed skill in both hand-to-hand combat and wielding her quarterstaff as a melee weapon. Solo replies, “I know you do. That’s why I’m giving it to you. Take it.” He notes that Rey requires training and experience to properly use the weapon.

Battle of Takodana and Encounter with Kylo Ren

Rey is reluctant to use the blaster. When First Order stormtroopers attack Maz Kanata’s castle, Rey fires blaster bolts at them and dispatch the troopers. She later manages to fire several blaster bolts at Kylo Ren. Ren easily deflects the blaster bolts with his crossguard lightsaber.

Journey to Ahch-To and Jedi Training

Rey journeys to the remote plant Ahch-To in search of self-exiled Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. She arrives at the planet, equipped with the Skywalker lightsaber and her trusty quarterstaff. She also wears her NN-14 blaster pistol on her hip in a leather drop leg thigh holster.

During Rey’s training with Skywalker on the island she develops a Force-bond with Kylo Ren enabling the pair to communicate with each over vast distances. When Rey first sees Kylo Ren through the new Force-bond, she reflexively draws and fires her blaster at him. The blaster bolts do not travel through the Force-bond to Ren’s location across the galaxy, but rather causes some damage to the ancient Jedi ruins, her own surroundings, on Ahch-To. Instead of revealing the Force-bond to Skywalker, Rey says she fired the weapon accidentally while cleaning it.

Rey’s Blaster Appearance and Description

Rey’s NN-14 blaster pistol is mostly metallic silver in color with a weathered finish and black compact grip. Other features include: armored body shell, reinforced central frame, enlarged power core and a flash suppressing/stabilizing muzzle. Also includes a safety switch to prevent accidental discharge. The production model item is manufactured by a company named LPA.

Rey comes into the possession of a leather drop leg thigh holster sometime before journeying to Ahch-To. She sheaths the weapon in the holster during her mission to find Luke Skywalker.

It’s unclear how long Han Solo owned the blaster prior to giving the weapon to Rey.

Rey's Blaster Pistol
Closeup on Rey’s blaster pistol | IMAGE CREDIT Lucasfilm/Disney

Film Prop on the Set of the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

As is common during film production, Rey’s Blaster came in multiple versions on-set. The hero version, designed for closeups, is made of metal and features meticulous painting to create a blackened, weathered finish. Additionally, the hero version of the prop also uses moving parts for added realism. The rubber stunt version, designed for longer shots and stunt scenes, is less detailed and lacks moving parts.
Source: https://www.starwars.com/news/here-are-lucasfilm-archivist-madlyn-burkerts-5-favorite-star-wars-artifacts

Rey Blaster Toys in Real Life (Licensed)

Toy company Nerf has released two Rey Blaster variants: Star Wars Nerf Rey (Jakku) Blaster and Star Wars Nerf MicroShots Rey (Island Journey) Blaster.

Star Wars Nerf Rey (Jakku) Blaster (2016) and Rey Island Journey Blaster (2017 re-release)

Nerf released a Nerf Blaster version of the Rey Blaster in 2016. The blaster uses one tactical rail on the bottom. The internal clip holds four foam darts (included). Nerf advertises a firing range of up to 65 ft (20 m). Also in 2016, Nerf bundled the blaster into Rey (Starkiller Base) Mission Pack along with BladeBuilders Rey’s staff and Rey’s lightsaber. The bundle was a Toys R Us exclusive item.

Since the blaster is close to full size, some DIYers will mod the blaster’s exterior appearance to make it look more like the screen prop. The modded blaster may be suitable for display or cosplay (check prop weapons policies in advance of an event). Nerf re-released the blaster as “Rey Island Journey Blaster” in 2017.

Star Wars Nerf Rey (Jakku) Blaster

Star Wars Nerf MicroShots Rey (Island Journey) Blaster (2019)

Nerf developed a second variant of the Rey Blaster: Star Wars Nerf MicroShots Rey (Island Journey) Blaster. The accessory is part of the MicroShots sub-series, a series of mini-blasters. The MicroShots Rey fires one dart at a time and comes with two foam darts. Blaster is similar to the Jolt EX-1 blaster.

Star Wars Nerf MicroShots Rey Island Journey Blaster

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