Sega Master System Light Phaser not working

[alextheman]

So I got a master system with a light phaser, and the light phaser works intermittently. I tried to fix it, but it has a stripped screw. Help!

[ComradeOj]

You might be able to open it up by smashing a cut open rubber band between the stripped screw and the screwdriver.

I had a light phaser that wasn't working. It turned out that the sensor wasn't aligned right with the hole at the end of the gun.

[segasonicfan]

Before doing anything, make sure you turn the contrast WAYYY up. These things are finicky as hell.
Also, test with Safari Hunt if possible, it registers the gun the best of any game.
Finally, check your cable (if you can open it), the wire can get destroyed internally very easily on SMS controllers in my experience. I had a lightly used gun almost NIB that the cable was bad just from being wire wrapped for god knows how many years.

Note: there is a secret screw under the Light Phaser decal sticker on the side. Thanks, Sega. Fortunately they never did crap like this on any other hardware item (IIRC) afterwards.

-Segasonicfan