19 Best Nerf Guns Compared in 2024
Taking a walk down memory lane as an adult is fun. Then seeing a favorite childhood toy is even funnier. When many adults think about their childhood memories, many times nerf guns are included in those fun times. These launchers have come along since we were kids, but the fun is still there and watching your kids enjoy them makes the experience insanely fun.
Whether you are playing with your kids, preparing them for a competition match, or sending them out to play with the neighborhood kids you want them to be able to unleash their power in the field. With so many popular toy weapons on the market, it can get tough when trying to select the best nerf gun.
That is why we have created a list of the best Nerf guns on the market. Keep reading.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 26 hrs of research
Shoots a lot of distance
Heavy duty and durable
Durability of high-quality '90s toys
Easy time loading and shooting it
People enjoy how the blast feels when the trigger is pulled
- N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster
- N-Strike Elite Disruptor
- N-Strike Elite Surgefire
- N-Strike Elite Dual Strike Blaster
- Zombie Strike Hammershot Blaster
- N-Strike Elite Mega CycloneShock Blaster
- Fortnite Sp-L Elite Dart Blaster
- Rival Artemis XVII-3000 Blue
- N-Strike Elite Delta Trooper
- Zombie Strike Doominator Blaster
- N-Strike Elite Rhino-Fire Blaster
- Evader Modulus
- N-Strike HyperFire Blaster
- Ultra Two Motorized Blaster
- Fortnite SMG-E Blaster
- Fortnite BASR-L Bolt Action
- CS-18 N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike
- Rival Charger MXX-1200 Motorized Blaster
- Longstrike Modulus Blaster with Barrel Extension
19 Best Nerf Guns Reviewed
1. N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster
Shoots a lot of distance
Heavy duty and durable
Durability of high-quality '90s toys
Easy time loading and shooting it
People enjoy how the blast feels when the trigger is pulled
Aim is quite inaccurate
When you talk about quick draw this is the best feature about this Nerf gun. It features the ability to be able to fire six darts quickly and easily. When taking the battlefield this is just the Nerf gun that you would want at your side. It shoots targets and can reach targets that are 90 feet away. It is also easy to load with a quick side blaster loading system that holds all six of the darts at one time.
Read moreDesign
The colorful orange revolving cylinder or drum chambers the soft-tipped Blaster darts which can be fired in rapid succession for distances of up to 90 feet. This is made possible by pressing and holding on the trigger while repeatedly pumping the Slam Fire handle. This activates the rapid-fire mechanism. The cylinder can be flipped open for reloading. The colors of the Strongarm Blaster may vary.
Ease of Use
If you are looking for a cool long-distance gun, you have found it here with the Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster, which has an ability to shoot up to a stunning 90 feet! This is a great outdoor Nerf wars type of shooter. It has quite a lot of power, and the kids will really enjoy being able to set up targets at a fair-sized distance.
Value
It’s great for enhancing quick-motor reflexes of children especially in a quick-draw move. The toy also aids in a variety of role-playing and make-believe activities which can have an impact on children’s cognitive, social and emotional development. It is without a doubt the best nerf gun on the market.
2. N-Strike Elite Disruptor
6 dart drum
Single launching power or slam fire action
Indicator displays when the launcher is primed
Includes dart launcher and 6 darts
Rapid firing advantage
Caulking the prime can be difficult and hard to pull back
Simple packaging is not ideal for gift giving
The quickest at the draw this fire and strike Nerf gun will impress with its blasting power. The quick draw is all possible with this awesome design of the rotating drum that holds all six darts at one time and quickly blasts through each one giving you speed and power. Put your eye on the target and put that Nerf gun into action with the slamming rapid firing action that this handheld has to offer.
Read moreDesign
This nerf gun features one of the fastest strike and fire methods. The quickdraw and fast blaster system have a drum that rotates and holds up to 6 darts at one time. That means that you are able to quickly launch 6 darts before having to reload. The darts can each be fired one at a time or rapidly released one after each other. This is known as a slam-fire action session. Priming the blaster is easy with the slide. It gets pulled back and then released. With this action, the nerf gun is ready to go. It even features an indicator that displays when it is ready to go.
When it displays orange the blaster is primed and ready to go. The blaster is great for distance launching as it can launch a dart up to 90 feet away. Included with the set are the blaster gun and 6 darts. Just load and hit the field. Your enemies will be hiding when they see you coming.
Ease of Use
Rapid firing in a nerf match is a game advantage. The slam-fire action allows the launcher to be able to fire all six darts one after each other. This gives an advantage over the other players that only have single launchers.
Value
Fun nerf launcher that gives the ability to fire darts one right after each other or one at a time. One prime gives the ability to launch all six darts. This is great for nerf competitions.
3. N-Strike Elite Surgefire
Quick and easy to load and reload
Designed to hold 15 darts
Affordable
Darts fly up to 90 feet
Some reviewers feel the accuracy is poor
Give the kids the power in an experience with this Elite Blaster from Nerf. It has all the energy and the attitude that they are looking for on the battlefield plus the performance power that they will love showing off. It has the ultimate blasting power that will rock the battlefield against any competitors. Plus is has the blasting power of 15 darts that will totally give the upper hand each and every time.
Read moreDesign
Your child will be able to fight off hordes of villains as this gun is designed to hold 15 darts at once. Your child can shoot one dart at a time or use the slam-fire action to launch all 15 darts at the same time. The use of a rotating drum instead of a magazine causes the darts to rarely jam. The bright orange and blue colors on the gun will make your child feel like a pro shooter.
Ease of Use
While the gun may look cumbersome, the handles make it super easy to hold for children of all ages. Your child will be able to load it quickly in the midst of battle as the darts easily slide into the rotating drum.
Value
Sure, being able to shoot fifteen darts at once is amazing, but the fact that each dart launches up to 90 feet is even more amazing. Priced under twenty dollars, we find this nerf gun to be highly affordable as it includes all fifteen darts and is designed with high durability.
4. N-Strike Elite Dual Strike Blaster
Designed to hold Elite and Mega Whistler Darts
Easy for younger children to use
Highly affordable
Switching between darts is quick and easy
Only includes six darts
Those others will not have a chance when they come ready to battle with this dual blaster. It is the ultimate blaster that the company delivers with the power not only to blast one kind of darts but two kids. The coolest thing is it can even be switched right in the heart of the action. Switching from Mega darts to Elite darts is quick and easy giving the power of being able to blast three of each with each load.
Read moreDesign
This is the first nerf gun ever made that fires both the elite and mega whistler darts. Since the gun has the ability to hold both darts it has been designed with two different chambers. The top chamber holds three elite darts and the bottom barrel holds three mega darts. The gun will only fire one dart at a time but your child can switch between the types of darts they fire as much as they want.
Ease of Use
Choosing which darts to fire is easy as your child will simply have to move a switch. To fire the gun, your little one will need to pull back the handle, aim, and pull the trigger it’s as simple as that.
Value
Even though this gun is only designed to fire one dart at a time, its ability to hold two different types of nerf darts makes it worth every penny.
5. Zombie Strike Hammershot Blaster
Perfect strike zone Nerf gun
An all-time favorite
Has an appealing design
Shoots a whopping 90 feet
It may be a little challenging for some children to pull back the Strong-Hammer
Not always a reliable shot, at times it does not shoot off at all
In the zombie strike being ready is important. This is the zombie blaster that will hold the competition at bay with the double tap power. It is a blaster that features the power to launch up to five darts with each round. The reload is fast and the launching power is controlled by a pullback hammer that makes the whole loading and blasting process a one hand operation.
Read moreDesign
The Hammershot Blaster fires five soft-tipped Zombie Strike darts either in single shots or in rapid-fire mode. The handle of the Hammershot is designed like the leather strip-wrapped handles of classic revolvers. This is what kids will need to defeat the horde of zombies. Activating the rapid-fire action is as simple as pumping the Slam Fire handle.
Ease of Use
A one-hand Blaster is going to help a kid learn to multitask, with his two hands being utilized in multiple different actions--one on the barrel and one on the trigger to blast his opponent. One of the most interesting and fun times as a kid is when you are in the shooter game zone, reaching into the holster on your hip to pull out “More Bullets, quick reload!” The Zombie Strike Hammershot Blaster is one-of-a-kind to carry into a zombie apocalypse.
Value
The Hammershot is one great-looking shotgun or revolver, whichever you may want to call it. It’s a great tool for pretend zombie apocalypse play where your kid will be fighting with his friends to defeat the zombie menace. There are a lot of new nerf guns in the market, but this one is a classic, and we are sure that your child will love it!
6. N-Strike Elite Mega CycloneShock Blaster
High performance nerf launcher with mega firing power
Screaming darts that whistle as they fly
Drum holds 6 darts that can be launched without reloading
Includes blaster and 6 screaming darts
Darts can be launched up to 90 feet
Darts are difficult to load into the drum
When launcher gun is caulked the darts, not in the chamber will fall out easily
The experience of the excitement when the power of the top nerf guns are launched is un-canning. They feature the power to be able to launch darts through the air that screams. The power allows users to be able to launch 6 darts one after each other without having to reload. It is the launcher that players are looking for when they enter those mega battles.
Read moreDesign
The fun feature of this launcher is the screaming darts. When they are launched from the best nerf gun they make a screaming sound as they move through the air. Not only will the competition see them coming they will be able to hear them as well. It will totally shock the opponents plus the darts are able to travel about 90 feet when launched from this high power nerf.
The set includes the launching powered gun and 6 screaming darts. This high performance, mega powered, the shocking sounding blaster is the one that will keep you right on target throughout the whole competition.
Ease of Use
The screaming darts featured with this nerf gun is an advantage in the competition that everyone will see coming. The screaming power of the darts is for mega competitions that the high-performance launchers are perfect for. Not only will the opponents see them coming but they will hear them as well.
Value
The screaming darts are the main attraction to this launcher. It is fun when in a competition to see the opponents' faces when they see and hear the darts coming their way.
7. Fortnite Sp-L Elite Dart Blaster
Detachable barrel for more ways to play
Attach barrel for long distance and remove for short distance
Includes six darts, official Nerf gear
Internal clip holds three darts for launching one at a time before reloading is needed
Not very durable for drops
Darts often get jammed in the internal clip
Are your little in love with the game Fortnite? Do they enjoy playing with Nerf guns? Then this is the perfect combination of both for them. This is a Nerf gun that has been inspired by the game and a blaster has been created to look just like the ones in the game. They can now get together with their friends and play the game out together and get away from the screen for some time.
Read moreDesign
The Fortnite blaster has been designed with a barrel that is detachable. This makes the user be able to customize the Nerf gun in different ways. When the barrel is attached the blaster is perfect for long distance shooting and then when the barrel has been removed it is a more compact design that is great for short distance. It features a capacity of three darts at one time and can each be discharged before having to reload. All the user needs to do is prime, aim, and fire.
Ease of Use
Loading this Fortnite inspired blaster up with darts is easy. The blaster features an internal dart clip that holds three darts at a time. This allows for the blaster to be able to discharge each one of the three darts before needing to reload. It is simple, fast, and gets you back in action as soon as possible.
Value
What a better value on a Nerf gun than a blaster that can be made into different types of blasters. This is the perfect gun to be able to go into battle with because of its versatility. It is able to reach distant targets with the barrel attached and then when removed the blaster is the perfect compact designed blaster for short distances.
From indoor to outdoor play this the blaster that the kids will love getting to use.
8. Rival Artemis XVII-3000 Blue
Up to 30 rounds of ammo included
High-speed shooting rate
Rapid-fire to improve accuracy
Rotating barrel works in conjunction with slam-fire action
High-impact to aid in shot accuracy
For older age groups
Ammo may hurt or sting when coming into contact with bare skin
Talk about a cool-looking best nerf gun! The Rival Artemis XVII-3000 is unique in itself because it actually doesn’t fire darts. The “ammo” consists of Nerf balls that are high-powered and designed to come out at rapid speeds, in multiple rounds.
Read moreDesign
Truly for the Nerf purist and hardcore shooting game fan, the Rival is intended for an older group of pre-teens who are competitive, yet love to be active. The rate at which this Nerf gun fires ammo will drastically increase speed and agility, and really encourages kids to keep moving to their next cover in order to target their enemies.
Ease of Use
Accuracy is drastically improved in this Nerf gun with up to 30 rounds of ammo and a quick succession rate in between shootouts. The more accurate the target, the more fun the game, and the more happy your kid will be when he nails another one of his friends and racks up team points.
Value
These toy firearms are ageless, and that’s what makes them so much fun. Waging war amongst your friends has never been easier, no matter what age you are--even the older crowd who may be too “cool” for traditional, soft dart Nerf wars.
9. N-Strike Elite Delta Trooper
Gun can be customized for each battle
Lightweight and easy to carry
Designed to hold twelve darts at once
Shooting and reloading is a quick and easy task
Can be seen as expensive
Do you have a little one that is always looking for that one piece that allows them to be able to customize their experience? Then this is the Nerf gun for them. It is a customizable blaster that is ready for action out of the box but offers so much more. Available are additional items that make this blaster a high powered speed loaded blaster that is ready for the battle and more.
Read moreDesign
Once your child sees how threatening their opponent is, they can use the separate stock and barrel extension to build the Delta Trooper in a way that is most suited for that particular battle. Attaching the stock will help your child stabilize their shots the barrel extension will help with shooting targets that are at a distance. The overall look of the toy gun is super cool and will have your child fully immersing themselves into pretend play. Composed of durable plastic, this gun is designed to withstand countless backyard battles.
Ease of Use
Both shooting and loading the gun can be done quickly and easily. Children ages eight and up can easily carry, run, and play with the gun as it is lightweight.
Value
Equipped with a dart clip, this nerf gun has the ability to hold up to twelve darts at once. In fact, your child can fire a dozen darts at the same time before they will need to reload. Each dart has the ability to be shot up to 90 feet, and the barrel extension will make sure your child hits their target.
10. Zombie Strike Doominator Blaster
The 24 rounds are very accurate and shoot off with zero hesitation
An epic-looking gun, full of cool colors, there are all sorts of gadgets and gizmos to attach and detach
Two-in-one fire option, slam fire mode to shoot off all 24 darts or just release a single dart
Small children are going to really like this, it is easy to use
This is not battery-operated therefore lacking the management and money spent on guns that are
The trigger has been known to have a slight malfunction, in the case that it may need to be replaced for best use
When the rest of the world is preparing for a Zombie attack why wouldn’t the kids love to as well? This is a zombie Nerf blaster that is able to do a double tapping system to make sure that you can attack all those zombies at one time. It offers a quick draw that allows users to be able to blast five of the darts quickly with just a pulling back of the hammer. The repaid blasting gets them every time.
Read moreDesign
That’s 24 darts in total. The assault handle can slide along the barrel of the Doominator for optimum efficiency of firing. This is one mean zombie-killing machine. No zombie will ever get out alive if kids will be going on a patrol with the Doominator. Like its name, zombies are doomed.
Ease of Use
If you're a zombie getter looking for the biggest and best nerf gun to conquer that upcoming zombie attack, you will find an entire 24 rounds to launch off at those bad boys. A four-barrel rotating ammo system will keep every creature on the other side of the trigger. Don’t waste any more time--stock up with the right gear to dominate the zombie--better aim and accuracy for the kids who have the opportunity to try this out.
Value
The Doominator is a superb piece of toy gun technology. It’s helpful in fostering imaginative play which can enhance children’s social and emotional skills as well as cognitive and psychomotor skills.
11. N-Strike Elite Rhino-Fire Blaster
Dual-chamber
Motorized
50 darts included
Requires 6 D batteries
Not very portable
If you want to go all out this holiday season and spare no expense, you may want to check out the N-Strike Elite Rhino-Fire Blaster! This design has a tripod for added stability that helps your little one aim to hit their target every time. It has a motorized chamber to rapid-fire darts at a heart-pounding rate!
Read moreDesign
What makes this shooter different from many of the others out there is that it comes with a motor that speeds up the speed of darts shot. The chamber is able to hold 25 darts per drum, and the shooter comes with 2 drums. This set also comes with an impressive 50 darts complete-in-box.
Ease of Use
To work this shooter, simply pull back on one of the barrels to shoot the darts. Kids can pull just one, or pull back on both triggers to shoot off two darts at the same time! It is important to note that it requires 6 D batteries to operate, and they aren’t included with purchase.
Value
What we love most about this option is that it boasts a lot of power behind it. It’s a little heavier than many of the options out there on the list, which means that it isn’t something they will necessarily be able to run around with. However, it is hard to resist the rapid-fire coming from the dual chambers!
12. Evader Modulus
Very durable
Clear frame
Motorized chamber
Lights up
Difficult setup
The Evader Modulus has a drastically different outward appearance that doesn’t look like anything else in the Nerf lineup. What kids love about this design is that the entire shooter is completely clear so they can see how all of the mechanisms inside work together to shoot a dart right at their little brother!
Read moreDesign
The see-through design not only looks cool, but it also teaches kids how mechanical components work together to create movement. This shooter is super lightweight and is easy to hold, even for small hands. It is also motorized to create even more power and distance than manual designs.
Ease of Use
Unlike some of the bigger designs, the 2 Evader Modulus doesn’t demand all that many batteries. Simply load it up with 4 AA batteries and you are ready to go. This shooter comes with a set of 12 darts with the addition of a dart clip as well.
Value
What kids love most about the 2 Evader Modulus is the design of the frame, and the distance those darts travel with a little help from a motorized chamber. We love that it comes at an affordable price point (even with the addition of a motor), and is incredibly durable.
13. N-Strike HyperFire Blaster
Affordable
Shoots 90 feet
5 darts per second
Takes 6 D batteries
Heavy
What we like most about the N-Strike HyperFire Blaster is that it is lightweight and easy to use, but it also comes with features that make it stand out from the pack. The motor inside really sends those darts flying, making it a great shooter to take outdoors. Plus, it comes in at a reasonable price point that won’t break the bank.
Read moreDesign
It is important that the frame of this design as well as the weight makes it ideal for bigger kids. When completely loaded, this design weight is at just over 4 pounds (not including batteries. To put that in perspective, it is similar to holding a bag of sugar.
Ease of Use
This shooter comes equipped with 25 darts that need to be loaded into the central chamber. When turned on (with the help of 6 D batteries that are not included) it can shoot out 5 darts per second on fresh batteries. Plus, those darts are able to travel up to 90 feet!
Value
What we liked most about this design is that it is easy to load up, and a cinch to shoot. Kids love how quickly it is able to shoot out darts, and they are also impressed by the distance that they are able to travel. Parents love that it comes in at an affordable price point.
14. Ultra Two Motorized Blaster
Darts travel 120 feet
Lightweight
Affordable
Hits hard
Takes 6 AA batteries
What we like most about the Ultra Two is that it is a lot smaller than other designs in the Nerf lineup. This smaller frame is a great option for little hands, and it also boasts a lighter weight which makes it easier to wield while running around in the yard. Plus, it comes in at most of the most affordable price points making our list.
Read moreDesign
The very first thing that we noticed about the Ultra Two is that it has a small and compact frame. It weighs in at just over 1 pound, which makes it the perfect size for all ages (as long as they are older than the recommended age of 8).
Ease of Use
What makes the Ultra Two really stand out from the pack is that it has some of the longest flying darts in the entire shooter lineup. A dual motorized chamber is able to send a single dart flying an impressive 120 feet! This set comes with 6 darts, and shooters find that reloading is quick and easy.
Value
If you want something that is a little more affordable but still boasts some pretty jaw-dropping features, you can’t go wrong with the Ultra Two. The only downside of this design is that it requires 6 AA batteries and some little brothers found that the darts sting quite a bit when hit!
15. Fortnite SMG-E Blaster
Fornite inspired
Small frame
Affordable
Darts jam easily
What kid doesn’t love everything Fortnite? What we loved most about this Fortnite-themed shooter is that it is accented with bright colors in a small and compact frame. Plus, it will entice your children to jump off the video games and go run around in the yard for a while!
Read moreDesign
You may not see it, but this SMG-E Blaster is modeled after one of the more popular weapons in the game. Kids love this design because it looks like something right out of a video game, and has a small frame that is perfect for small hands and little arms.
Ease of Use
This shooter comes equipped with 6 Elite darts loaded into the chamber, as well as a clip with 6 spare darts to have at a moment’s notice. Kids find that loading the darts into the chamber is generally quick and easy, and the motorized chamber really sends them flying!
Value
If your little one is a little obsessed with Fortnite, there is no doubt they will be able to recognize this SMG-E Blaster. It boasts a very familiar frame as a popular weapon in the game, and it is lightweight and easy to use. Plus, it comes in at a super affordable price point that is a much better investment than V-bucks!
16. Fortnite BASR-L Bolt Action
No batteries required
Fortnite inspired
Removable scope
Darts don’t travel as far
There are few kids that won’t recognize this BASR-L Bolt Action shooter from Fortnite. The design is based upon one of the popular rifles in the game, and it boasts a lightweight and durable frame that can hold up to aggressive play. The best part of this design? It doesn’t require the use of batteries!
Read moreDesign
This slim design also boasts a removable scope, just like in the video game. Kids can look down the scope through the crosshair to line up their shot before taking action. To lighten the load, the scope clips off for a slimmer frame.
Ease of Use
This manual design uses a manual priming bolt that kids move back and forth to generate power before pulling on the trigger. By removing motors, it means that the darts won’t hurt as bad if you get hit by a stray dart (but it also means that they don’t travel as far as motorized options). Parents are sure to appreciate the absence of a motor for more reasons than one!
Value
If you want a way to drag your children away from video games for a moment, the Fortnite-inspired BASR-L Bolt Action is sure to attract their attention! What makes this option unique is that it clocks in at an affordable price point, and doesn’t require the use of batteries to operate. Plus, it comes with a 6 dart clip and 12 extra darts.
17. CS-18 N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike
East to load
Darts fly up to 90 feet
Heavy
Requires 4 C batteries
If your little one wants something that shoots quickly and far, the CS-18 N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike is worth checking out. It boasts a large frame that is equipped with a ton of bells and whistles that keeps kids occupied for hours. The motored chamber is able to quickly discharge darts that travel pretty far.
Read moreDesign
What we liked most about this Rapidstrike design is that the chamber holds up to 12 darts that can travel up to 90 feet (on fresh batteries). It is important to note that this design requires 4 C batteries, which adds to the overall weight of this design.
Ease of Use
Loading the darts into this design is a lot easier than some of the other designs that we have seen so far. This set comes equipped with 18 elite darts that load up into the clip. Simply attach the clip to the base of the shooter, pull back on the trigger, and watch those darts fly!
Value
If you want something that has a little extra power and is easy to use, this is a great option. Kids love how far the darts fly, and this option is just a little easier to low up (and is less prone to jamming) than some of the more complicated and expensive designs out there on the market.
18. Rival Charger MXX-1200 Motorized Blaster
Less likely to jam
Shoots up to 100 feet
Affordable
Balls are easily lost
Eats through batteries
What we liked most about this motorized blaster is that it can fire at a pretty impressive speed for distances much farther than some of the other designs that we have seen so far. It comes in a colorful fun frame, and instead of using darts, it uses small plastic balls. The use of the balls means there will be less of a chance that it will become jammed compared to darts.
Read moreDesign
While the frame is a little larger than some of the others, the weight is relatively light. Without batteries, it weighs in at just over 2 pounds. It is important to note that this design requires C batteries, and according to previous users, it eats through batteries pretty fast.
Ease of Use
The biggest difference between this and many of the other options in the Nerf line is that it opts for balls instead of darts. When fired, these bright plastic rounds can travel up to 100 feet on fully charged batteries! The only downside to balls over darts, however, is that they are more prone to become lost or misplaced.
Value
If you want something that is a little bit different than other dart designs, the Rival Charger MXX-1200 Motorized Blaster is a great choice. We love that loading it up is quick and easy, and the use of balls over darts greatly reduces the risk that the chamber will become jammed.
19. Longstrike Modulus Blaster with Barrel Extension
Darts don’t hit very hard
Lightweight
Lots of accessories
Darts don’t shoot very far
Jams easily
The thing that kids love most about the Longstrike Modulus Blaster is that it comes with a lot of extra bells and whistles to keep things exciting. While this may cost a bit more than some of the other more affordable options in the Nerf lineup, the bonus features included with this set makes it well worth the slightly elevated price tag. The best part? No batteries required!
Read moreDesign
The most notable feature about this set is all of the extra accessories that are included with the purchase. It comes equipped with a barrel extension, removable scope, and a bi-pod. It also comes with 18 Modulus Blaster darts with three 6 dart clips for fast and easy reloading as well as storage.
Ease of Use
To shoot, simply pump the primer with air and the pull back on the trigger to send those darts flying. Omitting batteries means that the darts won’t shoot as far as motorized designs, but it also means that they don’t hit as hard. Plus, this is one of the lighter options out there, weighing in at just over 2 pounds.
Value
If you are in the makret for a shooter that boasts a lot of extra bells and whistles to keep things exciting, you can’t go wrong with this option. Kids love that it is easy to load, and parents love that it doesn’t requite batteries to sting too much wne you get hit!
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
Because we are essentially talking about a single product line of one particular toy manufacturer, we needed to modify our approach to coming up with our list of the top 19.
We had to look at the overall design of the best nerf gun as well as the inherent features that it has. Consequently, we had to examine these features in terms of what it can do for children’s development. We then considered what other parents are saying about these toys. With these, we were able to come up with the 19 best Nerf toy guns. We are optimistic that kids will surely have countless hours of fun playing with them.
Ease of Use
Choosing to allow your kids to play with Nerf guns or any toy gun for that matter is an intensely personal decision.
Nevertheless, here are some tips you may want to consider to help make sure that your child is playing with his or her toys in a safe manner. Always choose a non-realistic looking toy gun.
Children must learn that Nerf guns are toys and like any other toy should be used as instruments of imagination and creativity. If you give them ultra-realistic toy guns, they will no longer be able to use their imagination to the fullest simply because you are giving them an exact replica of the real thing. That is why child development psychologists prefer giving kids sticks with which to pretend and make-believe as guns or even lightsabers.
This is where Nerf guns are highly valuable since they really do look more like toys than they are gun replicas. Take time to talk to your children about gun safety. It is equally important to sit down and talk to your kids about gun safety. You may be surprised to learn that many kids don’t necessarily equate guns with killing, violence, and death. For many kids, guns project power and control-–the power to take full control of their fantasies and imaginations.
You may want to start by gaining an understanding of how your kids look at pistols and what it means to them to play with toy firearms. You may join him or her in one of his or her playtime activities and remark how he or she is having fun. The point is for you to be consistent in underscoring the difference between a real gun and a toy nerf gun. You will also have to emphasize that the best nerf gun is excellent for pretend play.
Limit your kid’s exposure to violent video or TV programming. Many parents believe that if there is one thing we should be particularly be concerned about, that would be the increasing number of children’s shows and video games that expose them to violence. For example, another toy category that is hotly debated is video games especially those that espouse gore and violence. Compared to playing with toy guns, this is where child developmental psychologists clearly draw the line further, saying that the amount of exposure to violence in television shows and video games can adversely affect the emotional and social development of children.
If your kid is going to play with these types of toys, make sure he or she limits his or her exposure to violent video or TV programming. Always monitor your kid’s gunplay; but, don’t prohibit. We all know that play is a child’s way of learning more about himself or herself as well as the world around him or her. This is also true when playing with Nerf pistols. However, it is crucial that we keep an eye on their playtime activities so that they are within the limits of what can be generally considered safe.
This simply means that children should be able to observe appropriate times for play. Anything in excess should always be managed accordingly. For example, if all your kid wants to do is play with his or her nerf gun without doing his or her homework or even skipping meals, then you know that gun-play is getting out of hand. In such cases, you may need to withhold the plaything for the meantime and set some rules for your kid to regain access to his or her playthings. Play target practice with the whole family.
What better way to teach kids about the value of toy guns than joining them for an afternoon of a target practice session? You don’t need a fancy target. You can just draw a figure of a bull’s eye on an ordinary paper, hang it anywhere, and then compete on who can shoot closest to the center. Or, you can prop some empty plastic jars or cups on your fence and start shooting.
You can then introduce the concept of gun safety to your kids and reinforce the idea that toy guns like Nerf blasters are very useful instruments for pretend or make-believe play. Just like owning a gun entails a great sense of responsibility and accountability, so does letting our kids play with toy guns. It is, therefore, our job to guide them to the best of our abilities so they grow up respecting the awesome power of weapons.
Value
With the ever-growing concern about violence, it would be quite understandable to say that playing with the best nerf gun at such an early age can lead to aggression and firearm violence in adulthood.
We don’t condone violence and while we do respect the provisions of the Second Amendment, we also recognize the fact that it is our sole responsibility, as parents and as guardians of our children, to teach them about how to properly use their toy weapons.
Owning a firearm, even if it is only a toy, requires a great sense of responsibility. This should be the focus of our attention whenever we see our kids playing with toy guns.
Contrary to what we may believe in, studies now show that children who play with toy guns do not necessarily grow up to become violent individuals or commit violent crimes. Research now shows that there is clearly no scientific evidence that suggests playing with toy guns and role-playing war games during childhood can lead to real-life violence and aggression in adulthood.
This also was echoed by other authors and experts in child development psychology. To back up their claim, they have cited studies wherein felons and other individuals who have committed violent crimes have never played with toy guns in childhood or even participated in war game fantasy play. Likewise, there were plenty of individuals who have remained law-abiding members of society even though they did play with toy guns in childhood.
Again, for those who think that toys that depict violence or are used as instruments of aggression and violence, we respect your views. In fact, there is a very clear divide between those who see toy guns as encouraging violence and those who see these toys for what they truly are-–as toys that help stimulate and enhance the optimum growth and development of children. Regardless of the side you are on in this debate, it is quite important to look at how kids actually play.
This should give us an understanding of what toy guns and other similar toys can do for children of a particular age.
Experts agree that 60 to 80 percent of young boys prefer aggressive play, while only 30 percent of young girls do. This is why many of the toys that are geared for young boys are inherently action-packed and full of adventure. They love pretending to be knights who kill dragons, the Jedi master who defeats the Empire, and the marksman who hunts down his prey.
They also love action figures from Transformers to GI Joes to WWE and WWF action figures. On the other hand, young girls prefer to play with home-related and beauty-related toys. That’s why they love dolls as well as other playthings that will allow them to role-play the family. Since time immemorial, it has always been this way. Unfortunately, scientists, sociologists, and child experts alike cannot explain whether this phenomenon is inherently wired to genetics or is it a form of a socially learned behavior?
We all know that play is needed by every child to help him or her to grow and develop optimally. This means that it is through play that children learn about the different things around them including their bodies, different people and the associated relationships established with these people, and every other aspect of daily living. It is also through play that they are able to develop their psychomotor skills, which become the foundation for the continued development of their coordination, proprioception, sensorimotor, and balance.
In many respects, their spatial intelligence also is developed. It is also through play that children develop and enhance their cognitive abilities, their social skills, and their emotional well-being.
Nerf gun safety is the number one priority. When kids are safe and practice safety first, Nerf guns are a fun and social game that is enjoyed by everyone.
Please keep in mind that the best Nerf gun has not been created to be used for children under 6 years of age. If younger children are using Nerf toys it is very important that they are supervised by an adult.
Other Factors to Consider
Safety
Just as adults are debating as to the rightful place of guns in modern society, with the nation clearly divided between pro- and anti-gun advocates, there is a little revolution that is occurring elsewhere, perhaps stemming from the same debate. Parents everywhere are also divided as to the nature of toy guns. On one side of the equation are parents who view toy guns, even Nerf blasters, to be instruments of violence, and that these should not be included or categorized as a toy.
On the other side of the equation are those who see these toy weapons essential to a child’s development particularly in terms of providing them with opportunities for dramatic and fantasy play.
Physical Development
Have you seen a shooter walking casually from cover to cover? Playing with toy firearms help encourage children to be more physically active. They have to run, crawl and even jump over obstacles to avoid getting hit. This helps strengthen their muscles and improve overall stamina. Toy firearms also help improve fine-motor skills, spatial intelligence, and, more importantly, hand-eye coordination especially in the timing of the shot.
Social Development
Children who play with popular nerf guns in a pretend war game have to decide which side they are on and what roles they have to play. For example, they may decide to role-play the battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. In such play, children will have to talk about who will play who as well as decide on the rules of the game. They then have to play it and attempt to remain true to the original objectives of the game.
They learn cooperation and teamwork. More importantly, they will learn to control or manage their impulses, which can help them to tone down their aggression. This leads to healthier self-concept, boosting self-esteem and fostering emotional development.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How do I maximize firing distance?
The biggest key to making sure your darts will reach maximum distance capable, is to ensure that they are 100% in tip-top shape. A crooked dart is not going to do much good in battle and it is likely that a damaged dart can cause the shooting device to jam. It becomes stuck easily in the barrel if it is frayed or torn in any place.
Next, you will want to ensure that the given Nerf blaster is aimed anywhere in between 35-40 degrees in angle, then make sure that the lowest point while holding your blaster is at the very least four feet up from the ground.
Anytime that you are shooting, you will want to take into consideration the elements of the war zone. If there is a lot of wind or rain, it is likely that your distance will have lag due to the lightweight materials and the foam used in all Nerf darts. With that being said, you are ready to choose the best nerf gun from our list that will suit your child.
q: Exactly who was the developer of the first Nerf product?
In 1969 the Parker brothers developed the very first Nerf ball. It was a four-inch polyurethane ball that had just the right density to become the most popular first indoor ball. It was marketed with a special slogan as follows; “Throw it indoors. You can’t damage lamps or break windows. You can’t hurt babies or old people.” This ball skyrocketed in sales, later becoming one of the most popular toys on the market.
q: Can I find discounted blasters made by Nerf?
The best way to find a discounted product is either going to the online store or at a local store. At the online retailer, you will find products like discontinued shooters at a low cost, although these toy pistols that have been long-outdated will not be found here.
q: What is the name of the very first Nerf Blaster and what did it consist of?
A product called the Blast-a-Ball is one of the first blasters to ever exist. Although this product is long-discontinued, this was the mark of a change within this company. It was the start of a long line and multiple series of Nerf blasters to follow.
Originally it was created as a set, so that two people could have a lot of fun together playing with it. Four Ballistic balls and two Blasters comprised the set, going above and beyond the standards and expectations of consumers.
It makes a very loud “pop” noise when the massive single-fire balls are launched off. This was the first hand-held foam weapon that shot ballistic balls, and it was also passed in quality and design one year later by the Blast-a-Matic.
q: Exactly how does one utilize and charge the glow-in-the-dark darts and discs?
The glow-in-the-dark dart blaster was first invented in 1997 and was called the Max Force Electric Eel. The Eel had a translucent clip that helped these bad boys to recharge without having to leave their place or left out in the sun.
This phenomenon was later touched by Nerf again in 2003, through the release of the Micro-Darts. The trick behind getting these neat little bullets to glow is sunlight, or the Firefly Tech clip to keep them recharged. These nifty darts are sold in packs of six, eight, and even 12, or 16. They are a sure-fire way to have fun in a low-light setting.
q: How should one care blaster darts?
The best thing you can do to ensure continuous fun and accuracy with your blasters, is to care for its bullets properly. You will want to load your blaster with the correct bullets for them to be capable of shooting off in the first place. There are just four kinds of blaster darts available for purchase; Whistler darts, Suction darts, Dart Tag darts, and lastly N-STRIKE ELITE darts.
You will want to be sure that your darts are not exposed, or at least not often, to weather conditions that do not support their continual usage, like rain, snow, and other elements like dirt.
Sources
- List of Nerf series, Factual Article ,
- NERF FAQ, Article ,
- 15 Things You Didn't Know About NERF, Website ,
- Nerf, Definition ,
- Nerf Dart Buying Guide, Guide ,
- Whistler Dart, Product Information ,
- Blast-a-Ball, Product Information ,
- Glow-in-the-dark-dart, Product Information ,