Nerf guns are a great source of harmless fun. A lot of you might have used them when you were kids or you might have always been interested in them. With time, Nerf guns have consistently changed, and the more modern models can do amazing things. From rapid-fire to special guns that shoot balls so that you can play with your dog, there are now a wider number of possibilities. Here, we have compiled some of what we think are the best Nerf guns currently in the market.
Nerf N-Strike Mega Megalodon Blaster
The Megalodon had been advertised for the fall of 2019; however, Hasbro released it earlier this year, and it’s a great success. Despite looking bigger than most Nerf guns, you can still hold it with just one hand. It has the capacity for holding up to 20 darts a time, which gives you a great advantage over other guns. Furthermore, with a range of approximately 85 feet, it’s perfect for bombarding your enemies without getting too close.
For more cool toys like this, be sure to browse our list of the best water guns.
Nerf Rival Apollo XV-700 Star Wars Exclusive Edition
How cool would it be to have a Nerf gun that pays homage to one of the greatest movie franchises ever? This gun was released during the launch of the Star Wars’ video game, Battlefront II, in 2017. It continues to be a fan favorite to this date. It can hold up to 12 rounds at a time, and it looks as if it was taken directly from a Star Wars’ battle. Star Wars lovers old and young will love this Nerf gun.
Nerf N Strike Elite Strongarm
Hasbro released this Nerf gun in 2013 and it continues to be a strong contender among the many options available to you. One of its best features is the fact that you can take the cylinder almost entirely out when you need to reload. This makes things much easier and faster. Besides, it can hold up to six darts, with the possibility of adding more accessories. This is thanks to the short tactical rail that’s an instrumental part of the gun.
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Nerf Zombie Strike FlipFury Blaster
Your best option to blast all those brain-eating zombies might be this weapon released in 2015. This is a late addition to the Zombie Strike series, launched in 2014. The FlipFury can hold up to 12 darts at a time thanks to its double barrels, which hold six darts each. Many people buy two of these and grab one on each hand. They can do this thanks to how lightweight the gun is. Despite its size, it’s a very accurate blaster, and it has the slam fire feature, which is a great advantage.
Rival Nemesis MXVII-10K Nerf Gun
This gun is adequately named after the goddess of vengeance in Greek mythology. The Nemesis was released in 2017 and it can hold up to 100 rounds. It can hold more, but there’s a risk for jamming it if you try this. However, we have to say that 100 rounds might very well be more than enough. This gun is completely automatic, and it uses D batteries. It has not one but two tactical rails, which can help you accessorize it as you wish. An important note is that if you want it to fire automatically, you have to wait a couple of seconds with the trigger pressed before it begins. Make sure you are not blasted before then! This gun would also make an excellent gift for 9-year-old boys.
Nerf N-Strike Elite Rhino-Fire Blaster
This sizeable weapon is one of the best to get into the role of an intrepid sniper. Released in 2014, it continues to be a big favorite. The reasons are clear: with two barrels, it can hold a total of 50 rounds. Furthermore, it doesn’t require special darts to use it. One of the cons is that the battery can die fairly quickly. Therefore, you might want to save it for strategic moves and very specific attacks.
Thanks to its four rails, different attachments can be added, giving you a wider range of options while using this interesting weapon. The range is estimated at 90 feet, which gives you plenty of cover to protect yourself from your enemies and attacking them when they least expect it.
Nerf N-Strike Elite Jolt Blaster
When stealth and accuracy are at play, this might be your best bet. The Elite Jolt Blaster was launched in 2011, and it’s one of the most reliable and potent one-shot guns. It has been re-released three different times with different series and colors. Due to it having a capacity for only one dart, it can be your secret weapon. It has great power, and it rarely deviates directions. Showing only one of the bigger guns might give you an advantage while you hide the Jolt Blaster in your back pocket. Taking it out at the last second might be your saving grace against your enemies.
Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike
This triple threat was released in 2016, and it’s one of the most complete weapons Hasbro has released so far. It can fire two types of darts: elite and mega, as well as missiles. This will make you more dangerous than ever against your opponents. Furthermore, it has a slam fire feature, which only works for the main blaster. This is one of the most intimidating Nerf guns, and its high power and variety of options are certainly a treat.
Nerf N-Strike Elite EX-3 Triad Blaster
This blaster is a very smart weapon released in 2013. It has been designed so that only one of the three darts is released at a time. With a range of approximately 75 feet, this is a great weapon to be used in long-distance combat. It’s highly effective and powerful, which makes it a long-time favorite. Furthermore, its small size allows for easy concealment of the gun, making it perfect for a surprise attack.
Nerf N-Strike Mega Twin Shockblaster
This rapid-fire gun was released in 2017, and it packs a lot of power. One of our favorite features is that it can shoot two mega darts at the same time while holding 10 of them. It can also shoot one at a time; it’s completely up to you! One of its main qualities is the long range this powerful weapon has. It can shoot at a distance of 85 feet, making it one of the guns with the highest range.
Nerf Doomlands The Judge Blaster
This is undoubtedly an intimidating one. This huge gun was released in 2017, and it’s part of the line-up released with the Doomslands 2169 series. It’s not only intimidating because of how it looks but also for what it can hold. With a capacity for 30 darts, it can shoot up to three darts at a time! There’s a small caveat, which is that it shoots faster when there’s only one dart in the chamber instead of three. One of the coolest features of this gun is that it has a see-through panel, meaning you can watch the entire mechanism in action.
Infinus Nerf N-Strike Elite
This is one of the newest members of the Elite series. The Infinus was released in 2018, although information regarding its upcoming launch leaked in 2017. This created great anticipation as the Infinus has some very unique features. The new technology present in this weapon allows for it to be quickly reloaded. Furthermore, there are specific lights that give you information about its readiness for firing. It can hold up to 30 rounds, and it has two tactical rails. Therefore, you can accessorize it with awesome attachments to make your attack even better.
Nerf Elite Titan CS-50 Blaster
This gun is a beauty, with an automated system that allows you to shoot 50 darts one after the other. With a shoulder strap that will make you feel tougher than ever, this newest model was only released this year. This is one of the priciest Nerf guns, but it’s very powerful and an investment that might be worth it. One of our favorite features is the acceleration trigger, although the flywheel blaster undoubtedly takes the prize.
Nerf Zombie Strike Brainsaw Blaster
If you want to get into the mindset of a zombie apocalypse, this might be the gun for you. Released in 2016, its most attractive feature is the rotating saw. This makes the setting more realistic if zombies are involved. Furthermore, it can hold up to eight darts, which makes it a great companion to guns with a larger capacity. It can shoot up to one dart at a time with great power. Due to how lightweight it is, you can carry another gun to complement this one if necessary.
Nerf Modulus Longstrike Blaster
This new Longstrike was released in October of 2018 after its production was leaked in September of the same year. One of its more attractive features is that the long barrel is optional. meaning that you can attach it or not depending on the type of fight you’re facing. It has two tactical rails for further accessorizing, and it can hold up to six darts in one clip. Your sniper dreams might be about to come true with this one. Do keep in mind, though, that the range might not be as high as we hoped.
Nerf N-Strike Elite Terrascout Drone
For huge Nerf fans, there is this much more expensive option that offers amazing features. If you’re not that much into close-body combat, this might be the right choice for you. The Terrascout Drone was released in 2016, with an exclusive re-release for Toys R Us in 2017. This drone is capable of showing you what’s taking place on the battlefield through a live feed. Furthermore, you can fire up to 18 darts against your enemies. This is the capacity the Drone has. The special edition has a 35-dart capacity. The range is impressive as well, reaching approximately 50 feet.
Nerf N-Strike Elite Rampage Blaster
This model was launched in 2012 and has had three re-releases since then. The latest one took place in 2019, and it brought updates, such as a clip with 18 darts and a shoulder stock. Slam firing is one of the available features, and it has two tactical rails for you to attach your favorite additions. With a 75-foot range, it’s one versatile weapon. Reloading can be difficult, though, so you might want to look for good cover first.
Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster
Although this one is not technically a gun, we thought it was too cool to be ignored. This tennis dog blaster is perfect for including your dog in a friendly game. Of course, the purpose is not to hit your beloved pet but to keep them entertained and make them feel welcomed. It has a 50-foot range, which will make your daily game of catch all the more interesting. It can hold up to four tennis balls at a time.
Previous List and Notable Recommendations
Nerf N-Strike Elite Triad EX-3 Blaster
Looking for the best budget-friendly Nerf gun? Look no further than the Nerf N-Strike Elite Triad EX-3 Blaster. This is an excellent Nerf weapon for kids 8 and up. Conveniently holding 3 Nerf darts, this gun will allow you to hit your target at distances up to 90 feet. This Blaster is small enough to conceal in your pocket and rests easily in the palm of your hand. Easily reload with a single plunge. All in all, if you’re looking to add a new Nerf gun to your arsenal, and you don’t have much money to spend, the Nerf N-Strike Elite Triad EX-3 Blaster is the right choice.
Nerf Zombie Strike Brainsaw Blaster
The name itself is cool, but the gun is even cooler. There are some unique design features to this gun that make it stand apart from the rest. It will hold 8 darts, with two on each side. The gun is large in size, yet still lightweight and easy to carry. Enjoy the chainsaw blade spinning feature that looks super cool and doesn’t even require batteries. With your purchase, you receive 9 foam zombie strike darts, and the gun is suitable for ages 8 and up. If you’re looking for a super cool gun that is easy to use, this is the answer for you.
Nerf N-Strike Elite AccuStrike Raptor Strike
Looking for a gun to impress your Nerf buddies? This is the answer. The AccuStrike Raptor Strike comes from the famous AccuStrike series. Enjoy bolt-action precision shooting with 18 AccuStrike darts. There’s an extendable bipod that helps to stabilize the blaster, and a cool pop up sight that gives you the ultimate in precision. With your purchase you’ll receive 18 darts, a 2-piece bolt, bipod, and two clips, and there are no batteries required. This is the perfect gun for ages 8 and up. It seriously brings on the intimidation factor.
Nerf Doomlands 2169 Negotiator Blaster
This exclusive gun is affordable, super cool-looking, and quite efficient. With the negotiator, you can fire 8 darts continuously from the 8-dart rotating drum. The darts that this gun uses are foam Nerf Doomlands Elite darts, and they come included with your purchase. Coming in at a reasonable price, the Negotiator does not require batteries and is suitable for ages 8 and up. With weight about a pound, the Negotiator is lightweight and easy to use.
Nerf Zombie Strike FlipFury Blaster
This is a Nerf gun that is only for the cool kids. The FlipFury has two separate barrels that hold up to 6 darts each. Fire up to 12 darts continuously without needing to stop and reload. You can easily flip the rotating barrels during your Nerf battle, and that means you can access a full round once your ammo from the other side is used up. With your purchase you receive 12 Zombie Strike darts for accurate and straight shots every time. This is a great gun for adult Nerf games, but it can also be used by children.
Nerf N-Strike Elite SurgeFire
Feel the surge with this cool gun that looks great and is top quality. With 15 darts, you can fire one after the other without needing to reload. The rotating drum of 15 darts allows for precise shooting up to 90 feet away. The Elite darts are included with your purchase. For this high-quality gun you’re going to pay a reasonable price, but keep in mind that it is heavier than the other guns, weighing in at 2.6 pounds.
Nerf Modulus Tri-Strike
This is one of the most versatile Nerf guns on the market. The Tri-Strike offers 3 types of firing options which include standard, mega, and missile style. You can choose to use 1 type, 2 types, or all 3 types of shooting modes when you customize the gun. There are no batteries required for the Tri-Strike, and the design features a struck and horizontal grip for added stability and control. With your purchase you receive Mega dart barrel extension, missile launcher, 4 mega darts, 10 elite darts, and a 10 dart clip. Weighing in at 4 pounds, this gun runs on the heavier end of the scale.
Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster
In our opinion, the very best Nerf gun on the market is the Strong-arm Blaster. This revolver-style gun features a rotating barrel which holds 6 Elite darts. Not only is the gun affordable, it works well with any type of Nerf dart. That means that if you have other darts in your Nerf collection, you can go ahead and load them into the Strongarm.
This gun is famous for its rapid-firing capabilities. Shoot off one dart after the other at a range of up to 90 feet using the 6-dart Slam Fire blasting feature. Precision and fun all rolled into one, this gun is going to ensure that you have a fighting chance in every battle that you undertake.
It’s okay when you run out of ammo, because the barrel flips open, making it quick and easy to reload to get you back onto the battle field as soon as possible. Most users agree that the Strong-arm is easy to hold and lightweight. Like most other Nerf guns, this one does not require batteries and it’s suitable for ages 8 and up. The ideal darts to use with this gun are the Elite darts, which are famous for precision and quality. They have a hollow, flexible tip and are made of foam.
If you’re looking for efficiency, precision, and speed, this is the gun for you. Not only that, but it looks super cool and comes in at a reasonable price.
Nerf Rival Nemesis
If you’re looking to give a gift to a child or Nerf fan, this is the right choice. Keep in mind that this one is only suitable for ages 14 and up. The motorized gun uses 6 D batteries and can shoot up to 100 rounds. Your purchase comes with Nemesis MXVII-10K foam pellets which are designed to travel long distances while still being soft and safe to use. That means no bruises on your target.
The top hopper feed makes this gun very easy to load and allows for seamless firing until the ammo is gone. Choose from either red or blue. If you have a number of these guns, you can form teams based upon color. The trigger lock and tactical rail make it safe and fun to use. Weighing 8 pounds, this is one of the heavier Nerf guns, and that’s why it’s not suitable for those younger than 14.
Nerf Zombie Strike Hammershot Blaster
This is for the intense Nerf wars that heat up your yard each summer. The Hammershot Blaster is one of the highest quality Nerf guns thanks to its sturdy frame and precision. It holds 5 Zombie Strike darts which come included with your purchase. Hammer action blasting is thanks to the sturdy trigger that prevents any accidental shots. The click hammer makes this gun easy and fun to reload. Weighing in at only 1 pound, this gun is ideal for ages 8 to 11.
Nerf N-Strike Elite Rhino-Fire Blaster
The Rhino-Fire is another top-rated Nerf gun that is turning heads. It manages to rapid fire Elite darts from two alternating barrels with speedy motorized blasting. There is a removable tripod that helps to steady your shots, and it holds 25 Elite darts in each of 2 separate drums. With your purchase you receive 50 Elite darts, and the required 6 D batteries are not included.
Nerf N-Strike Elite Retaliator
The Retaliator is designed for destruction, but in a playful way. It comes with a 12-dart clip and fires darts up to 90 feet in distance. Enjoy the stock and barrel extension and 12 Elite darts that come with your purchase. There are 4 different configurations to this gun, and the removable stock gives you a steady shot that you can count on. There are a number of N-Strike accessories that can be added to this gun thanks to the top and bottom tactical rails on the barrel extension. The stability handle enhances your mobility, and your purchase comes with a 12-dart Quick Reload Clip.
The Safety of Nerf Guns
Although Nerf guns are fun and exciting, it’s important to ask yourself whether or not they’re safe. Parents can get a bit concerned when it comes to these kinds of toys, and that’s particularly true since some theories state that these guns can lead to future violence. Let’s examine whether or not you should have a Nerf gun in your home.
The truth is that Nerf guns are very safe to use. They are made from lead-free materials and are designed with safety in mind. Darts and ammo for Nerf guns are made from light and safe foam that cannot do damage to the body. That being said, there are still some tips that you can take to heart to make sure that your Nerf experience is a safe one.
- Never look down the barrel of the gun. This seems like common sense, but it’s important that you tell your children this. Although the ammo is made of foam, it can still do damage to the eye at short distances.
- Similar to a real weapon, when it’s not in use you want to take your finger off the trigger and point the gun towards the ground. Although it’s safe to get hit by a Nerf gun, it can still be unsettling when there is an accidental firing and someone gets hit that was not expecting it. Instill in your children proper etiquette when using a Nerf gun.
- When the gun is not in use, it should not be loaded. Again, this is to prevent accidental shooting.
- One rule of thumb is that face shots should not be allowed. Teach your children that only aiming for the body is the proper way to use the gun.
- Always use safety glasses and masks. This should be non-negotiable. Goggles and safety glasses should be purchased separately and used during every Nerf war.
- No one should be allowed to fire a Nerf weapon at pets. It should also be forbidden to fire the Nerf gun at those who are not playing.
- Make sure that your kids are playing Nerf in a safe place. Ideally, that would be an enclosed backyard. There should be no opportunity to wander into the street or other dangerous area.
- If you’re having a Nerf war at your home, tell your neighbors. That’s not only to prepare them for the noise, but if your kids like to dress up in dark clothes and masks while having a Nerf war, it can seriously freak out your neighbors. For this reason, shoot the neighbors a quick text and let them know what’s going on to avoid any confusion.
- Never, ever allow the kids to paint the guns. They may be tempted to paint them black or with camo, but this is a very dangerous thing to do and can lead to confusion.
- Always adhere to the age requirements for each model of gun. It can be dangerous when someone’s age is not suitable.
- Make sure there are no alterations to the foam darts. They can never be weighted or changed in any way to make them more dangerous.
- One of the best rules of thumb is to respect those who are not part of the game. Someone who does not want to receive the blow of a Nerf dart shouldn’t have to. Instill proper etiquette so that your kids understand who is okay to shoot and who is not okay to shoot. It’s a matter of respect.
A Note About Ammo
As you may know, with a high firing rate Nerf gun the ammo runs out quickly. There’s nothing more annoying than being engaged in an intense Nerf battle, only to learn that you have to stop and reload. Most of these guns do not come with additional ammo, and that’s why it’s suggested that you buy additional ammo in order to keep the game going.
The great thing about Nerf guns is that they have a high capacity and fire darts very quickly! But the upside is also the downside when it comes to Nerf guns. The good news is that it’s easy to purchase additional ammo on the Nerf website or Amazon. Make sure that you note what kind of ammunition your gun takes before you purchase.
One thing that you’ll notice when purchasing additional ammo is that they all look the same. In general, they are cylinder-shaped, made of soft foam and with a rubber tip. The thing that really tells them apart is the color, which you’ll notice, there is a wide array of.
Keep in mind that AccuStrike darts actually work with all Nerf guns, so if you’re at a loss, that’s what you need to get. The Mega dart is larger than the standard dart, and it makes a cool whistling sound as it’s flying through the air. Large darts add a lot of fun to Nerf battles, but sadly, they’re not as accurate as standard darts.
Note that the Nerf Rival Nemesis actually uses foam balls instead of darts, which adds a little variety to the battle. These balls are remarkably precise and safe, but they’re still only for those 14 and older.
11 Fun Nerf Facts
If you’re a Nerf Nerd, then you no doubt already know a lot about Nerf, but there’s always more to learn! We’re going to explore some fun Nerf facts that maybe you didn’t realize.
- Did you know that Nerf comes from drag racing? In the ‘60s, trucks were used to push drag cars to the starting line, and they had foam-covered balls on the front of the trucks. These were known as nerf balls, and they were meant to prevent damage to the cars.
- The same guy that invented Twister, Reyn Guyer, also invented the first Nerf product. It was a 4-inch polyurethane foam ball. Parker Brothers introduced it in 1970 as the world’s first indoor ball. Millions of them were sold in the first year.
- In 1970, the famous band known as the Monkees appeared in a Nerf commercial.
- “Throw it indoors; you can’t damage lamps or break windows. You can’t hurt babies or old people.” This was one of Nerf’s original ad lines.
- In 1972, the Nerf football rose to fame. It was invented by Minnesota Vikings kicker Fred Cox. Nerf basketball and baseball were soon to follow.
- Ever heard of the Power Drencher? You probably haven’t, because it was the original name of the Super Soaker. It hit the market in 1989, and was invented by aerospace engineer Lonnie Johnson. It was not until 2010 that the Super Soaker became a Nerf product.
- The first dart blaster was the Nerf Sharpshooter, and it was introduced in 1992.
- George Clooney has been known to prank people on the set using Nerf products. He’s known to fire a Nerf gun in between takes, and when he really feels feisty, he’ll keep one behind the camera so that he can shoot a fellow actor who has a bad take.
- Nerf has appeared in a number of television shows, including 30 Rock, The Office, Chuck, and Modern Family.
- You could circle the globe four times with all the Nerf darts that have been sold in the past 5 years.
- Nerf designers test prototypes in a number of recreated areas. That means that they have a huge warehouse with simulated dorm rooms, cubicles, bedrooms, and basements. Can you imagine running around a fake dorm room all day long testing a Nerf prototype, and getting paid for it?
Conclusion
As funny as it sounds, not only is a Nerf gun a fun toy, but it’s also a good way to teach children gun etiquette. Also, they’re perfectly safe, fun to use, and there are a number of varieties on the market to choose from. You may get overwhelmed in your search for the perfect Nerf gun, but rest assured that with a little research you’re sure to find something that is perfect for the whole family.
When considering various products, take into account their price, size, weight, style, and the amount of ammo that they hold. It’s always important to adhere to the age requirements when it comes to a Nerf gun, and follow our safety suggestions as closely as you can to ensure that your Nerf wars are prosperous and without casualties.
For decades, Nerf has mastered the art of allowing kids to play inside and have fun, but over the years their products are geared towards indoor and outdoor wars. Whether you agree with the ethics of Nerf toys or not, you can’t deny that they’re superior to video games. Nerf guns encourage your children to get outdoors and get moving. They inspire competition and teamwork, and they are designed to keep everyone safe in the process.
