Keeping kids occupied over the summer is a challenge. There are a lot of fun activities, including summer camps, beach days and outdoor games. However, it’s also a smart idea to think about a few activities kids can do while stuck at home. Nerf guns are a favorite pastime of many — even adults love getting in on the action.
Our favorite, the Nerf Longstrike Modulus Blaster, has a range of customization options and comes with plenty of darts. Continue reading to find out what you should know before buying a Nerf gun and discover our other favorite picks.
What to know before you buy a Nerf gun
Here are a few things to consider before buying a Nerf gun.
How old is your child?
Keep in mind the age of your child when picking out a Nerf gun. Nerf guns come in all styles and sizes, and some are easier to load and fire than others. A younger child may not be able to correctly hold, load or pull the trigger independently. Depending on your child’s age, you may also want to take note of a gun’s velocity. You probably want to choose a gun with a lower speed for younger children.
Space
It might seem fun to pick a gun with a long shooting range. However, if the gun is going to be used indoors and you don’t have a lot of space, the darts are going to be hitting a lot of walls. If you have a large outdoor space, a longer shooting range would be beneficial.
Set Nerf gun safety rules
Setting some safety rules before bringing home a Nerf gun is an excellent idea. Here are a few rules you might consider instituting.
Do not shoot people above the neck.
Always wear safety glasses.
Do not shoot anyone not involved in your game.
Keep your gun pointed at the ground when not aimed at the target.
Nerf gun features
Here are some features to look out for when buying a Nerf gun.
Priming mechanism
There are several styles of priming, which is also known as cocking the gun. Here are the most common.
Bolt-action: A “bolt” location on the side of the gun is pulled back and pushed forward to prime.
Pump-action: This is one of the most common styles. A slide, usually located underneath the blaster, is pulled back and forward.
Pump-grip action: This is similar to the pump-action, except the slide has a grip attached.
Slide-action: This style is very common. On the top side of the gun is a slide located at the very back that must be pulled back and forward.
Plunger-rod: This is an external rod that is pulled back and locked into place.
Motorized vs. manual
Manual Nerf guns need to be primed in order to fire using one of the priming methods listed above. There are no batteries, so priming is the way to charge your Nerf gun so it can shoot. Motorized Nerf guns do not need to be primed because they have batteries that automatically fire a dart when you pull the trigger. There are some advantages of a motorized gun, including the ability to fire quicker. They may also be easier for younger kids since they don’t need to worry about priming. Although if you don’t want to worry about replacing batteries often, a manual Nerf gun is your best bet.
Ammunition
There are a few different types of ammunition, including missiles, balls and several kinds of darts. If you are buying several guns, make sure they use the same type of ammo for convenience. It’s also wise to pay attention to the ammunition capacity. Does the gun need to be re-loaded after every shot, or can it hold many darts at one time? Some larger guns even allow the use of a magazine.
Nerf gun cost
Nerf guns come in all different shapes and sizes and vary in price from $5 for smaller blasters to $100 for larger guns with more capabilities.
Nerf gun FAQ
Are Nerf darts interchangeable?
A. Not all Nerf darts are compatible with all Nerf guns. The package should tell you exactly which darts are needed for your specific model.
Are Nerf guns suitable for all ages?
A. Most Nerf guns will have a recommended age limit, and they usually start around ages eight years old and up. Some Nerf guns with a higher velocity will be set at ages 14 and up. Always adhere to the age recommendation on the box.
Which Nerf gun should I get?
Best of the best Nerf gun
Nerf Longstrike Modulus Blaster: available at Amazon
Our take: A customizable fast-shooting blaster to satisfy even the Nerf gun enthusiast.
What we like: Allows you control over the barrel extension, bipod and scope that attach to the blaster. Comes with 18 darts and three six-dart clips.
What we dislike: It’s expensive and may not be suitable for younger children.
Best bang for your buck Nerf gun
Nerf N Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster: available at Amazon
Our take: One of the best Nerf guns for all ages at an affordable price.
What we like: This fast-firing blaster shoots up to 90 feet. No batteries are required, and it’s great for those on a budget.
What we dislike: Some reports that it feels cheaply made.
Honorable mention Nerf gun
Nerf Ultra Three Blaster Pump-Action: available at Amazon and Kohl’s
Our take: This blaster is affordable and one of the most powerful on the market.
What we like: Shoots up to 120-feet with power and accuracy. It has a low price point and comes with eight Nerf ultra-foam darts.
What we dislike: It only works with Nerf ultra-foam darts.
Breanna Richey is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
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