10 Best Nerf Guns for Adults – Buying Guide

Let’s face it; the kid in us will always remain. From gaming to toys, adults will never grow old at heart. It is hard to forget some of the best nerf gun battles around the neighborhood with all of your friends. And, despite your views on guns, nerf guns are entirely safe.

Nerf guns have been cultivating the toy industry since 1969. To be able to be still relevant after all those years shows what a great product nerf guns are. With success that long, it is no wonder people have a hard time deciding which nerf gun to purchase.

This buying guide will take an in-depth look at some of the best nerf guns on the market today along with various pros and cons for all ten options. Before diving into specific models, let’s take a look at some of the factors to consider when choosing a nerf gun.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Nerf Gun

Shooting Type

Users need to decide whether you are interested in manual or automatic.

Manual

Users need to load each bullet one by one. All of the ammo is loaded in the back of the Nerf gun, and each shell gets put in place before use. This helps shooters improve their shooting accuracy by not having a clogged chamber.  

A downside is that users can only fire one shot at a time. Users can also take longer to load because of its capacity to hold one bullet at a time.

Automatic

Users have a small cartridge that allows for rapid firing to occur. With this mechanism, users can fire quickly with a faster beginning load.

A downside is that users need more time to reload their bullets, and the ammo is used up immediately.

Weight

Another critical factor Nerf gun users need to consider how much the Nerf gun weighs. It is essential to consider how the arms will be used. If the user is going to be in a stationary position, a more substantial, sniper-type gun would be appropriate. But, if the user plans on running around to do battle, a lighter gun should be used to prevent the user from slowing down.

Ammo Type

The next factor to consider is the type of ammo the user plans to use. Nerf guns have three different types of ammo that can be used safely.  

Suction Dart

As the name would suggest, this dart has a suction cup on the bottom. Known for its tremendous velocity this dart will stick to just about anything.

Standard Dart

Useful with just about any Nerf gun, users can choose from a variety of colors with an orange or yellow tip.

Foam Torpedo

The foam torpedo creates the sound one would expect from a torpedo. It has a wide radius and is packed with more foam.

The most common dart size is about 1-inch. This makes it easier to use the ammo in all types of Nerf guns. Users should also consider the range the bullet can travel. A broader-based dart will have a better chance of hitting someone up to 75 feet away. The chances of hitting that person are more likely with an automatic gun vs. a manual gun.

These are a few of the main parts of a Nerf gun that any user should consider when making their purchase. This buying guide will break down the various brands offered to consumers to determine which weapons provide the best bang for the buck.

These Nerf guns are in no particular order.

10 Best Nerf Gun For Adults

Nerf N-Strike Elite Rampage Blaster

With a combination of power and range, this is the high-end gun that users can show off to all their friends. This is the ideal Blaster for tactical range shooting. First launched in 2003, this elite nerf gun was updated in 2012 with a more robust and stronger firing capacity than most other Nerf guns.

Users will receive 25 Elite Darts with the purchase of their Blaster. They fit very comfortably in a single drum compartment. The color scheme of the gun makes it extremely attractive to people. This color appeal will only be outmatched by the range and accuracy it provides.

A direct plunger system is included to make the Nerf N-Strike Elite Rampage Blaster easy to use. Users will feel comfortable with the grip and be amazed at how easy it is to operate. The Strike includes a “slam fire” which will impress everyone with a three dart-per-second firing capacity. The priming handle should be comfortably moved back and forward to ensure that the darts do not get damaged.

Pros

• Has a tremendous 75-foot range
• 25-dart drum
• Very lightweight

Cons

• Can jam easily if priming handle isn’t handled properly

View Price on Amazon

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Rampage Blaster can be purchased by clicking the button above. You will be equipped perfectly on any mission with this high-capacity drum that’s ready to unleash your fire.

Nerf Zombie Strike Doominator

Just the name itself will strike fear in any competitor. This nerf gun is ideal for quick triggering with a rapid-fire component that will ensure that you don’t miss your target in battle.

Four six-shot cylinders are just the tip of the iceberg for this beauty. Loaded with a recoil, 24 carts can be held in preparation for fire. A unique aspect of this gun is the fact that users can choose from three different mounting positions. These include right, left, or straight down. A grip that gives a duct tape feel, users will feel very comfortable holding the Zombie.

The Zombie Strike Doominator does not require a lot of work before firing commences. The spring-powered Blaster will get users right into the heart of the battle. The green-colored nerf gun is a prominent color when dealing with anything named Zombie! Users can switch between cylinders and can launch their rapid assault when changing over to slam fire mode.

Pros

• Tremendous ammocapacity           
• Multi-cylinder

Cons

• Ergonomics are funky

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The Zombie Strike Doominator can be purchased by clicking the button above, which also includes 24 Zombie Strike darts.

Nerf N-Strike Mega RotoFury Blaster

Let the games begin with the unleashing of mega-giant darts! As the darts are blasted through the air, users will hear the fury of its whistle as it heads towards its intended target. This is the perfect gun for aimed shooting.

In addition to the massive darts that it fires out, users can enjoy the super long range of 90 feet that the dart can be launched. This would be a little tougher to shoot on the run because of the accuracy needed to launch your ammo at 90 feet away.

Ten mega darts can be fired at one time without having to reload. Users will need to hold down their trigger and keep pumping away at the handle. The fury and sound of the launched darts will be magical. Users can also be more tactical by only shooting one dart at a time. Whatever the competition has in store for you, the Nerf N-Strike Mega RotoFury Blaster is ready for action.

Pros

• Rapid fire component
• Mega Darts
• Rotating Drum

Cons

• Bigger than most guns
• Easy on the pumping

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This Nerf gun can be purchased by clicking the button above, users will enjoy the sound effects and 10 Mega Whistler darts that come with the nerf gun.

Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster

If users are looking for quickdraws and furious firing, the Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster is ready to go to battle with you. This is an exceptionally light gun that makes it easy to operate while maneuvering around a battlefield. 

Built with amped-up velocity, the Blaster wants to be used in the heat of the moment. Users will be able to fire accurate shots in a consistent direction. Shooters will be amazed at how accurate the gun is from longer distances. 

The “Strongarm Slam” is built with quick succession shots in mind. Users will feel comfortable holding the gun with an excellent trigger. Two-strap points are available if users are interested in using a sling to carry their weapon. The Elite Strongarm Blaster is ready for the speedy shooters in the crowd.

Pros

• Solid 75 feet shooting range
• Super easy to load

Cons

• Only holds 6 darts
• Sometimes can jam up

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The Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster can be purchased by clicking the above button, this is one of the cheapest, but effective nerf models out on the market. Perfect for the quick triggered shooter who is always on the move.

Nerf Doomlands 2169 Vagabond Blaster

One of the coolest names also comes with one of the coolest designs. The Nerf Doomlands 2169 Vagabond Blaster is primed and ready to launch six darts in a row. Users have the option of firing all six at once through slam mode or take it easier by firing one dart at a time.

The gun has some transparency to it, which allows users to see the firing mechanism inside. The barrel, however, is non-removable which can make it a bit tricky in the event of a jam.

Users will need to reload quickly since it does not come with as much ammo as some of the other guns on this list. This is the essential gun to have if you are looking to fire at close range. It is not too heavy and is ready to hit nearby targets.

Pros

• Transparent firing mechanism
• Pump-action blast power

Cons

• Shorter range power
• Holds 6 darts only

View Price on Amazon

This Nerf gun can be purchased by clicking the button above. Six Nerf Doomsland Darts are included to pump away at enemies under your total control. 

Nerf Rival Atlas XVI-1200 Blaster

This is the perfect weapon of choice if your endgame is precision, power, and high-impact rounds. With a 12 dart capacity, the Rival Atlas can fire two darts at a time. This is an easy way to confuse your enemy with the two darts rapidly approaching them.

A spring engine mechanism is built to prime the Blaster. A quick pump in and out is all that is needed to launch your fire. Nerf gun shooters everywhere love this gun because of how reliable the accuracy is and the velocity at which the bullets are fired.  

Red and blue color options are available for the user. Because of its ability to be fast and accurate, the gun is more prominent than some of the other selections. Users will get used to the shape and feel, but it is designed with control in mind.

Pros

• Two rounds with one shot
• High-impact shooting capacity
• Spring-action component

Cons

• Firepower somewhat limited
• Can jam up

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Nerf Rival Atlas XVI-1200 Blaster can be purchased by clicking the button above. It comes equipped with 24 rounds of darts as well as a trigger lock and tactical rail. Precision is the key to leading your battle successfully.

Nerf N-Strike Elite Stryfe Blaster

Maximum range is the name of the game with the Nerf N-Strike Elite Stryfe Blaster motorized acceleration trigger. Compared to other models, more than just your pump and go is needed. A built-in motor adds a whole new element to your battle.  

Equipped with a six dart reload clip, the Stryfe Blaster allows for one dart to be shot at a time. This is ideal for the shooters who are looking to hunker down somewhere and await their enemy. Due to the automatic motor, batteries will also be required for this gun.

Heralded by many as the perfect Nerf fun starter, it allows new users the ability to get eased into the competition. A great addition to this Nerf gun is the ability to upgrade it. Two tactical rails and barrel attachments come with the motorized shooting weapon. Users can take down their targets with one hand up to 75-feet away.

Pros

• Equipped with a tactical rail
• Reload clip
• Motorized shooting

Cons

• Known to jam up

View Price on Amazon

Nerf N-Strike Elite Stryfe Blaster can be purchased by clicking the button above. Due to the motorized addition, the price is a bit higher than many on this list. The Nerf gun comes with 6 Elite Darts, with the option of adding on a ton of darts at an additional price.

Nerf N-Strike Elite Rhino-Fire Blaster

This is the Nerf gun that will give you a long endurance fighting capacity. With two pairs of barrels holding 25 darts each, a whopping 50 darts are at your disposal. A full-blast battle awaits you. In addition to maintaining power, users can shoot from 90-feet away.

This is the perfect Nerf gun for the most experienced of shooters. A clip-system is included to go along with two tactical rails and two strap points. This gun offers users the ability to choose how they want to fight. Users can run through the battlefield or hide in the woods with a tripod scoping out their target.

An automatic mode of fire is provided by the internal flywheel system that it features. Because of this, this device does not tend to jam. It is bulky in size and a little awkward in design. The Nerf gun needs six “D” batteries to operate fully, but this gun is one of the most outstanding adult Nerf guns on the market.

Pros

• Includes a tripod
• Strong power and range
• Hardly jams

Cons

• Six “D” batteries needed
• Awkward shape
• Pricey

View Price on Amazon

Nerf N-Strike Elite Rhino-Fire Blaster can be purchased by clicking the link above, this is the most expensive Nerf gun on the list. It includes 50 Elite Darts with a removable tripod to help users lock down their shot.

Nerf CS-18 N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike

Loaded with a motorized trigger with powerful acceleration, the Nerf CS-18 N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike is prepared to unleash 18 darts in one round. This is battery-powered and ready to strike.

Once the motor is warmed up, the Nerf gun is ready for the users to aim and launch. The Elite Rapidstrike fires up to 90 feet. Users who see the design of this Nerf gun will be surprised by its ability to shoot 90 feet. “C” batteries are required to make this competitive gun fulfill its task.

A variety of color options are available with a clip that holds the 18 darts. Users can confidently travel through their battlefield with a fast-moving strike or cover fire. Be prepared to strike often and strike fast! 

Pros

• Strong capacity for ammo
• Motorized firing component

Cons

• Has a tendency to jam

View Price on Amazon

At the second-highest price in the buying guide, Nerf CS-18 N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike can be bought by clicking the button above. With its high-powered motor, users can feel prepared for any obstacle thrown their way.

Nerf Rival Nemesis

We saved the most significant ammo holding capacity of all the Nerf guns. One hundred impact rounds are sitting at your disposal. This gun is prepared for the long-haul battle that awaits your presence.

A removable hopper comes with the gun to make clearing any jams much easier. And, since it is fully motorized, users can expect a massive assault to come flying out of their barrel. This is truly an adult Nerf gun and not recommended for children.

It is bulky and heavy, but straps can be added to make it easier to lug around. Because it is fully automated, the monstrosity needs six “D” batteries to get the job done. This Nerf gun comes with ultimate precision and the ability to make you one of the most competitive warriors out on the field.

Pros

• Hopper feed
• Motorized
• Fully automated

Cons

• Six “D” batteries required

View Price on Amazon

The Nerf Rival Nemesis can be bought by clicking the button above. The Nerf gun should be used with Nerf products only and comes in two colors for battle: red and blue.

Top Three Recommendations

Nerf N-Strike Elite Rhino-Fire Blaster

The most expensive, but most potent Nerf gun on the list. With the ability to hold 50 darts, users can go the distance with this powerful Nerf gun.

Nerf N-Strike Mega RotoFury Blaster

Mega darts for a mega battle. Add that with a fresh whistling sound to prepare your enemies for attack from 90 feet away from a superior battle weapon.

Nerf N-Strike Elite Rampage Blaster

This is an ideal Nerf gun for the tactical shooter. Twenty-five darts are at the user’s disposal to engage in battle as well as using the “slam fire” to shoot three darts-per-second.

Conclusion

Nerf guns allow adults to continue to act like kids. There are many guns on this list that are so powerful that only older teens and adults should use. This shows that Nerf guns are still committed to making products for adults to use and enjoy.

Nerf guns have been challenged many times throughout the decades, but they continue to be the brand that most people trust. Their products are safe and can be modified with a barrel full of additional accessories.

It is crucial to take into account the preferences that the user is most interested in when selecting the right Nerf gun. What makes Nerf guns so special is the fact that they offer such a vast, diverse selection. As stated in the variety above, users will also see a vast array of prices.

It is essential to determine what kind of budget the user has when making a final selection. Prices can range up to $400, but none of those guns made it onto this buying guide. All of these Nerf guns provide many features that can satisfy any user.