At my house, we have a particular love for Nerf guns. As a child, my husband and his siblings used to get a cheap Nerf shooter as the final Christmas present. Everyone would open their uniform presents at the same time and then run around and shoot each other amidst the chaos of new presents and shredded wrapping paper.
I have always loved that tradition and, when we started our own family, I wanted to carry it forward. Now that we have two boys and several years of Nerf experience under our belts, I have some strong opinions about Nerf guns. In my opinion, the best overall Nerf gun that is appropriate for every age is the Nerf Fire Strike Elite. Here’s a guide to the best Nerf guns for 3, 4, 5, and 6-year olds. Also, keep reading to find out which Nerf gun I’d pick for myself.
What I Won’t Recommend
You’ll notice as you read through that I haven’t recommended any of the larger Nerf guns with clips. This is because I have personally removed so many shredded Nerf bits from fancy-looking guns that I will never buy (or give) any of those again. The level of frustration over a jam and the technical difficulty to clear the jam have always outweighed any benefits of rapid-fire action.
Another reason why I don’t like to have larger guns is that I don’t like to store them. Right now, almost all of our Nerf guns and Nerf bullets fit into a cheap plastic hamper that sits in the corner of my son’s room. The only guns that don’t fit are the large, bulky Nerf guns that have clips.
Although storage of these Nerf guns shouldn’t seem like a big issue, having just two bulky guns takes up a lot of space. Inevitably, this space is on the floor somewhere, and I’m not a fan of stuff all over the floor. So, be aware that all of my recommendations in this article are for smaller Nerf guns.
Best Nerf Guns for a 3-Year-Old
The Nerf N-Strike Nanofire allows your little one to store 2 bullets above the barrel but only shoots one bullet at a time, while the Nerf N-Strike Elite Quadrant can store 4 bullets in the chamber and shoots one after another when firing.
Nerf N-Strike NanoFire
My 3-year-old’s favorite Nerf gun is the Nerf N-Strike NanoFire. He can easily work the gun by himself, and he loves that it’s just his size.
Features
- This Nerf gun is comfortable for hands of various sizes.
- Young children can pull back the slide at the bottom to operate the gun.
- This small-but-mighty shooter also offers storage for 2 bullets above the barrel.
- Although this model comes with regular Nerf bullets, it can also shoot the Nerf suction cup bullets.
Technical Information
- Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 5.8 x 6.5 inches
- Item Weight: 3.04 ounces
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 years and up
- Batteries Needed: No
- Are Batteries Provided?: N/A
Possible Issues
- Only shoots one bullet at a time.
- The small size is cool but not as exciting for little guys that want big firepower.
- The shooter may misfire or jam.
- Make sure that no one gets shot in the face or at close range because it can hurt.
- Your child may not be able to pull the slide hard enough to actually cock the gun.
Nerf N-Strike Elite Quadrant
Another option I like for 3-year-olds is the Nerf N-Strike Elite Quadrant. It’s similar to the gun above, but it doesn’t have the dart storage under the barrel. Instead, it stores all 4 darts in the rotating drum and lets you fire them one after another. The firing mechanism is a pull-back lever, which is usually much easier for the littler guys than a sliding action Nerf gun.
Best Nerf Guns for a 4-Year-Old
The Nerf N-Strike Glowshot Blaster is a single shooter that lights up and glows plus it is small which is great for sneak attacks, while the Nerf N Strike Elite Strongarm has a pop-out barrel that holds 6 bullets for continuous firing action making your little one able to keep up with the older kids.
Nerf N-Strike GlowShot Blaster
Although I have the Nerf N-Strike GlowShot Blaster listed as the best Nerf gun for a 4-year-old, it’s really great for any age. This small pocket blaster allows for spontaneous sneak attacks.
Features
- This single shooter lights up and glows.
- It’s one of the smaller Nerf gun models. This means it can kind of fit in your pocket, which makes it great for sneak attacks.
- This is a great entry-level Nerf gun that’s very easy for young users.
- Although this model comes with regular Nerf bullets, it can also shoot the Nerf suction cup bullets.
Technical Information
- Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 8.5 x 7.4 inches
- Item Weight: 3.84 ounces
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 years and up
- Batteries Needed: 2 AAAs
- Are Batteries Provided?: No
Possible Issues
- As with many Nerf guns, there may be some issues with the slide or trigger over time.
- Make sure that you don’t fire at close range or shoot the face. Nerf guns pack some power, so people could get hurt.
Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm
My son loved the Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm. I was worried that he wouldn’t be able to operate the pop-out barrel and sliding firing action, but he actually surprised me with how easily he was able to pop it out, load it, and cock it. He also loved that it could fire 6 darts in a row, so he could run around without having to stop and reload. It gave him the feel of a big-kid gun or a big Nerf rifle without the added size.
Super bonus: the Strongarm Nerf N-Strike Elite comes in purple so that your little girl can shoot in style, too!
Best Nerf Guns for a 5-Year-Old
The NERF Elite 2.0 Phoenix CS-6 Motorized Blaster holds six darts with an additional six dart clip plus it is motorized for faster fire power, and this nerf gun comes with a lower price tag. However, the NERF Megalodon N-Strike Mega Blaster fires by crank rather than a motor and holds 20 darts that whistle through the air as they fire. This nerf gun has a more expensive price tag.
NERF Elite 2.0 Phoenix CS-6 Motorized Blaster
With two sizes of bullets and a top and bottom shooter toggle switch, the NERF Elite 2.0 Phoenix CS-6 Motorized Blaster is a little bit trickier than the previously mentioned models of Nerf guns.
Features
- This Nerf gun fires one bullet at a time but holds six more for rapid-fire.
- It comes with six more for a second full reload
- The motorized blaster looks like a tactical weapon
- Can fire darts up to 90 feet
- Has a removable scope
Technical Information
- Product Dimensions: 2.63 x 16 x 12.5 inches
- Item Weight: 1.54 pounds
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 years and up
- Batteries Needed: No
- Are Batteries Provided?: N/A
Possible Issues
- If used too close can cause mild pain.
- The bullets may sometimes fire two at a time with half the power.
- Sometimes, the bullet may fire out with weak power.
- Make sure that you don’t fire at close range or shoot the face. Nerf guns pack some power, so people could get hurt.
Nerf N-Strike Megalodon Blaster
If your 5-year-old is hooked on the bigger and badder Mega Nerf darts, get them the Nerf N-Strike Megalodon Blaster. It’s named after a giant species of pre-historic shark, so you know any little boy would love it right upfront. But add in the 20 dart drum and the crank action, and your child will absolutely love the firepower this gun offers. Be warned though, the Mega darts hurt people and things!
Nerf guns are on every parent’s list of gift ideas for 5-year-old boys.
Best Nerf Guns for a 6-Year-Old
The Nerf MicroShots Zombie Strike Crossfire Bow is a small, simple Nerf blaster that has 2 bullets that fire individually, whereas the NERF Modulus Demolisher 2-in-1 Motorized Blaster is motorized and can blast 10 bullets or 2 rockets and pieces can be reconfigured.
Nerf MicroShots Zombie Strike Crossfire Bow
My 6-year-old’s favorite Nerf gun is the Nerf MicroShots Zombie Strike Crossfire Bow. It’s a smaller Nerf gun so it’s easy for little hands to hold.
Features
- This is comfortable and easy to carry for small and large hands.
- The slide is relatively easy to use.
- Includes blaster and 2 darts
Technical Information
- Product Dimensions: 1.56 x 7 x 7 inches
- Item Weight: 6 ounces
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 years and up
- Batteries Needed: No
- Are Batteries Provided?: N/A
Possible Issues
- Darts may bend quickly and become useless
- May be difficult for little ones to push the trigger
Nerf Modulus Demolisher 2-in-1 Motorized Blaster
If your kiddo likes to build or take stuff apart, as most 6-year-olds do, then check out the Nerf Modulus Demolisher 2-in-1 Motorized Blaster. You can add parts to this gun, like a drop grip, barrel extension, clip, and even a long-range kit for further shooting. Your big kid can make the gun exactly what he or she wants it to be. Plus, with motorized rapid-fire, that shoots 6 darts in quick succession, and launches said darts to 90 feet, it’s best suited for older kids that can handle that kind of power.
Best Nerf Guns Overall
The NERF Zombie Strike Alternator Blaster is a hand powered, non motorized, toy that allows you to shoot 1, 2, or 3 bullets at a time, however, the NERF Fortnite AR-L Elite Dart Blaster is motorized which makes it possible for rapidly firing 10 bullets with 10 more ready in a clip for quick reloading.
Nerf N-Strike Elite Firestrike Blaster
Whether you’re shopping for a little one or yourself, you’re going to like the Nerf N-Strike Elite Firestrike Blaster. It’s the first Nerf gun we got, and now we own three of them.
Features
- This comfortable grip fits the hands of different sizes.
- Single-action shooting means that you won’t have to clear jams.
- A laser helps you aim for your target.
- Two storage slots below your shooter mean that you can carry three Nerf bullets at a time.
- Although this model comes with regular Nerf bullets, it can also shoot the Nerf suction cup bullets.
Technical Information
- Product Dimensions: 1.73 x 9.37 x 7.52 inches
- Item Weight: 9.5 ounces
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 years and up
- Batteries Needed: 2 AAAs
- Are Batteries Provided?: No
Possible Issues
- Nerf doesn’t normally make weak guns, so make sure that no one gets shot in the face or at close range because it can hurt.
NERF Zombie Strike Alternator Blaster
If you’re shopping for Nerf guns for your kids, you better prepare yourself. My personal favorite is the NERF Zombie Strike Alternator Blaster. Personally, I love that it fires 1, 2, or 3 bullets, because you never know how extreme the kids are gonna come at you! And while this isn’t the most advanced gun to use (which means the kids can take it from you and totally use it against you), it’s great for taking turns with because your kids are going to want to play with it, too.
Features
- This gun is a single, double, and triple shooter.
- Holds 6 Nerf darts at a time in each barrel.
- Select barrel by moving the barrel itself with your hand.
- Cool design looks like it was made from spare chainsaw parts and tools.
- Can also fire Accustrike darts
- Fires about 40 feet for triple darts, 80 feet for single dart
Technical Information
- Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 14 x 8.7 inches
- Item Weight: 15.5 ounces
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 years and up
- Batteries Needed: None
- Are Batteries Provided?: N/A
Possible Issues
- Can’t aim very well with the double and triple barrels because your view gets blocked by the other barrels.
- With the rotating barrel, you have the bigger possibility of jamming.
NERF Fortnite AR-L Elite Dart Blaster
It doesn’t matter if your kids (or you!) are Fortnite fans. Because if you are a grown-up, having a motorized blaster like the NERF Fortnite AR-L Elite Dart Blaster is super fun. With a motorized 10 dart clip and battery included, it takes all the hard work out of the equation and lets you sit back and blast your kiddos with sheer firepower and accurate aiming. No running required.
Comparing Nerf Guns
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Nerf N-Strike GlowShot Blaster | 5.9 | 8.4 | 71.99 |
| NERF Fortnite AR-L Elite Dart Blaster | 9.6 | 9.0 | 61.99 |
| Nerf N-Strike Megalodon Blaster | 7.4 | 9.4 | 49.95 |
| NERF Elite 2.0 Phoenix CS-6 Motorized Blaster | 8.8 | - | 37.99 |
| NERF Zombie Strike Alternator Blaster | 7.6 | 9.4 | 24.99 |
| Nerf Modulus Demolisher 2-in-1 Motorized Blaster | 9.8 | 9.2 | 22.81 |
| Nerf N-Strike Elite Quadrant | 5.8 | 9.0 | 12.99 |
| Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm | 9.9 | 9.2 | 9.99 |
| Nerf MicroShots Zombie Strike Crossfire Bow | 5.4 | 9.2 | 9.99 |
| Nerf N-Strike NanoFire | 7.9 | 9.2 | 7.98 |
| Nerf N-Strike Elite Firestrike Blaster | 3.9 | 8.6 | - |
FAQ’s about Nerf Guns for 3, 4, 5, and 6-Year-Olds
How far does a young child’s Nerf gun shoot?
Most of the smaller Nerf guns have a range of at least 10 – 20 feet. Some of the larger single shooters can go up to 70 feet, while the rifle-style guns will usually fire up to 40 or 50 feet at most.
Can you play with a Nerf gun inside?
Why not?! The darts and guns aren’t strong enough to break windows or walls or anything. There is the possibility that a TV or knick knack could get broken, though. An empty bonus room or unfinished basement would be ideal for indoor Nerf play.
How much does a Nerf gun for a young child cost?
The most basic guns receive high customer ratings and cost less than $10. For a good-sized and reliable gun, expect to pay in the $20 to $30 range.
How old should a child be to play with a Nerf gun?
Though many parents do opt to allow their younger children to use Nerf guns, most Nerf guns are officially rated for children of age 8 or more (some for kids age 14 or more). The key, if you allow your younger child to play with Nerf guns, is supervision.
Can a Nerf gun be dangerous?
Yes, injury is definitely possible.
Small parts or pieces of foam could be torn off, posing a choking hazard. That’s why these aren’t for kids under 3.
The other concern with Nerf darts is eye damage. Take one Nerf dart to the eyeball and in rare cases cause severe eye damage. That’s why it is recommended that eye protection be used.
Do girls like Nerf guns?
Yes. In fact, Nerf has a separate line called Nerf Rebelle that makes guns and bows (decorated in purple, blue, fuschia, pink, and gray), especially for girls.
Thank you, thank you for this post!!! We’ve received too many as presents that were too hard for my kid to use. I desperately wanted to get ones that were age appropriate and this post just saved me a lot of research and trial and error. I appreciate you!
Thank you for the detailed comments on nerf guns. I do have one question, with your experience is there any larger nerf guns that are somewhat easier to load for a child around 4-5 years old. I understand they jam and I get frustrTed with that as well but with that aside does this type of nerf gun exist? Thank you.
Eric
This is hugely helpful thank you x