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The range of weaponry in the Nerf range is impressive and kids can collect a great selection of toys for fun battles. But, do they have a top Nerf Pistol to help them in critical moments? There are lots of fun Nerf pistols for kids to enhance the battle.
Why should kids have Nerf pistols as well as blaster?
Nerf guns are a great toy for children that want to play at staging battles in their gardens and neighborhoods. Your kids may already own a traditional blaster or two – a large weapon they can run around with, in both hands, that fires multiple darts, often in quick succession. These guns are bold, impressive, and able to take down enemies pretty well. But, there will be times where it makes much more sense to have something a little more discrete.
A Nerf pistol is a much smaller option that is handheld like a more typical gun – in some respects at least. You might not get as many shots, but it is a great tool for stealth attacks or as a secondary weapon in times of trouble. Keen Nerf players will love the idea of diversifying their arsenal with a weapon like this.
The question is, what are the best Nerf pistols for your child?
The best Nerf pistol will depend on your child’s requirements. However, the best options tend to be small handheld models like the compact blaster below. They are easy to carry but still have the range and firepower needed to make a difference. The top models below are also attractive to look at and part of some fun themes.
In this guide, I want to take a look at some of the best pistols Nerf offer and highlight some of their key features, pros, and cons. I have tried to provide quite a broad selection of styles to help you make your choice. Before that, let’s consider some of the most important considerations for choosing a Nerf pistol for children.
What should you look out for when choosing the best Nerf pistols for your children.
As the name suggests. This is a pistol, a smaller weapon for close-range combat and accuracy. When players are in a life or death situation against a rival team, it helps to have one of these at hand to fire that final shot. Just when they are all out of ammo, they can surprise the other team by drawing one of these from behind their back. So, it makes sense to have a gun that meets the following criteria.
1) Look for a smaller size for stealth attacks.
Size is important here as your kids need to be able to handle the gun well. The models below vary from small blasters to pistols and tiny micro shots toys. Some may be too big for smaller kids to use one-handed. Others may be too small for teens.
2) A spring-loaded system that doesn’t need any battery or charging up.
This weapon needs to be ready when kids need it in those split-second moments. Ideally, they should be able to pull out their pre-loaded pistol and fire the spring-loaded mechanism for an accurate shot.
3) An ergonomic trigger for easy shots on target
As this is a pistol, rather than a blaster, it helps to get those limited shots on target. The ergonomics of the gun, especially around the trigger will help. It should be comfortable to use and not too front-heavy or stiff.
4) Consider how many shots kids want the pistol to have.
Is it enough to have a single or dual shotgun that is sleek and easy to use, or would it be better to have something that carries a few more darts in case you are outnumbered?
5) Also, consider the theme of the gun.
Chances are, your child already had a Nerf blaster or other massive system in a particular theme. There are lots of sub-themes of Nerf guns that relate to different genres of gameplay and some videogame franchises. So, if they are a Fortnite fan with an arsenal of replica weapons, a Fortnite pistol could be a good idea. Or, there are zombie-themed options instead.
This is where is it is important to take the time to browse the different available options. You might be surprised by all the different themes, colors, and shapes. Keep these factors in mind, but also take the time to look at your kid’s current selection.
There could be an obvious gap where a product would fit in well – especially if they favor a particular theme. You might also find that they have seen other kids with a pistol they like and would like to own it themselves. Do you want to surprise them with something you are pretty sure they will appreciate or let them choose their own toy?
The 9 best Nerf pistols right now.
1) Nerf A9603 HAS-A9603-2210 Zombie Strike FlipFury Blaster
This first model is an interesting choice because of the blend of the ergonomic pistol shape at the back, with the easy-to-use trigger, and then the impressive blaster at the front with the rotating drums. This means that you get the practicality of a smaller, lighter model to carry around as an alternative weapon. But, at the same time, there is also a bit more power for a greater impact during battles.
The pros and cons of this Nerf pistol
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The small ergonomic trigger
The flipping and rotating parts
The fun Zombie strike theme[/i2pros][i2cons]The mechanisms can jam sometimes[/i2cons][/i2pc]
The two drums hold 6 darts each – all 12 darts are included in the box. So, that’s a lot of shots you can fire off before you need to reload. There is also the fun of the Zombie Strike theme with the logo on the size, the fun details in the molding, and the orange and brown color scheme.
One of the problems here is that the moving parts can get a bit stuck sometimes. The odd jam can add to the sense of peril in a fight. But, some younger kids struggle to get the drums to flip and rotate. So, this could be a better choice for older children that have the strength to get it all into place and the patience to deal with any issues.
2) Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor Nerf Pistol
This next model might be a bit too big for some players that want a true pistol. It isn’t the small, discrete option that you get with some other designs. But, this is a classic gun that is beloved by Nerf enthusiasts because of the design, the quick-fire action, and the general ease of use.
The pros and cons of this Nerf pistol.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The quick draw mode for accuracy
The slamfire mode for rapid shots
The classic Nerf design[/i2pros][i2cons]The battery-powered features[/i2cons][/i2pc]
The gun holds 6 darts within its rotating drum and the combination of the quick-draw and slam-fire system means that it is there for that fast, dependable shot when you need it. Users say it is much faster than they expected. They can aim and fire with ease to catch enemies by surprise.
Players can be more precise and aim one shot at a time or use the slamfire to get all six out in rapid succession. This choice is great for players that want to strategize as they play, rather than just run in all guns blazing and hope for the best. These darts also have a decent range of 90 feet.
A downside here is the need for a battery to power the indicator. Sometimes there is time to waste priming a weapon and waiting for a little orange light to appear when you need that back-up shot from a reliable pistol.
3) Nerf A9249 B00LD6KNHK N-Strike Elite Mega CycloneShock Blaster
This next blaster is another one that could be a little too big for younger children because of the large trigger and bulky casing. Pre-teens and teenagers should be able to handle this with ease for a little more impact on the battlefield. The impact is the keyword here in more ways than one.
The pros and cons of this Nerf pistol.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The rapid-fire system from the rotating drum
The intimidating design
The noise the dart make as they fly through the air[/i2pros][i2cons]Maybe too big for smaller kids [/i2cons][/i2pc]
Kids can load up six mega darts into the rotating drum and fire them all in relatively quick succession. This is perfect for suppressive fire on a larger enemy group. That large drum within the red and grey gun looks impressive and could intimate those that have never seen it before.
Another nice quirk about this Nerf pistol is that the darts included in the box are mega whistler darts. This means that they scream as they fly. This takes this pistol away from the territory of the compact stealthy guns into another area of warfare.
So, this does mean that this is less of a secondary weapon and more of an impressive model to intimate others. Therefore, this weapon can still have a massive impact with that wider range of sensory factors in the right situation.
4) Nerf A1690 N-Strike Elite Triad EX-3 Blaster Nerf Pistol
By comparison, this model is a nice little compact system that you really can use for sneak attacks. It is tiny with very little body to it above the trigger. This could fool enemies in thinking that players are down to their weakest option and about to lose. Then, all kids have to do is pull the trigger on this unassuming weapon and surprise them with the triad blaster.
The pros and cons of this Nerf pistol.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]A fun little pistol with a nice design
Three chambers for a better chance of hitting the target
A long-range on the darts[/i2pros][i2cons]Some issues with chambers jamming[/i2cons][/i2pc]
This weapon is part of the Elite range, so you can expect plenty of power and helpful features here. This is as true a handheld pistol as you can get in terms of size and the performance is a lot better than anticipated. There is still enough power behind the shots despite their being less room for any kind of impressive spring-loaded mechanism.
The promise is that the darts will fly for 90ft, but this will depend on your child’s aim and other conditions. Even so, there is a chance that this fun little pistol could prove to be a game-changer in big battles.
One thing to be aware of however is that because this is a cheaper option, and a great little addition to a “better” arsenal, there is the potential for faults. One buyer in their online review mentions one of the chambers for the triad blaster being a little more temperamental than the others. As with many of the pistols in the Nerf range, you do get what you pay for.
5) NERF Rival Knockout XX-100 Blaster
Sticking with the smaller handheld Nerf pistols for a moment, the next option to consider it this Rival pistol. This is another compact option that kids can hide with ease on their person during battle. Therefore, they can appear to be all out of options and then try their last shot – quite literally – with this gun.
The pros and cons of this Nerf pistol.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]A cool design
A nice alternative option for quick-draw play
A safety mechanism to help prepare for the right shot[/i2pros][i2cons]Only two small shots [/i2cons][/i2pc]
That last shot is where we see a pro and a con for this model. There are two small shots that players can launch here. There are two attempts to send these high-velocity rounds at their opponents. If they miss, that’s it. There are no third chances unlike some of the more intense pistols with multiple chambers and lots of darts. This provides realism, to a point, but could be frustrating for some kids.
However, there is a nice feature here of a trigger lock to stop kids accidentally firing the gun. This safety system means that they can wait until just the right moment to make the most of this powerful shot. It is meant to be a quick, accurate way to reach targets up to 90ft away. All of this, plus the cool black, red, and orange design, means that older kids are sure to make the most of this alternative weapon.
6) Fortnite Micro Battle Bus Nerf Microshots Dart-Firing Toy Blaster
As I mentioned above, themed Nerf pistols, such as the zombie-related options, are a great choice for kids with a collection or a fandom in mind. There are lots of interesting Fortnite themed nerf guns out there in all kinds of styles from big blasters to rocket launchers and more. This one is an interesting choice for kids that need a smaller handheld pistol for accurate shots.
The pros and cons of this Nerf pistol.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The detailed Fortnite-themed design
A compact design for handheld use
Great for kids that want to be more strategic[/i2pros][i2cons]One shot at a time, which requires some thought and patience[/i2cons][/i2pc]
This pistol is pretty small and is a single shot blaster, allowing for the release of one elite dart at a time. Again, this means patience and accuracy are essential and strategic players will appreciate that. It might be a little too small for some older kids that want to make a statement.
However, you can’t deny that the design of the gun is like nothing else. This one copies the look of the battle bus from the Fortnite game. The body of the gun is the rusted blue vehicle with a holder for the darts at the front. Some feel that it is a little gimmicky – focusing on the style of the Fortnite bus over the firing mechanism and any accuracy in gameplay.
But, kids that love the game will appreciate owning this, even if it doesn’t make its way into regular rotation.
7) Nerf B8802 N-Strike Elite Jolt Blaster
Next, we have another of these Nerf pistols that are small but powerful. The Elite Jolt might not have much in the way of size with the tiny single barrel and body, but it can prove to be effective when it counts.
The pros and cons of this Nerf pistol.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]A simple point and shoot pistol
Elite darts for high impact
Nice compact shape for concealment[/i2pros][i2cons]Limited visual appeal compared to other pistols[/i2cons][/i2pc]
This model comes with two large Elite darts with the rubber tips that should catch enemies off guard, especially if kids put the practice in to become a better shot. This is pretty simplistic regarding the actions and design. Al you need to do is point and shoot. This is great for those that just need a secondary weapon when all else fails, but it isn’t that exciting as a primary weapon.
The lack of secondary branding – like any game franchise or Zombie theme – also means that there is limited visual appeal compared to some of the others. Still, at this low price, you can’t really go too wrong. Kids can get this as an extra weapon, hide it in a holster or tactical belt – depending on the extent of their gear – and have this as a reliable back up to a bigger blaster.
8) Nerf MicroShots Zombie Strike Crossfire Bow Nerf Pistol
For the next option in these smaller handheld micro shots model, we go back to the Zombie Strike theme. This is a popular choice because of the colorful design and the way it works in with that Zombie game-play.
The pros and cons of this Nerf pistol.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The fun Zombie Strike theme with the crossbow concept
A familiar loading and firing mechanism
Lightweight and easy to use one-handed[/i2pros][i2cons]Needs some extra darts[/i2cons][/i2pc]
The design and mechanisms of the pistol are familiar with the simple blaster, firing mechanism and trigger. It should be easy to use with high-quality darts and ergonomic features. But, there is an additional detail to the aesthetics that makes it look more like a crossbow. This means the best of both worlds with a userfriendly and familiar action but also a look that is unlike other weapons in the arsenal.
The fact that this fires one dart at a time is a potential issue for trigger-happy kids. Especially when there are only two darts in the box. So, it might be a good idea to buy some spares. This should add to the cost too much as this is still an affordable option.
9) Nerf Rival Deadpool Kronos XVIII-500 Blasters Nerf Pistol
Finally, we have this Nerf Rival model. There are a couple of designs in the Kronos Rival and while many like the new white Phantom, there will be lots of teenagers that appreciate the Deadpool design. There is a black and red design with the logo on one side and onomatopoeic phrases on the other. A bonus with this product is that you get two guns in a presentation box, which is a nice collector’s piece.
The pros and cons of this Nerf pistol.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]The fun Deadpool theme and design
Two pistols and 10 rounds for instant gameplay
A nice loading system with high-impact rounds [/i2pros][i2cons]Some defective items with poor printing.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
The shape of the gun is pretty good and isn’t lost to the comic book theme at all. There is a nice balance between the single-barrel blaster, the loading mechanism, and the ergonomic trigger. There is a breech-load system with a trigger lock and tactical rail. You also get 10 high impact rounds.
One thing to be aware of here is that the printing on the guns isn’t always the best quality. There are reports of it smudging with wear. This is disappointing for the price paid.
Finding the best Nerf pistols for your kids.
As you can see, there are plenty of options in Nerf Pistols here for kids that want something a little different from a more traditional gun. The smaller size of these handheld options is great for tactical play and the best options still have impressive designs and firepower. With the right option, your children will be ready for battle.
