Every kid loves Nerf, so you should know which is the best Nerf gun for 6 year old. There are thousands of blasters out there, so we want to make your shopping less challenging.
Nerf is a name you can trust for safe and fun play but many of their guns are designed for older children. But you still want your 6 year old to have fun. So, it helps to know which blasters are suitable and safe for younger children, so they can be a part of the Nerf universe too.
| Category | Nerf Gun |
|---|---|
| Best Overall Nerf Gun For Long Distance | Nerf Rival Phantom Corps Hades XVIII-6000 |
| Best Overall Nerf Gun For Accuracy | Nerf Fortnite AR-L Elite Dart Blaster |
| Runner Up Nerf Gun For A 6 Year Old | Nerf N-Strike Elite AccuStrike Series FalconFire |
For those considering buying a Nerf gun for their 6 year old, we have compiled a buying guide to help you identify the best features for safety, easy operation, accuracy, and distance.
We have done the research for you and provide the best Nerf guns to choose from. So, your kid can have fun, and shoot accurately and far just like the big kids.
Table of Contents
Nerf Guns For Range And Accuracy
Besides looking cool, most kids want a Nerf gun that is going to shoot accurately and far. There are misconceptions that only the larger guns and blasters can shoot further and more accurately, but this is not the case.
Certain accessories and the choice in ammo have an impact on accuracy and distance of shooting. Even smaller guns that are easier for your 6 year old to carry around can be precise and long-distance shots.
You just need to know what to look for. Thankfully, we have the answers ready for you.
How Accurate Is A Nerf Gun
The accuracy of a Nerf gun depends on the ammo used. People commonly think that power is the driving force of Nerf gun accuracy, but if the ammo is poorly designed, it will not keep a straight course. Factors of the darts that influence accuracy are airflow and weight distribution.
The Elite Strike and Accustrike guns and ammo are known to be the best for accurate shooting. These have a slightly denser weight to them which allow them to stay on target.
The denser weight does contribute to shorter distances, but when combined with a powerful Nerf blaster, you can get accuracy and distance.
Type Of Ammo For Accuracy
Different guns use different types of ammo and the ammo affects how the shot will move towards the target. There are traditional darts, mega darts, and high-impact rounds.
- The traditional darts are the most commonly used for children because they are the safest.
- Mega darts are bigger but fly in the same way.
- The high-impact rounds are foam spheres that shoot the farthest and most directly.
The spheres may be the cooler ammo to use, but your 6 year old needs to stick to traditional darts for safety. Any darts from the Elite or Accustrike themes will give them the accuracy they need.
How To Make Nerf Guns More Accurate
You can evaluate the accuracy of the Nerf gun by shooting at a stationary target. You need to test it first to evaluate if you have to aim higher or lower to hit the target you are aiming at. This helps you identify the most accurate way to aim and gives you consistency.
Practice at different distances so you can develop an accurate shooting style for every distance. The more consistent you get, the more accurate the shots will be. You can also use accessories such as scopes or fore grips to enhance accuracy.
The weight of traditional darts can be made more stable to maintain consistency accurately. They are lightweight and can fly easily with wind, but you can add weight to the front of the darts or increase their overall weight to counteract this.
How Far Do Nerf Guns Shoot
The distance Nerf ammunition fires depends on the gun. The most basic models will only shoot between 10 and 20 feet, but more powerful models have been developed to extend shooting distance.
Kids want to be able to shoot further so many models now exist that can reach between 75 and 100 feet.
Darts with lower mass will fly further. But as you just read, darts need to be heavy to shoot accurately. In most cases a Nerf gun is designed to favor one attribute over another.
There are a few Nerf guns that will combine the two features. The Nerf guns with longer barrels will also increase distance as well as accuracy.
Best Nerf Gun For 6 Year Old Buyers Guide
With so many options of Nerf guns on the market, we understand choosing one for your 6 year old can be daunting. We have put together a list of important features to consider when buying a Nerf gun.
You will want your child to be safe, and you can count on that with any Nerf product. Your kid will want to be the best shooter. So, the features below are the most important to look for.
Ammunition
Nerf has advanced much of their ammo to keep up with what kids want. Their high-impact foam rounds are known to be the most accurate, but these are only recommended for older kids and adults.
For younger children to get accurate and long-distant shots, you want to look for discs or if you get traditional darts, look to add weight to them. Darts that have hollow hard tips such as the Elite darts are also known to have a more precise flight path.
Shooting system
How far and accurately a dart will fly will depend on the gun’s firing system. Nerf offers battery-powered, plunger, slam-action, slide-action, and air-restriction systems.
Of these battery-powered systems deliver the most precise trajectory while the air-restriction, slide-action, and slam-action will get the distance you want.
Accessories
It is also possible to buy a more standard Nerf gun for your 6 year old and to get accessories that allow it to be more accurate and shoot further. Scopes or sights are the best accessories for accuracy and distance.
Some Nerf guns come with these and others have options to buy them as accessories. Flip down grids or bipods also stabilize the gun so you can shoot more accurately from far away.
Magazines
It is often a last-minute option, but you can add to the accuracy of your shooting by creating better statistics. High-capacity magazines give your child more ammo, so they are more likely to hit their target.
This is a great way for younger kids to get practice without having to constantly reload. More ammo allows them to practice until their shot is perfect.
Power
Your 6 year old will not be able to handle the longer Nerf snipers to get distance and accuracy, nor the machine gun type that shoots hundreds of darts at a time.
These look fun but they are difficult for small hands to hold and operate. This doesn’t mean your 6 year old has to settle for a weaker gun. Nerf offers moderately powered blasters perfect for younger children. You will need moderate power to be able to reach greater distances.
Top 10 Nerf Guns For A 6 Year Old
There are several great guns and blasters out there for your 6 year old. The top 10 we recommend are safe, fun, and will give them the accuracy and range they want.
1) Nerf Rival Phantom Corps Hades HVIII-6000 – Best Overall For Long Distance
When your kid wants to shoot the furthest on the block, get the Nerf Rival Phantom Corps Hades XVIII-6000 on Amazon. Not only does this blaster launch darts up to 100 feet away, it features a 60-round magazine that can be fired with incredible accuracy.
It also has a trigger lock to prevent misfires and bright yellow rounds that are easy to keep track of. The combination of spring-action system and high-impact rounds get the darts faster and further. Your kid will be the hero of the neighborhood for sure.
What I like:
- Safety trigger lock
- Tactical rail
- High-density rounds
- Accuracy and long-distance
What I don’t like:
- Trigger can be uncomfortable
2) Nerf Fortnite AR-L Elite Dart Blaster – Best Overall For Accuracy
The Nerf Fortnite AR-L Elite Dart Blaster on Amazon is the top choice for accuracy according to research and reviews. The cool Fortnite design is eye catching and the motorized firing system fires 10 darts accurately and powerfully.
The 2 flip-up sights on the gun allow for additional accuracy and precision shooting. Your child can hide in the shadows to beat opponents from a distance or fire precise hosts while running across a field.
What I like:
- Fun Fortnite design
- Enhanced fire power
- Flip-up sights for added accuracy
What I don’t like:
- Not suitable for aggressive use
3) Nerf N-Strike Elite AccuStrike Series FalconFire – Runner Up
The Nerf N-Strike Elite AccuStrike Series FalconFire on Amazon is a great runner up for both accuracy and distance. This reliable single-shot gun is easy to load, and a readiness indicator tells you when it is primed and ready to go.
This is known for being one of Nerf’s most accurate shots so you may only get 10 darts one at a time, but you get optimal quality. It is lightweight and easy for younger children to carry and is great for both long-distance and close-up shootouts.
What I like:
- Includes 10 darts
- Single-shot easy to load
- Additional dart storage
- Realistic slide-action
What I don’t like:
- The slide jams occasionally
4) Infinus Nerf N-Strike Elite Toy Motorized Blaster
To get quick and accurate shots, the Infinus Nerf N-Strike Elite Toy Motorized Blaster on Amazon is the gun to choose. It is powerful and holds a 30-dart drum that delivers fast and precise shots.
You can add darts without removing the drum due to the speed-load technology and the motorized system will get your darts further and faster.
The Elite foam darts used for this gun are also designed for optimal accuracy. Once the indicator lights to tell you the drum is full, the fun begins.
What I like:
- 30-dart drum
- Speed-load technology
- Motorized for great distances
- Highly accurate darts
What I don’t like:
- No scope
5) Nerf Modulus Motorized Toy Blaster
The perfect size for smaller hands, the Nerf Modulus Motorized Toy Blaster on Amazon has a comfortable grip and laser to control your shots.
Shoot up to 6 darts in a row with the motorized firing system and watch the darts fly as far as 90 feet. You get two storage slots to store your ammo and customize the barrel extension and drop grip for optimal firing accuracy and range.
Includes 6 dart clips and 6 darts that have the hollow tips for greater distance.
What I like:
- Shoots traditional darts and suction darts
- Customizable drop grip
- High accuracy
- Great distance shooting
What I don’t like:
- Cocking mechanism can come off track with extended use
6) Nerf N Strike Elite Strongarm Toy Blaster
The Nerf N Strike Elite Strongarm Toy Blaster on Amazon holds six darts and relies on a sliding mechanism to prime the gun. The slide out barrel lets you load quickly and easily, and your darts will fly up to 90 feet in range.
This is one of the more affordable Nerf guns for a 6 year old without compromising quality. Made with the same safe and quality materials as all Nerf blasters, your kid can play safely and reach every target they aim at.
What I like:
- Durable design
- Affordable
- Long range
- Indoor and outdoor
What I don’t like:
- A little heavy
- Can get jammed
7) Nerf Zombie Strike Crossfire Bow Blaster
For something a little different, this is the Nerf blaster to get. The unique crossbow design and zombie theme on the Nerf Zombie Strike Crossfire Bow Blaster on Amazon is a favorite of kids of all ages.
You get the coolness of having a crossbow with the ease of firing a Nerf gun. The crossbow blaster is lightweight and comfortable to grip, and the slide is easy to operate.
Crosshairs allow you to fire the 4 darts with greater accuracy and you can choose to use regular darts or suction cup darts.
What I like:
- Cool crossbow design
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Precision aiming
- Easy operation
What I don’t like:
- Darts are sometimes release two at a time
- The string can break if used aggressively
8) Nerf Elite AccuStrike Series AlphaHawk
As part of the AccuStrike club, you will get precision shots with the Nerf Elite AccuStrike Series AlphHawk Blaster on Amazon for sure. You also get a two-piece bolt for extra power and distance. 10 Accustrike darts are included which are designed for optimal aim and distance.
Firing one dart at a time, you can reach your desired target with each shot and reloading is quick and easy. Add accessories to the top or bottom rail for additional accuracy or coolness. AS one of the most versatile Nerf guns, it is a necessity for any 6 year old’s collection.
What I like:
- Accustrike series re-engineered darts
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- Cool blue and orange design
- Five-dart revolving drum
What I don’t like:
- Too powerful for very young children
9) Nerf N-Strike Elite Stryfe Blaster
The motorized style blaster on the Nerf N-Strike Elite Stryfe Blaster on Amazon is a big hit for good reason. The acceleration trigger delivers great power to send darts flying up to 90 feet away.
The tactical rail lets you add accessories to enhance aim, and in no time, you have a great weapon. The quick reload clip makes loading darts easy and you get Elite darts which are some of the best for precise shooting.
As part of the N-Strike club, there are many accessories that are compatible so there is no end in sight as far as just how cool this blaster can be.
What I like:
- Semi-automatic firing
- No need to constantly reload
- Long shooting range
- Large ammo capacity
What I don’t like:
- Can get jammed
10 ) Nerf N-Strike Elite DualStrike Blaster
Keep your opponent’s guessing as you fire not one, but two types of ammo at them with the Nerf N-Strike Elite DualStrike Blaster on Amazon. The two sizes of ammo and a top and bottom switch to toggle lets you switch up your game play.
You can use the regular darts included or suction cup darts. With both Elite and Mega darts, you can make any shot. Wherever your opponent is, you have the ammo to reach them. For added effect, the Mega darts also whistle as they fly through the air.
What I like:
- Switch between two type of ammo
- Mega darts whistle and reach long distances
- Elite ammo provides accuracy
What I don’t like:
- Sometimes two darts are fired at the same time
- The slide can get jammed
Helpful Tips To Choose The Best Nerf Gun For 6 Year Old
Before you run out and grab one, there are a few additional tips to remember:
- Bigger does not always equal more power. Several of the blasters on our list are small for younger children and pack plenty of punch. Your 6 year old doesn’t have to worry about having the biggest gun, because it is the firing mechanism and darts that matter more than size.
- Accessories are a great investment. Accessorizing the gun with scopes, sights, and bipods only enhance accuracy and distance. As your child gets used to his new toy, add some accessories to really up their game on the field.
- Watch the power. Many motorized Nerf guns fire rapidly and at greater ranges so are appealing, but some are very powerful. Stick with the medium sized guns for a 6 year old player, to make sure they get power but not more than they can handle.
Final Thoughts
Now you can see there is more to buying Nerf than you probably thought. You can also see that even if Nerf looks like it is for older kids, there are many styles that younger kids can enjoy too. After all, Nerf wants everyone to have fun.
Just because you pick a smaller gun for smaller hands doesn’t mean you have to give up accuracy and range. Our list of the best Nerf guns for a 6 year old is proof of this.
Hopefully, your Nerf shopping will not be as daunting now and with any of our top picks, your 6 year old will develop skills while impressing the neighborhood kids.