This article provides reviews of the top five Nerf shotguns currently on the market, evaluating factors such as appearance, performance, authenticity, ergonomics, and overall shotgun functionality.
The Nerf shotgun is a less commonly found type of blaster, which is regrettable considering their enjoyable gameplay and appealing appearance.
This article will discuss the features of a genuine Nerf shotgun (in contrast to a shotgun-style blaster) and provide a list of my top five recommendations.
Top 5 Nerf Shotguns:
What Is a Nerf Shotgun?
It is important to provide a clear definition of what qualifies as a Nerf shotgun due to the widespread confusion surrounding this matter.
It is important to acknowledge that this is a subjective viewpoint, and individuals are entitled to their own perspectives on the matter.
Can you explain what a Nerf shotgun is?
A Nerf shotgun is a blaster that has the capability to fire multiple darts or rounds simultaneously.
It would be a bonus if these blasters have a shape resembling a classic shotgun, with a handle that is almost horizontal and a longer barrel.
There are several Nerf blasters, such as the Nerf Rival Takedown, that are categorized as shotgun-style blasters. However, it is important to note that these blasters are not true Nerf shotguns as they are unable to fire multiple rounds simultaneously.
One drawback of real Nerf shotguns is that they run out of ammo quickly when firing multiple rounds.
If you’re in search of a shotgun-style blaster that is not an actual shotgun, the Nerf Mega Fortnite TS is my preferred choice.
Top 5 Nerf Shotguns
Here are five top-rated Nerf shotguns that would make great additions to any Nerf blaster collection.
1. Nerf Rival Atlas XVI-1200
We will start this list with a blaster from the popular range of Nerf guns, the Rival series.
The Atlas XVI-1200 is a pump action blaster that has a direct plunger inside. It has the ability to shoot two High-Impact Rounds at once through a single barrel, thanks to a smooth priming mechanism.
The Atlas blaster in the Rival range exhibits strong performance in terms of power, velocity, and firing range. The ability to fire two rounds simultaneously adds an enjoyable aspect, although it should be noted that ammunition is depleted more rapidly in this case.
The Atlas has a magazine capacity of 12 rounds, which is not particularly large. However, its performance and enjoyment make it my preferred shotgun on this list.
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2. Nerf N-Strike Mega TwinShock
The Nerf TwinShock is a shotgun-style blaster in the N-Strike Mega series. It has a unique design with a large 10-pipe barrel at the front. The TwinShock is capable of firing two Mega Darts simultaneously, which is in line with the design of the barrel that features five sets of two smaller barrels.
The TwinShock is a pump action blaster that offers single-fire, multi-fire, and slam-fire options. This means that you have the flexibility to choose whether or not to fire two darts at once, making it a unique feature of the TwinShock.
The slam fire option is a notable feature that enables rapid firing of all ten darts consecutively. The priming and firing mechanism of the TwinShock is highly efficient.
The Mega TwinShock is highly versatile and has excellent firing performance, making it one of the top Nerf shotguns ever produced.
3. Nerf N-Strike Elite Trilogy DS-15
The Trilogy DS-15 in the N-Strike Elite series is a blaster that utilizes shells to launch darts, making it stand out from others in its category.
The name “DS” comes from Dart Shell, and the number 15 indicates its ability to fire 15 darts from five shells. The term trilogy was selected because it can fire three darts simultaneously from each shell.
The process of using the Trilogy DS-15 may seem complex at first, but it is actually quite straightforward. To operate it, you just need prime it, load a shell into the blaster, and then fire the three darts from the shell.
During priming, the previously used shell will automatically drop out, creating space for the next one. Overall, it is a reliable and enjoyable blaster that would be a valuable addition to any collection.
4. Nerf N-Strike Elite Rough Cut 2×4
The Rough Cut 2×4 in the N-Strike Elite series closely resembles a real Nerf shotgun in terms of its appearance, functionality, and firing mechanism, which is why it is included on this list despite its age.
The blaster is a direct plunger pump-action model that has the capability to shoot two Elite Darts simultaneously, but it can also be used for single-fire or slam-fire.
There are two versions of the Elite Rough Cut 2×4, with the first one being released in 2013 and an improved version being re-released a year later.
The newer version has made improvements to its internal workings, resulting in enhanced firing performance and a smoother firing mechanism overall.
5. Nerf Zombie Strike SledgeFire
The final blaster on this list of top Nerf shotguns is similar to the Trilogy DS-15 in terms of functionality, rather than appearance.
The Nerf Zombie Strike SledgeFire utilizes shells to shoot three darts simultaneously. However, it is important to note that it is equipped with three shells, unlike the Trilogy DS-15 which has five shells.
The SledgeFire is equipped with ZombieStrike Darts, which are similar to Elite Darts but have a distinct color scheme that complements the ZombieStrike line of blasters.
The SledgeFire is a Nerf shotgun that has been on the market for a considerable amount of time. It was considered revolutionary upon its initial release and is now highly sought after by collectors.
Final Thoughts
Real Nerf shotguns are difficult to find because they are unique and not very effective, which may explain why they are not as popular as other types of Nerf blasters.
I have a positive opinion of Nerf shotgun blasters, particularly their appearance, despite any perceived disadvantages. The Nerf Rival Atlas is considered the top option.
I hope you found the list above helpful and that you have been able to select your favorite. If there is any additional item you feel should be included on this list, please let me know in the comments.