The Nerf gun is an enduring toy that engages the mind and body in imaginative, active play. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, if you’ve got a Nerf gun in your hand, you’ve also got a smile on your face. However, if it’s been a while since you’ve purchased one, you’re going to need help choosing the best one for you.

Do you prefer fast-paced, automated fire or load-and-shoot precision? That choice is yours, but you’ll need a gun that’s not too big or too heavy to handle, if you want to stay nimble. You can shoot several styles of (safe) darts, but what really matters is range and reloading speed.

For tips and trade secrets that will make you a master of all things Nerf, keep reading. However, if you just want to be armed with one of the best Nerf guns on the market, consider one of the models we’ve highlighted.