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Can a Nerf Gun Kill You? The True Danger of Nerf Guns

can a nerf gun kill you
Updated on 03/16/24

A Nerf gun is a toy gun that fires soft foam darts. They are popular with children and adults alike and are used in a variety of games.

You’ve likely heard of Nerf gun accidents in the media, and some parents have even sued Nerf after their children were injured by the guns.

So this begs the question, can you die from a Nerf gun?

Nerf guns, blasters, and darts can not kill. The darts they fire are not very harmful, making them safe for use indoors and around people. The force with which Nerf darts are fired varies from model to model but is generally not strong enough to cause serious injury and certainly not death.

Nerf guns are generally considered safe for children to use—even the most powerful Nerf guns on the market don’t shoot hard enough to cause more than a slight bruise.

However, if you are hit in the eye with a Nerf bullet, it could damage your eye or even cause blindness. So, while Nerf guns are not typically dangerous, it is important to be careful when using them.

Has Anyone Died From a Nerf Gun?

People have been killed in the strangest of ways. While Nerf guns are not lethal, has there ever been a freak accident resulting in a fatal nerf shooting?

To date, there have been no reported deaths from Nerf guns. However, there have been a few reports of serious eye injuries from Nerf gun pellets. In one case, a 13-year-old boy was hit in the eye with a Nerf gun pellet and suffered a detached retina.

What Happens if You Get Hit by a Nerf Gun?

The speed of an average Nerf dart is about 70 FPS. Stronger blasters can shoot up to 120 FPS, and some off-brand dart blasters can reach insane speeds of 200+ FPS.

While these speeds are intense, darts are made of soft foam, and getting hit by a will not break the skin.

Some Nerf darts can sting—such as those from the Rival series, but will unlikely leave a mark or any indication that you were hit.

At the very most, you might yelp, but that’s it.

What Are the Dangers of Nerf Guns?

Nerf guns are generally considered safe toys, but there are some potential dangers to be aware of. If not used properly, Nerf guns can cause eye injuries. It is important to make sure that Nerf gun darts are not modified in any way, as this can increase the risk of injury.

It is also important to pay attention to Nerf safety recommendations, and keep guns away from small children, as they may choke on the small parts.

Final Thoughts

Nerf blasters are an excellent way to educate your kids on the proper way to handle firearms and are a relatively harmless toy—with the exception of hitting each other in the eyes. However, if played in a safe manner with eyewear, there really isn’t much to fear from Nerf blasters.

No one has ever died from being hit by a foam dart, and for the most part, foam-based weapons are designed to be safe for play among children and adults.