It’s time to check your closets and attics because some of the old Nerf guns are now rare and expensive.
The factors that affect the pricing vary from age to looks to those with a great design that just got discontinued.
With prices driven by demand mostly from second-hand sites like eBay and Craigslist, some of these can still be found new on Amazon.
Feel the nostalgia as we go through ten of the rarest and most expensive Nerf guns in the world.
This list is sorted by value and rarity so even though some cost less than others, they may be lower on the list because they are harder to find.
10. Nerf Longstrike CS-6
The Longstrike CS-6 is one of the best-looking sniper rifles Nerf has made. It is a bolt action foam flinger that is better modified, as most dart snipers don’t really have great range.
It is still a fan favorite because of its solid looks and feel. It has plenty of rails for attachments, a removable barrel, and a sweet bolt action prime.
While it retailed in 2010 for about $30, it is worth more than that used now. If the Longstrike had better performance this could be, in my opinion, in the top 3 most expensive Nerf guns.
There are also two other versions of this blaster, Whiteout and the Sonic. Whiteout features a mostly white design with almost Star Wars-like patterns. The Sonic version is a simple see-through green and orange.
ESTIMATED VALUE
- New: $150 – $250
- Used: $50 – $75+
FIND ON EBAY
I’ve seen new ones on Amazon for over $250 but I’m willing to bet a patient person could find a new one or much cheaper elsewhere.
Cheaper Alternatives
This is kind of the OG sniper, but the Modulus Longstrike is much better and can be found new for about half the cost. It is a bit different but is definitely one of the best Nerf snipers due to its available customization options.
9. Nerf Rayven CS-18 (Light it Up Series)
Requiring a whopping 7 AA batteries didn’t stop the Rayven CS-18 from rising to become a popular Nerf collector’s item. This nifty little bullpup-style blaster needs those batteries to power the glow-in-the-dark tech in the clips, and the automatic flywheel in the gun.
This blaster seems to be popular because it is compact, automatic, and has rare glow-in-the-dark darts. The clip shines a blue light on the darts to make them glow the typical greenish color for a while.
Other things to note are that the mag has an 18 dart capacity, and the revving motor is super quiet compared to other automatic battery-powered Nerf blasters. It retailed for about $30 in 2012 and is worth at least that now in bad condition.
ESTIMATED VALUE
- New: $150 – $175
- Used: $50 – $100
FIND ON EBAY
If you find one that seems cheaper, it is probably because it doesn’t come with the darts. I think it’s best to find a cheap working blaster on eBay and then look for the darts and clip separately.
Cheaper Alternatives
There are less costly versions of the Rayven, as well as the Rayvenfire which is just the 2017 version. If you want to just check out some blasters with the new bullpup designs, take a look at the Nerf Halo MA40, or the Nerf Fornite B-AR.
8. Nerf Master Blaster
The Nerf Master Blaster, released in 1992, is a hard-to-find ball shooter handle pump firing system. It holds four balls in both of its two barrels which are fired one at time, or two at once with a real good push.
It doesn’t have the most technical features, but the logo brings back the retro feel of the late 80s and early 90s. One reason it is rare is that it was only sold for a short time for reasons unknown.
This blaster actually works quite well for a ball flinger that shoots nice and soft. It is great for younger kids because it shoots soft ballistic balls and is pretty harmless.
ESTIMATED VALUE
- New: $150-$200+
- Used: $40-$75
FIND ON EBAY
You can find cheaper used ones that don’t include ammo or are missing the sticker.
Cheaper Alternatives
There are many toys similar to this one now but they of course aren’t going to match the nostalgic value.
One of the most popular and comparable tube ball launchers on Amazon is the Atomic Power Popper. It holds 12 balls which are fired one at a time and can go up to 20 feet.
7. Nerf N-Strike Vulcan EBF-25
Who can resist a heavy chain gun with a tripod? The Vulcan EBF-25 is fed by a 25 dart belt and can be fired fully auto or single shot with the bolt action.
It made its debut into the Nerf world clear back in 2008 at a whopping average price of $40. If you just have one laying around now, it is likely worth at least double that now.
The downside to forking out the cash for this gun now is that it has jamming issues. However, this is a fun one to play with still has one of the better-looking big blaster designs.
ESTIMATED VALUE
- New: $250 – $300
- Used: $75 – $125
Cheaper Alternatives
There are a handful of belt-fed heavy guns in the Nerf world that can be found for less. While it doesn’t have a tripod, the Adventure Force V-Twin is a quality chain blaster that shoots harder and is at a budget price.
If you get a bipod attachment for it, the Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS Icon series has a similar look and doesn’t jam like the Vulcan.
6. Nerf Elite Titan CS-50
Everybody wants the big guns, and the Nerf Elite Titan CS-50 is no exception. While not yet particularly rare, the price of this blaster has increased drastically from its original $100 price in 2019.
What’s not to love about an automatic Nerf mini gun that includes a 50-dart drum magazine and shoots about three darts per second? It doesn’t shoot that hard though, just at the par 70 FPS.
It is powered with 4 D Type batteries and is mostly good for playing the role of heavy gunner and intimidating your enemies.
ESTIMATED VALUE
- New: $225 – $350
- Used: $150- $200
FIND ON EBAY
These are widely available on eBay but most are untested and don’t include everything. The Adventure Force
Cheaper Alternatives
Besides the heavy guns that have been mentioned, the only blaster that is relatively close is the Nerf Hyperfire. It is a much more compact and smaller version with a 35-dart drum.
5. Nerf Crossbow 1995
At first glance, it is hard to see the real appeal of the original Nerf Crossbow. However, it is a versatile weapon that included and that stored four Mega suction darts as well as three large arrows.
A comfortable grip and feel almost make up for the mediocre performance. Because of its unique design and vintage value, this blaster is still collected and often modded.
If you can find one with the string, bow, and ammo, you will likely pay a good amount to get your hands on one.
ESTIMATED VALUE
- New: $300 – $350
- Used: $200 – $275+
FIND ON EBAY
If you can find one with the string, bow, and ammo, you will have to pay a large sum to get your hands on one. This one is a lower on the list because it is rarer than some of the other more expensive ones.
Cheaper Alternatives
There aren’t a ton of Nerf crossbows to choose from but the Zombie Strike series has a couple that are easier to find. Both the Wrathbolt and the Dreadbolt can be found for a third of the price.
If you want something a bit older, the 1994 Nerf Double crossbow is smaller but will be under $100 on eBay.
4. Nerf Terrascout Recon RC Drone
The Terrascout was released in 2016, and this Recon version followed in 2017. Both are remote-controlled drones that feature cameras so that you can attack without putting yourself in danger.
The difference between the OG version and the Recon are the colors and the newer version has a 35-round drum mag vs. the original 18-round stick mag. The Recon retailed for about $30 more as well at $230.
It is nice that it comes with a rechargeable battery, charger, and a good amount of ammo. There isn’t much out there like it, especially with it including the decent quality camera system.
Why do I have a feeling many cats and dogs have seen battles with very unique Nerf toy?
ESTIMATED VALUE
- New: $350 – $400+
- Used: $250 – $300
FIND ON EBAY
These are widely available on eBay but most are untested and don’t include everything.
Cheaper Alternatives
If you can locate a decent Nerf Combat Creatures TerraDrone it will be much cheaper. This one will only be found on second-hand sites. It doesn’t have a camera, but holds 12 darts and works decently well.
As you probably guessed there aren’t many toys like this but the New Bright Remote Control Mech is worth a look. It doesn’t sport a camera but is an RC blaster that shoots balls like Rival ammo.
3. Nerf N-Strike Elite Rhino Fire
It makes sense the biggest Nerf guns are expensive, but this one is a next-level credit card maxing temptress.
The crazy things is that this one is so fun to use that if you had the money it is actually tempting to pick one up. This hefty boy requires 6 D Type batteries, holds 50 darts, and fires about 3 darts a second at 70 FPS.
This Nerf turret is basically two large guns in one and is perfect for Nerf gun games like Zombies.
ESTIMATED VALUE
- New: $250 – $500
- Used: $120-$200
FIND ON EBAY
There are occasionally a few Rhino Fires for sale on Amazon, but stock is limited and at the max price you will see. There is a wide range of pricing on this one but eBay will provide some better-priced options for those who don’t want it but rather need it.
Cheaper Alternatives
There is nothing quite like the Rhino Fire but if you can find them, the closest options are the Dart Zone Dart Storm or the Boomco. Colossal Blitz. Unfortunately, these are also harder to find.
2. Dude Perfect Signature Bow
The viral YouTube channel Dude Perfect partnered with Nerf to release an impressive bow in 2017. Their high-quality trick shot videos helped prove this was a fun toy and it sold well and fast.
However, while popular with kids, this bow is definitely designed for adults. It is a massive bow, not easily handled by a younger child. The arrows are also hard for target and trick shot purposes.
Nevertheless, this bow has skyrocketed in price from its original retail price of $60 to more than five times that new.
ESTIMATED VALUE
- New: $275 – $400
- Used: $100-150+
FIND ON EBAY
You can find a new one on Amazon, but the best bet is eBay. If you really want to get a hold of this bow, the best way is to buy a used bow and then find arrows or missing parts separately.
Cheaper Alternatives
For around $40-$60, you can get a Zing Hyperstrike bow with even better performance. They have a handful of color options, include six arrows, and have a range of up to 250 ft.
1. Nerf Max Force Manta Ray
The Nerf Max Force Manta Ray is a shield blaster that debuted in 1996 at the retail price of $19.99. It is in fact made and designed to look something like a Manta Ray.
This blaster is cool because it shoots four Mega suction darts at once with a comfortable squeeze-style grip. It can also be used to deflect incoming darts while using a one-handed blaster like the Hammershot.
Unfortunately, the plastic is a little fragile and this wasn’t the sturdiest of toys. It is prone to chip and break, which adds the rarity as many likely ended up in the trash.
ESTIMATED VALUE
- New: 450+
- Used: $130-150+
FIND ON EBAY
While the Manta Ray is not always the most expensive, it is certainly one of the rarest. Almost always found used and damaged, if there is one to be found in mint condition, it is likely the holy grail.
Also important to note, there is also a purple version that seems to be even harder to find.
Cheaper Alternatives
There are only a few shield-type blasters out there, and none of them are quite like the Manta. If you like the idea of a shield blaster you can pick up a Nerf Captain America Strikeshot Shield.
It shoots just one dart at a time but is very cheap in comparison. Oh, and you can also pretend you are Captain America, so there’s that.
Final Thoughts
Naturally, the used prices of these rare Nerf blasters change day to day and only can be estimated. The cost can also vary widely depending on the condition, and what is included. The new prices are unused out of the box to mint in-box estimates.
It is fair to say nostalgia continues to cost more and more. To get your hands on a piece of Nerf history, you are going to have to be willing to part with a decent amount of dough.
Whether you have one of the guns on this list or not, it is definitely worth taking a look at what you get for an old blaster you have.
Happy Nerfing!