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Last week got use started with an intro to cube warfare: basic rules of engagement and two very good starter guns. Now we’ll bump the game up with three larger, more expensive, and generally cooler-looking Nerf rifles. Meet the Nerf Longstrike, Longshot, and Raider.

Each weapon is available for $30-35. Each takes Nerf’s N-Strike ammunition clips and accessories. And each is big enough to let you at least look like you can dominate the whole office. They’re not the biggest guns out there, but they are pretty fun.

If you’re just starting out, you should stick with the Maverick or the Deploy (or the Recon, which we’ll discuss in a future installment). If you’ve had some fun with the smaller guns and want to up the intimidation factor a bit, these are great candidates for your arsenal.

Nerf Longstrike

The Longstrike is easily one of the coolest-looking Nerf rifles on the market. It’s a freaking sniper rifle. With the barrel extension, it’s currently the longest Nerf gun available at just over 3 feet long.

It uses the same N-Strike clips as the other rifles, and the Nerf Recon from last week. Though the gun only comes with one clip, the rifle stock features two slots where you can store additional clips. The Longstrike also comes with a little flip-up iron sight that slides onto the N-Strike accessory rail on the top. Of course, like all Nerf sights, it’s completely useless.

While the Longstrike is the longest gun of the three, it’s also the weakest. The barrel extension severely cuts down on the gun’s power; with the extension on, the gun can only reliably shoot darts about 15 feet. It’s a bit more powerful without the barrel, though it doesn’t look nearly as cool without it.

At $30 directly from Hasbro and $35 from most retail stores, the Longstrike is an over-priced, under-performing weapon. Unless you really want a Nerf gun shaped like a sniper rifle (not an unreasonable desire) give it a pass.

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