Review: Nerf N-Strike Longshot CS-6

Nerf N-Strike Longshot CS-6. Size matters.

The Nerf N-Strike Longshot CS-6 is the serious Nerfer's weapon of choice. It has been around for a few years and was considered to be the longest Nerf gun ever made before the newer (and performance-wise inferior) Longstrike came out. Although it is currently discontinued, it still sells in many toy stores Australia-wide (because we always get the old discontinued stock!) and it's considered a real find if you can get your hands on one.

Nerf Longshot packaging. 

The aesthetics of the Longshot are impressive. The first thing anyone says when they see it is "whoah that's huge". It's a bulky gun, and at full size looks like some epic sniper rifle. Take the secondary gun/barrel attachment off and it does somewhat resemble what is often referred to as a "pulse rifle" and ends up looking like something out of Aliens or Halo- two aspects of pop culture guys go absolutely gaga over:) It comes with a built in stand for when you're wanting to pretend you're a sniper:) Comes with tactical rails like all N-Strike guns for other optional N-Strike attachments. You can even extend the stock to be longer depending on personal choice; the stock also can store additional clips.

The Longshot is billed as a "2-in-one blaster" because it came with a secondary gun attachment/barrel that could be detached as a single shot pistol. Attached, this makes the gun HUGE and bulky. It looks tough, but it ends up being doorway fodder all too often. Also, to be honest, it kinda bites performance wise and after a while I'd be surprised if many people actually keep the barrel on the gun because it decreases the Longshot's shooting performance. As a single shot pistol, it also kinda sucks, so most people I know generally leave that puppy at home!

The Longshot uses a pin that sticks out of the side of the gun to prime- it's a simple cock back and forth and squeeze the trigger to fire a foam dart. The gun uses the magazine style clip with the streamline foam darts and is compatible with all clip rounds (including the 35 bullet drum from the Raider). Performance-wise it's pretty good and it uses what is known as a "direct plunger" system which out of the box means it does shoot further and with more accuracy than its reverse plunger brothers. Modders LOVE this gun; with tweaking the Longshot can increase its distances significantly.

Personally, while I think it's a great gun, it's not my favourite. It's big and bulky and doesn't feel nice for me to hold (I'd probably be the only one who says this though). I've watched many kids try to use the thing clumsily but it DOES appeal to their dads:) Any Nerf collection SHOULD have one and I'd recommend it- just not my personal gun of choice.

Cheapest I've seen these is $35 AUS which is a bargain- but I've seen stores have them up to 80 bucks which is excessive. Still, they're becoming increasingly rare so get 'em while you can. (I believe they only came out in the yellow/orange colour schemes in Australia, if you can get them in other colours, do it!)

Usability: 6/10
Out of the box performance: 8.5/10
Cool factor: 8/10
Price point: 7/10 (if you go with the 60 buck average mark)