Nerf Raider vs Rampage: which nerf gun should you choose?

The Nerf Rampage is the direct successor to the Nerf Raider
One blaster was released to the N-Strike Series while the other was released to the N-Strike Elite Series
Re-releases of blasters are usually fairly similar
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Nerf is constantly releasing new blasters in different shapes and sizes to their many various series. However, on occasion, there are blasters that look and perform extremely similar.

To learn more about the many different types of Nerf blasters read this article: How many Nerf guns are there? (Hint: much more than you think!)!

This is often a result of Nerf improving on past blasters and releasing them under a new name. However, when a blaster is released, how much is really improved?

When looking at the Nerf Raider and the Nerf Rampage, you may not be able to tell how the blasters vary from each other and ultimately which blaster you should choose to add to your arsenal.

Keep reading to find out which blaster is the right choice for you!

Read more about purchasing Nerf guns here: 8 Nerf Gun Gift Ideas Your Kid Will Love!.

Nerf Raider CS-35

The Nerf Raider CS-35 was originally released in 2009 to the N-Strike under the name of Raider Rapid Fire CS-35. Although the name was shortened, there blaster is not short on features to help you while blasting.

The Nerf Raider has a whopping 35 dart drum that operates on a clip system. While this does mean you can use straight clips instead of the drums because the attachment point is on the side it may be inconvenient when using a longer clip. The blaster also includes a detachable shoulder stock in order to customize the blaster to best suit your Nerf experience.

This blaster features two tactical rails on top of the blaster to help you further customize your Nerf Raider to help you come out above the competition.

Learn more about the Nerf Raider on Nerf Wiki here!

Featuring slam fire capabilities the Nerf Raider is able to launch darts at a rate of 3 to 4 darts per second! When just using the single fire blasting mode the Raider can shoot at a rate of 2 darts per second.

2 years after the original release date, Nerf re-released the blaster in a bonus pack. However, after a week on the shelves, Nerf pulled the bonus pack from shelves. Due to a limited number of these bonus pack blasters, the few still in their packages are worth a pretty penny.

In fact, the Nerf Raider Bonus Pack is one of the most expensive Nerf blasters ever sold. Read more about expensive Nerf guns here: The 10 Most Expensive Nerf Guns Ever Made!

Get the Nerf Raider for your blaster collection by clicking here.

Nerf Rampage

Released to the N-Strike Elite Series in 2012 the Nerf Rampage looks extremely similar to the Nerf Raider CS-35. This uncanny resemblance is due to the fact that the Rampage is a direct successor to the N-Strike Raider.

Although the Nerf Rampage does not include the shoulder stock attachment the blaster is still compatible with the detachable shoulder stock.

The Rampage features a 25 dart drum and is compatible with other Nerf clips as well.

Learn more about the Nerf Rampage on Nerf Wiki here!

Using single fire the Nerf Rampage can blast darts at a rate of 2 per second. However, when using slam fire blasting, darts can fly at a rate of 4 per second. To sweeten the deal, the Nerf Rampage can launch dart over a distance of 50 to 75 feet!

Check out the Nerf Rampage on Amazon by clicking here.

Similarities and Differences

When it comes down to looking for similarities and differences between the Raider and the Rampage, it is much easier to find similarities than differences. This is a pattern that is extremely common with re-releases of blasters.

The main difference between the Nerf Raider CS-35 and the Nerf Rampage is the shell. Both blasters use 25 dart drums that are side loaded. This may cause an inconvenience for some Nerfers as the large drum may block their line of sight.

To fire both blasters, one uses the sliding pump action on the front of the blasters. This priming pump allows for both the Raider and the Rampage to have slam fire capabilities.

Both the Rampage and the Raider feature two tactical rails on the top of the blaster for attachments that customize your blasting experience.

The only notable difference between the two blasters, besides the different paint jobs, is that the Nerf Rampage does not come packaged with the detachable shoulder stock.

If you are trying to decide which blaster you should choose, it ultimately comes down to how much bang for your buck you want! Because both blasters are sold for similar prices, the Nerf Raider CS-35 and its included shoulder stock allows you to get more blaster without a lower price tag.