Toy Review: Nerf N-Strike Barricade RV-10

With Christmas around the corner and Nerf already releasing its behemoth N-Strike automatic blaster the Stampede ECS-60, releasing another battery operated foam dart firing blaster makes little sense. But nevertheless, I suddenly found myself holding the Nerf N-Strike Barricade RV-10, a battery operated revolver. Fearing that battery operated Nerf blasters will result in a new line of Nerf warriors who are too lazy to pump their own blasters, I took it upon myself to see if there is any hope for the old school pump and shoot Nerf blasters.

Well, battery operated blasters may be the future of Nerf, but for now pump and shoot blasters still have the advantage.

The Barricade RV-10 is a squat Nerf blaster in the typical Nerf orange, yellow, gray, and black. It is slightly larger than the Maverick Rev-6, a classic Nerf revolver. 3AA batteries are housed inside the blaster and power the interior motor. A switch above the handle turns on the blaster and allows firing. The wide cylinder chambers 10 Sonic Micro darts. But since it is a Nerf revolver, it is capable of firing Streamline and suction cup darts as well. An access slide not only fixes any jams but also prevents the blaster from being accidentally turned on.

The Barricade RV-10 also features the Nerf tactical rail which can attach any Nerf N-Strike accessory for cosmetic upgrades-the scopes and lights hardly ever function well. It also is capable of holding a stock for steadier aim. But the stock is rendered needless since the boxy design overlooks a barrel that is long enough to be held underneath with one hand while the other hand fires the blaster. The bottom of the handle allows users to clip a carrying strap.

Loading and reloading the Barricade RV-10 is a chore. The blaster lacks access buttons to slide out the cylinder like its predecessors the Maverick Rev-6 and the Spectre Rev-5. The Barricade RV-10 has to be manually turned to expose the individual chambers for the darts. But once loaded and the switch is turned on and the access door is closed, the Barricade is quick to fire each dart at the pull of the trigger. The firing rate is only limited to how fast one pulls the trigger. But then it's time to reload as quick as possible. It is tempting to dual wield a pair of Barricade RV-10s John Woo style, but the reloading process becomes twice as long.

But the biggest thing that prevents the Barricade RV-10 from being a good mainstay is when turned on, the motor is NOISY. VERY NOISY. All stealth is thrown out the window along with some sanity. The battery drain and lack of a manual pump will leave users with a paperweight in the heat of a Nerf war.

So the Barricade RV-10 is a nice try, but does not beat a good Alpha Trooper CS-18 at the same price of up to $20. I would personally prefer semi-automatic Nerf blasters that used the Streamline clips myself just for aesthetic John Woo values.