The Tacticool Nerfer: MEGA Centurion

In 2006, Hasbro introduced the Longshot CS-6, marketed as Nerf's first "sniper rifle". Four years later, due apparently to its popularity in Hasbro's Nerf N-Strike Elite, the Longstrike CS-6 made its non-digital debut. Since then, the art of launching foam to extreme distances has improved, and in 2013, Nerf announced a whole new line of blasters devoted specifically to range. "Mega darts for mega range" was the slogan, and fittingly, the flagship blaster of the lineup was styled as a sniper rifle. Meet the Centurion.

So, does the Centurion live up to the hype? In order to decide that, lets examine the hype.

The Claims
First of all, with a gun like this, you want range. Hasbro claims that it'll shoot up to 100 ft. Considering the ranges they typically claim for their Elite guns, a hundred feet is quite substantial.
Now for the size. This colossal toy measures out at 40.7", or a little over a meter.
Finally, Hasbro included a tactical bipod with this blaster, so you can steady your aim.
For a sample of the above hype, check out Nerf's TV spot for it.

The Truth
Sadly, the Centurion is hardly a sniper's first choice. Oh, it shoots far enough. My tests reached 104 ft. The issue is accuracy. Beyond forty feet, you'd have a better chance of hitting the target if you weren't aiming at it. The darts, though large, are lightweight. They fly thirty feet off target at the hint of a breeze.
As for the bipod, you can use it. Can does not mean should. The knobs on the ends are smooth, rounded plastic, and they'll slide around like you wouldn't believe. Additionally, the "sniper" firing position (laying on your belly behind the shouldered gun) is rather uncomfortable with this blaster.

Now that we've defeated the hype, let's get into the pros and cons that I haven't mentioned yet.

Good:

Styling. It does have this in its favor: it looks very nice. It's realistic enough, yet it's obvious that it's not a real gun.
Ergonomic handgrip. That is, if you have adult-sized hands like me.
Cosplay potential. If you're one of those super-devoted fans that dresses up as your favorite character, this gun could easily be made into a really cool replica weapon.
Bandolier attachment points. This is the first gun I've come across that in its stock form actually has useable bandolier loops. And they actually work quite well, provided you're tall enough to not drag it on the ground…
Lightweight. For the size, the Centurion doesn't weigh very much.

Bad:

Unwieldy. This thing is HUGE. Forty inches doesn't sound like much until you hold them up to your shoulder.
Incompatible. You can't use regular darts in this gun, and there are few systems out there so far that work with Mega darts. Here's a size comparison:

The clip. I personally like the idea of a Mega-clip system, but so far, there is no system (and I rather doubt there ever will be). As it stands right now, the only way to get more of these clips is to buy them on Ebay or spend fifty bucks on another Centurion. And who wants to take out the clip, load it up, and stick it back in the gun?
Iron-sights. Those little notches that stick up off the top of the gun? Useless. There is no way you will get those lined up with your eye unless you're a contortionist.
Mod-ability. Don't take this thing apart unless you're ready to put it back together. And trust me, you're not ready until you've sat in the Lotus pose for at least two hours.
The draw. When you cock it, you have to pull the handle back more than a foot, which is quite a long and uncomfortable draw.

Overall, my advice is that if you're into nerf wars, you'll find this gun disappointing. If you want a big, fun toy, you'll have fun. But don't expect your parents to pay for it.

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