With no batteries or electronics, right out of the box you or your child can look through the instruction sheet in about 30 seconds, load the darts in about 30 seconds, and you're ready for serious Nerf combat fun.
The Maverick is a sheep in wolf's clothing, visually. Size-wise, it's intimidatingly large, enough so to give the impression that a child would have difficulty lifting it, but the plastic is lightweight, and the handle is modestly sized for hands of all ages.
Price Guide: $10-$15
The gun itself is fairly durable being able to withstand being stepped on, thrown against either a hardwood floor or a wall (as hard as a 7 year old can throw it).
As far as safety, yes, little 7 year old boys will run around with these and attempt to shoot each other. I've been hit scores of times, at less than 5 feet, in the face and even a couple times on the eyelid and IMHO I would be hard pressed to believe that even a direct hit in the eye could cause lasting damage.
Great for those rainy days when you get tired of playing board games.
Overall, the Maverick is the sweet spot in the Nerf dart gun lineup, offering a clever multi-shot design in a smaller package than most other current bigger-is-better models. And the best feature is the price - not only is this one of the cheapest dart guns Nerf currently makes.
Nerf N-Strike Maverick