Slingshots

A slingshot champion appearing on the David Letterman Show some years ago said to hold the projectile pocket at a fixed position near the body, such as the hip, and move the frame based on gut feeling and practice, just like a gunslinger or hip-shooter in the American wild west. Many gunslingers could hit a target without raising their weapon to eye level.

A slingshot can be powerful enough to hunt small game. In order to achieve power, the correct ammunition must be used; steel balls are the most common choice. A typical heavy pull band slingshot should be used with 9mm (3/8') to 12mm (1/2') steel balls. Using lighter ammo doesn't increase the speed of the projectile significantly.

With practice, slingshots are effective against small rodents and birds at ranges up to 25 metres. The newer and more advanced slingshots can fire up to 200 meters. They are excellent for hunting rats and pigeons. Because of the low ammunition cost (pebbles work) and ease of use, slingshots are very popular with children.

The weak hand holding the frame becomes fatigued by doing so. Many slingshots have a wrist-brace so the user's weak hand doesn't have to hold the frame very tightly. Some models come along with stabilizers, rotating prongs, sighting mechanisms and other sophisticated improvements. While these are not necessary, they usually improve the power, lifespan of the bands and accuracy.

The material for the rubbers is critical. The best widely-available material is dipped latex rubber surgical tubing or latex sheeting. It lasts about six months before it needs to be replaced. It can be attached to the frame and packet by stretching it over a metal rod of the correct diameter. Some slingshots have been constructed of metal tubing of the exact diameter. Rubbers should be stored under water away from sunlight, which causes them to stiffen and crack.

The weight of the pocket is critical, because if the pocket is very heavy, the slingshot will be weak. The best pockets are made of soft leather, which does not fray.

Securely attaching a pocket at home can be quite difficult. An effective way is to drill a short section of hardwood dowel lengthwise, and place the pocket in a cotter pin. Next, insert the pin into the dowel, and wrap the ends of the pin completely around the dowel. Finally, stretch the rubber over the dowel and pin-ends. Never re-use a cotter pin.

The slingshot is not related to the sling. Mechanically it operates on a different principle. Operation is different, as well.

Today, slingshots may also be used in recreational paintball games as backup or silent sniper weapons. Even though the average speed and distance of a slingshot is slightly less than that of a paintball gun, some paintball playing fields may not allow them.