Slingshot is a familiar weapon of a bully from the childhood of many boys. Especially those whose childhood took place in Soviet times. Few people know that a modern powerful slingshot is a rather serious weapon that is used for hunting small game. A slingshot for hunting, which uses special steel balls for a slingshot as projectiles, easily pierces a protective helmet or motorcycle helmet.
Device and principle of operation
The device of a simple slingshot is quite simple and consists of several parts:
- The very "flyer" or bed, on which all other elements of the slingshot are mounted;
- Rubber harnesses or "strands", which are used for use as a string for a slingshot;
- A socket or a saddle where a projectile is inserted.
Homemade slingshot (classic) is a simple wooden handle, forked at the end, like the horns of an animal. A harness is attached to these "horns", which sends a projectile to the target. The shell is embedded in the yoke, which is made of durable leather. Slingshots can be used for various purposes, it depends on their design and the use of various materials during their assembly.
Types of slingshots:
- Light slingshot is mainly used for entertaining shooting or mastering shooting skills. These are mostly small slingshots of a classic design;
- Medium slingshot is a more advanced model and can be used for sport shooting. Slingshot for hunting from this group is unlikely to succeed, since the average slingshot does not have the necessary power reserve for this;
- The big slingshot (it is also called the martial slingshot) can be used to hunt small game. It may look like an average slingshot, but the quality of the materials used to create it is noticeably higher.
In addition to dividing by size, slingshots are also divided by purpose:
- The hunting slingshot is a factory expensive model. To use it, one needs sufficient experience in using slingshots. If handled carelessly, this model may cause significant injuries. Although an average slingshot is also dangerous, a steep slingshot for hunting is already a weapon (although it does not fall under this definition by law);
- Sports slingshot is a rather expensive and powerful model. Shooting a slingshot designed for sports is a very exciting activity that develops an eye. For professional sports shooting can be used as a medium slingshot, and large.
How to make a slingshot with your own hands
If you are thinking about how to make a slingshot with your own hands, the first thing you need is to find a suitable tree for its manufacture. Slingshot made of wood is a classic model from childhood. Only hardwood trees with a good combination of hardness and elasticity are suitable for making slingshots. Acacia or rowan will fit perfectly. One of the main criteria when choosing a blank for a future slingshot is the same thickness of the "horns".
The billet should be cleaned of bark, sanded and dried thoroughly. At the ends of the "horns" you need to make grooves, there will be mounted rubber for the slingshot. Some craftsmen will answer the question "how to make a slingshot" that, in addition to wood, you can use steel rods, thick plywood or plastic for a slingshot. However, steel slingshots are considered the best, and turning a slingshot into a work of art is possible only when using wood with a beautiful structure.
A rubber medical bandage is used as a "tyazhi", although now the most optimal material is surgical latex. If you want one hundred percent to be sure of the quality of rubber harnesses, the slingshot construction scheme should include branded slingshot rubber kits. Products of the company "Trumark" (USA) are of stable quality and reasonable price.
Manufacturers of modern slingshots
It is not enough to find a slingshot suitable in form and parameters. It is very important to choose a high-quality product, because the modern Rogost market is filled with fakes, which are often completely copied by famous brands. It must be remembered that a good manufacturer will always give a guarantee on his slingshot, and the assurances of sellers of the quality of their product are not a document that will help in the case of marriage. Repeatedly, there were cases when an open wire harness resulted in injuries to the eye or face, and a steel slingshot (made from an unknown alloy) that broke during tension could stick a broken piece into a hand or face.
If funds allow, it is better to choose a slingshot produced by “Marksman” or “Combow”. Italian slingshot brand “Advance” also has a good quality performance.
Ammunition and Slingshot Shooting
For shooting with a slingshot, you can use different objects, ranging from stones under your feet, and ending with special “rozhodnymi” shells.
- Stones, rubble and other suitable items are traditionally used for slingshot shooting. Due to the different sizes, shapes and weights they fly along an unpredictable trajectory and are not suitable at long distances;
- Glass balls make it possible to track the trajectory of their flight; they are ideal in shape and weight, but flying shards and high prices do not make them quite popular;
- Hunting buckshot is a cheap version of steel balls. Quite comfortable shells, the lack of which lies in their toxicity to the environment;
- Steel balls - ideal for use in slingshots. Their only disadvantage is the high price;
- Steel nuts can also be used as projectiles for a slingshot. Some hunters press lead into the middle of the nuts, making such projectiles lethal.
You can shoot a slingshot at a distance of up to 25 meters, although this is not the limit. The main criterion for shooting accuracy is systematic training. There is a book that describes in detail the theory and practice of rocket-shooting (“Slingshot Shooting from Jack Köhler).
You should not go on a hunt with a slingshot, if you do not have the necessary skills and you are not sure about the power of your weapon, but sports or recreational shooting perfectly trains your eye and is capable of delivering a lot of joy.
