Hunting with a slingshot does not require the shooter to have a hunting license or register it.

It does not create unnecessary noise during hunting, provided the hunter has some skills in its use:

• shoot only when you are confident of hitting;
• you need to aim and shoot at the head to ensure an instant hit;
• shoot from a short distance;
• to the target being hunted, it is necessary
  get as close as possible, trying not to scare her away.

The disadvantage of this throwing device is that does not provide a guarantee accurately hitting the target, since the majority of them are not equipped with a specially designed aiming device. In view of this, the hunter who uses it for hunting must be experienced and dexterous in order for the hunt to be effective.

Of great importance in this type of hunting is the constant perfection of the hunter's skill, achieved through regular training. This is the only way to achieve intuition, which is very powerful here. Feeling the required distance, having a good eye, correctly calculating the force to pull the throwing rubber - these are qualities that you cannot do without.

For training, you can use targets made of paper. By shooting at them, we can conclude that the hunter is ready for a real hunt.

Hunting technique

When aiming, the slingshot must be in a vertical position. Some hunters adapt to shoot from a horizontal position, or position at a certain angle. Over time, they develop their own convenient way of hunting.

When firing a shot, the hunter must stand in a position identical to when hunting with a bow. The target should be on the side, the distance between the legs should be shoulder width, and the head should be turned towards the target. The hand in which the slingshot is located is straight, the other hand seems to continue the stretched cords.

Necessary avoid twisting strands to avoid the wrong direction of projectile flight. The projectile must be placed exactly in the center of the heel. The tension of the strands should be uniform, without distortions and to the limit.

You shouldn't aim at your prey for too long. Taking the sight higher than necessary, slowly lower it onto the target. Having pulled the rubber to the level where the ear is located and quickly taking aim, carefully release the heel with the projectile. It will be more convenient if you hold your breath for a while before firing the shot.

If there is a miss and the prey remains in place, you should charge the slingshot as quickly as possible and repeat the entire process.

For better hunting, you need to zero in advance on the slingshot in the place where it will take place.

For those who hunt with a slingshot, it is important to know that the accuracy of aiming, and, consequently, hits, depends on the tension of the rubber. A shaking hand while pulling can prevent you from aiming accurately.

The slingshot should ideally have an anatomical shape, creating maximum comfort for the hunter; the rubber should be of high quality and powerful, providing the ammunition with good flight speed. The size of the ammunition used depends on the power of the strands; the more powerful they are, the larger the ammunition.

If the slingshot has an adjustment for the length of the extension, you need to set it to the maximum value.

Projectiles for slingshots

The advantage of a slingshot is that shells for it are not difficult to find. Common stones, buckshot, fishing weights, metal nuts, paintballs, and special balls made of lead or steel will be used.

The most popular projectile is considered to be metal balls, as they have good accuracy and destructive power.

They must match the size of the game. If you are hunting for large game, balls are taken from 12 mm or more, for small game - 9 mm. The hunter should keep them in such a place that he can quickly reach them with his hand without shifting his attention from the target.

Safety

There are some rules, the observance of which will ensure the safety of a hunter with a slingshot both for himself and those around him:

1. Under no circumstances should you aim a slingshot at the level of your eye to avoid injury. The correct way to aim is at the level of the ear or cheekbone, which is safer.
2. Shooting at stones and metal objects is unacceptable, as there is a high probability of ricochet.
3. Since the slingshot has a strong traumatic effect, it is necessary to control the environment during the hunt.
4. It is highly advisable to use protective glasses when hunting. At first they will create discomfort, but the more often the hunter puts them on, the faster he will get used to them.
5. It is dangerous to shoot at animals in trees. If the projectile does not hit the target, it will fly away a long distance.

Hunting with a slingshot and arrows

The slingshot can be adapted to shoot arrows. To do this, you need to attach the arrow shelf between the horns of the slingshot with cable clamps. It can be made from a metal ring with an approximate diameter of 2.5 cm.

Next, you need to fasten a piece of rope to the leather jacket to support the end of the arrow, which has a notch. Then thread a strong thread into the holes located on the leather jacket and tie its ends to obtain a handle with tension.

Arrows for such a slingshot made from scraps means using aluminum tape to make the plumage.

A video in which you can see how to shoot arrows from a slingshot. Yes, with such a slingshot it is quite possible to hunt a duck. Enjoy watching.

Duck hunting

The most important thing when hunting ducks with a slingshot is experience and having a good slingshot. If you achieve effective shooting through persistent training, then there is a chance of catching a duck. The silence of the slingshot allows you to shoot without scaring her off, unlike shooting from a gun, which creates noise while loading it, and she, frightened, dives even before the shot is fired.

To sneak up on a wild duck you need to try as close as possible, approximately 10 meters. If the hunter is more than 20 meters away from the target, then the probability of a hit is low.

It is more correct to aim from a place camouflaged by thick reeds. If the hunter hid in ambush, then catching a trophy is more likely. It may happen that you will only be able to fire a single shot, so you need to aim as accurately as possible.

Dove hunting

Not all types of pigeons can be hunted, since some species are protected by the Red Book of Russia.

Dove hunting prohibited in populated areas points. Pigeons living within the city are prone to various diseases, so they are unsafe for humans. Hunting for this bird species should be carried out far from human habitation.

The easiest place to spot pigeons is in granaries. When flying to a watering hole, pigeons can rest on nearby trees.

In order not to be detected, you need to hide in ambush and disguise yourself well.

As soon as the first pigeon is shot, you need to put it in place so that its relatives can see it. Having noticed, other pigeons will actively flock to this place, losing their vigilance.

It is preferable to hunt pigeons in summer and early autumn.

The use of a slingshot as a hunting weapon is more exotic than the norm. In fact, this, at first glance, a primitive weapon “originally from childhood”, evoking associations with the sound of broken window glass and the word “hooligan”, now occupies a very specific niche in a wide range of hunting arsenal, being located next to crossbows, bows and other “ ancient" (but by no means primitive) inventions of mankind.

Design and principle of operation

In its traditional, classic form, it is a very compact (slightly larger than the palm of your hand) Y-shaped piece of wood (resembling the horns of some representative of ruminants and ungulates), to which flat strips or round rubber bands are attached, with a leather, wider strip between them. A projectile is inserted into this part, then the rubber bands are stretched and, taking aim, releasing the leather jacket with the projectile clamped in it, a “shot” is fired.

By sharply contracting, the rubber bands transfer kinetic energy to the projectile, quite sufficient for it to gain a speed of 45 to 80 m/sec and a flight range of 50 to 200 meters. The very wide “scatter” of these indicators is explained by numerous options for both designs and materials for making slingshots, and a wide selection of “ammunition” for them.

So, a weapon that is simple in its technological design, the slingshot consists of several main characteristic parts:

● slingshot, or slingshot – used to attach a rubber band, holding the slingshot when aiming and firing;

● cords, throwing ropes, bowstrings - rubber (latex) strips that serve to accumulate potential energy during stretching (pulling) and quickly release this energy to the projectile at the moment of compression;

● leather jacket (leather jacket, saddle) – the “charging” part, usually made of leather and used to capture and hold the projectile before firing.

Manufacturers of homemade traditional slingshots prefer natural wood for their manufacture. The choice of breed is quite serious. Just as in a rifle stock, a combination of such qualities of wood as elasticity, hardness, and resistance to splitting is required.

The best species are traditionally considered deciduous - rowan, walnut, maple, apple, acacia. Usually a young tree branch is selected and tied with a rope, pulling the future “horns” towards each other. Such a branch is left to “grow”, but most often it is cut down immediately if its dimensions already meet the requirements and tastes of the shooter.

An important criterion for choosing a workpiece is the symmetrical arrangement and equal thickness of the two, future working, extensions to which the rubber bands will be attached. After cutting, such a workpiece is cleared of bark and dried for two to three weeks in a dry room.

The resulting “semi-finished product” is processed - polished and reduced to size and proportions, depending on the individual taste and engineering preferences of the master and future owner. Of course, there are general logical criteria: sufficient thickness and length of the handle, equal height of the tops of the horns, the distance between them. Recesses are also made for seats for the rubber band.

The fantasies of craftsmen are limitless - there are slingshots made of steel rod, carved from deer antler, sawn from plastic or from thick multi-layer plywood, with a notch on the handle, decorated with the owner’s initials, with inserted rhinestones and artistic carvings.

There are fans of various technical options and improvements: all kinds of sights, tension “amplifiers,” unusual shapes of leather jackets. Sometimes, in terms of their ornate shapes, this brings them closer to modern compound bows or crossbows, but more often, it unnecessarily complicates the design and is unlikely to actually improve the “combat” characteristics - after all, the very essence of a slingshot is compactness and intuitive shooting.

It is much more important to choose the “right” material for making cords, which should have sufficient ability to quickly restore its original dimensions. For many years, the most accessible and popular material for this was a rubber medical bandage.

Now “professionals” consider such material natural latex. Rods made from this material last quite a long time and have the highest rates of contraction. Modern king of sling rubber – surgical latex, which enthusiasts obtain in pharmacies or Medtekhnika. A Russian achievement is the Pezzer catheter, produced in several sizes. Particularly advanced shooters use only branded Trumark rubber (USA), red, at a price of $4.95 per set.

Leading manufacturers of slingshot rubber for sports and hunting models make their cords wedge-shaped or conical, tapering towards the skin, which, in turn, should be made of a medium-hard material:

• If it is too soft, it is convenient to hold it with your fingers, but it can slip out unevenly when firing, which will certainly affect the accuracy of the shot.
• If it is too hard, it is difficult to hold the projectile without feeling it. According to reviews from craftsmen, good leather jackets are made from old belts and shoes, which speaks not only of creativity, but also of a very economical way of making weapons of this kind.

Designs and models

Moving from the basics and products of folk craftsmen to the industrial production of this type of throwing weapon, we will see an even greater diversity of engineering and technical thought. These days there is a very wide range of companies producing slingshots on the market, for example, such well-known companies as "Marksman" or "Combow"(USA), producing their products not only in sports and hunting versions, but also fulfilling orders for arming special forces - in the form of a real combat system.

Italian company Advance makes “ordinary” (using the term for hunting weapons) slingshots - with the widest selection of models and prices.

Of course, Chinese manufacturers did not stand aside and filled the Russian market with countless “different-sized” and different-quality products. It is impossible to ignore such model names: “BlackWidow”, “ProDiablo”, “Wrist-RocketPro” or “Dragon”...

Slingshots "Marksman" They have a completely traditional look, but are produced using modern technologies and materials. For example, the handles are made of impact-resistant plastic of various colors, flyers are pressed into the handle, rubber bands are made in the form of cylindrical hollow cords with special tips for fastening, the leather sheath (heel) is made of synthetics.

As a rule, the surface of the handle has grooves for fingers or grooves. In more advanced models, the design includes a special screw for fastening the flyers on the upper end of the handle, and to it, in turn, is attached magazine for balls (capacity 25 pcs.), made in such a way that it also serves as a support and protection for the shooter’s hand.

For aesthete hunters and sophisticated connoisseurs, slingshots are even available in elite versions. In this case, the handle is made of valuable wood, the flyers are made of high-strength steel with an anti-corrosion coating, the rubber bands are two-color, and the heel is made of calfskin. For shooting, the manufacturer recommends and produces steel balls with a diameter 6.5mm, 8mm and 10.5mm.

In some models of the company's slingshots "Combow" In addition to using standard balls, it is also possible to shoot special arrows, which makes them somewhat similar to a small crossbow. The kit also includes spare rubber cylindrical bands, a rest for the elbow part of the arm, a holster, a quiver and a set of special hunting (short) arrows.

The slingshot body is made of aluminum alloy and has a noble matte finish, and the vinyl handle is adjustable in length. An interesting feature of the design of this sample was a certain “Hi-Tech innovation” that increases the effect of the tensile cords on the projectile (as stated in the instructions).

In a regular, average slingshot (without such a device), the rubber band stretches by 460mm, and in the “Combow” slingshot by 740 mm, which makes it possible to accelerate a steel ball with a diameter of 12.7 mm to a speed of 70 m/sec, and a hunting arrow weighing 160 g - to more than 60 m/s and an impressive flight range - 137-183 m! The holster and quiver for arrows are attached to the leg or to the waist belt. The price of such a “combat kit” is more than 150 US dollars.

Some foreign models can also be equipped with some kind of under-barrel flashlight, a laser sight and other similar options for deep experts and virtuosos who value modern achievements of technical progress.

It is also impossible not to mention special hunting models that allow you to use not only a single ball as a projectile (as a prototype bullet), but also, thanks to the shape and material of the leather case, to load the slingshot with shot, which allows you to use it for purely hunting purposes - for shooting against small and, most importantly, moving targets.

Ammunition and shooting

As with firearms, hit accuracy depends on the entire “weapon-ammunition-shooter” complex. And the flight of a projectile fired from any weapon is subject to the same laws of ballistics. Therefore, the lower the resistance of the oncoming air flow, the more uniform and longer the “acceleration”, the more accurate and further the projectile will fly:

● crushed stone, gravel and other improvised objects do not qualify well as ideal ammunition: differences in size, weight and shape will not allow achieving stable shooting results;

● glass beads are much better: they are symmetrical and quite heavy. One of the advantages is that the refraction of light makes their flight trajectory clearly visible, which is indispensable for practicing intuitive shooting skills (without the use of sighting devices). Their disadvantages are still insufficient mass and sharp fragments if they hit a solid obstacle;

● hunting lead buckshot is almost perfect. The heaviness of this metal allows the use of balls of a smaller diameter while maintaining quite a respectable weight, so they experience less air resistance and fly faster and further. Buckshot is available - sold in all hunting stores. There is only one drawback - lead oxide is poisonous (for those who care about their own health and the environment);

● steel balls are close to perfection. The almost perfect polished surface improves streamlining and reduces air resistance. Environmentally friendly use. The only “but” is that they are lighter than lead ones, therefore, compared to them (of the same diameter), their flight distance will be shorter.

A reliable shooting distance from a slingshot coincides with that of a long-barreled pneumatic weapon: 10-25 meters(although some trained shooters achieve good results at longer (30-35 m) distances. As in archery, uniformity of tension and repeatability (uniformity from shot to shot) of movements are important.

The technique is individual: some shooters hold the slingshot vertically, others almost horizontally, and others at a certain angle. The main thing here is to make it convenient and effective. That's why it arises here term "intuitive shooting", which means an instinctive correction (developed with practice) for distance, trajectory, target movement, wind strength and direction and other factors.

It is difficult to give advice here due to the unpredictability of various hunting situations, but the “father of slingshot thought,” the mighty old Jack Koechler, tried to collect them in the immortal work “Slingshot Shooting”, after reading which, it becomes clear that with persistent training it is possible to achieve a confident hit to the left compound eye of a flying tsetse fly.

Slingshot and hunting

Based on the technical characteristics, it can be understood that using a slingshot for hunting is quite reasonable and justified. Many hunters use a slingshot to scare a squirrel or marten out of a nest, so that they can then fire an effective shot from a gun. To catch a wounded animal (for example, a duck on the water) so as not to waste extra ammunition - in these cases, the help of a slingshot is very much in demand.

As for direct, hunting use, then, first of all, it is shooting at small game that is at a close distance from the hunter. This could be a hazel grouse that flew up to the whistle of a decoy and landed on the nearest branch, partridges that flew up from under your feet (yours or your dog’s), a woodcock on the spring draft in a low forest (in these cases, when shooting at flying game, it is, of course, better to use shot as a projectile), small animals (squirrel, marten, muskrat, ferret, hare) - here balls of various diameters are quite suitable.

The slingshot forces the hunter to get as close as possible to the prey, which turns such a hunt into an excellent and exciting training in concealment and camouflage. The noiselessness of the shot is also important - often the game does not disappear after the first miss and allows you to make a second shot.

In areas rich in game, it is quite possible to shoot various waders and even black grouse (especially at the beginning of the season, in broods) and ducks. Although you need to be aware that it will never be as effective as with a gun.

So, the pros and cons of this simple but unique invention in relation to hunting:

● compactness and low weight;

● “omnivorousness” in relation to ammunition, even to the point of using random ammunition that happens to be at hand;

● noiselessness of the shot (often this is important);

● “issue price” - the cost ranges from 130 rubles. up to 13,000 rub. Domestic goods are an order of magnitude cheaper, not to mention the author’s homemade copies;

● easy repair or replacement of any failed part;

● in Russia it is not considered a weapon and does not require registration, a license or any other legalization (although do not forget the articles of the Criminal Code on hooliganism, poaching and causing bodily harm of varying severity);

● an excellent product for training the eye, understanding the basics of ballistics, concealment skills, studying the habits of game, “quiet hunting”, which hardly disturbs the ecology and tranquility of wildlife;

● the effectiveness (prey) of hunting with a slingshot leaves much to be desired, but in terms of excitement and physical activity it is quite comparable to rifle hunting.

Even though many people consider a slingshot to be a child's toy, it can still be a powerful weapon. A toy is distinguished from a combat vehicle by the tension force of the rubber and the strength of the body. A powerful slingshot for hunting is made from steel wire or a strong stick of a suitable shape. And excellent rubber will be from the inner tube of a football or volleyball, a rubber bandage, a car inner tube, medical tourniquets or a No. 22 catheter. These are the best materials for a truly powerful slingshot, with which you can hunt both birds and small animals.

What rubber is most ideal for a slingshot?

The best option is No. 22 catheters or medical tourniquets. They can be bought at the pharmacy. They stretch well and contract very quickly, which allows the projectile to fly quickly and far. Their disadvantage is that when the slightest burr appears, they tear.

The most durable rubber for a slingshot is the inner tube from a passenger car. However, in order for the projectile to travel far (as if released with a catheter), it will require more force from the shooter when drawing. But when hunting, you can be completely sure that the slingshot will serve for a long time.

A ball inner tube or rubber bandage stretches two or even three times stronger than a car inner tube, but neither option can boast of durability. All because of hangnails. They are formed if you cut strips with scissors. It's only a matter of time how long such a weapon will last. Usually very short. It is better to cut off parts with a blade, but no one can do everything perfectly the first time, it requires skill. This rubber is a very delicate material.

Slingshot handle

If the weapon is planned to be powerful, then the body of the slingshot should be made with an emphasis. With this simple device, the holding hand will not get tired. If the hunting slingshot is not very powerful, and the shooter is confident in the strength of his hand, then you can do without additional support. In this case, the design becomes much simpler both in appearance and in execution.

What you need to create a slingshot

You need:

• 5 mm thick wire or wooden spear;
• suitable tires;
• genuine leather or a very durable leather substitute;
• insulating tape;
• nylon threads;
• good glue.

First you need to make the metal body of the slingshot. As mentioned above, it can be with or without a stop. Or you can simply cut a branch that fits the shape. If the body is made of wood, then you just need to peel off the bark, give it the required size, make slots for rubber at the ends of the horns and sand it. In the case when you will make a slingshot with your own hands from wire, you must first bend it, as shown in the figure, and insert a piece of hose into the forearm rest so that the surface does not cut into the hand. After this, you need to saw off a piece of wood, which will become the handle by which the shooter will hold his weapon. We split this workpiece in half, make slits in it where the wire will go, and then drill two holes for the bolts that will tightly tighten the steel body and both parts of the handle.

Making the rubber part of the slingshot

The throwing element of the slingshot consists of two elastic bands, which are connected by a leather heel. It is needed for good fixation, for example, of a stone at the moment of a shot. A rectangle of 10 x 4 cm is cut out of leather. Holes are made at the edges, into which a tourniquet or piece of the camera is inserted, after which it is secured with nylon thread. In order for a hand-made slingshot to serve for a long time, all rubber parts must be attached carefully. And the nodes must be coated with glue.

Attaching the throwing part to a wire slingshot

A slingshot tourniquet or catheter is a thin hose that is placed on the ends of the slingshot, lubricated with glue. After this, for reliability, it is wrapped on top with nylon thread or electrical tape.

Attaching the lengths of the camera or rubber bandage is slightly different. The edge of the rubber piece is applied to a metal rod, after which it is simply wrapped with thread and the knot is secured with glue. Then they wrap the top with electrical tape.

Attaching the throwing part to a wooden spear

Everything is done very simply - rubber is placed in a loop in the slots at the ends of the horns, after which it is wrapped with thread and tied. And, of course, the knots are coated with glue so that they do not come undone during the shooting process. It is important not to use wire with such fasteners, because it can damage the rubber.

Slingshot sight

If you need a slingshot with a sight, then the latter can be easily made. You need to make an arc out of wire, in the middle of which there will be a front sight in the form of a notch. It is wrapped between the horns with electrical tape. When aiming, you should connect the front sight and the target, and then shoot. However, in practice, such additional attributes of weapons do not bring such the desired result. And for a person who knows how to shoot, such devices even get in the way.

Slingshot technique

This throwing weapon allows you to hit any target very clearly. However, for accurate hits you need to feel it well. Only practice will allow you to develop a sense of distance and target, as well as the strength to pull. Beginners often ask how to shoot a slingshot; they are trying to understand the technique itself.

In principle, everything is simple - you need to visually imagine the line between the fastenings of the rubber bands on the spear, and align the center with the target. After this you need to fire a shot. However, everything is not so simple here. When the rubber is pulled back, it can easily be dislodged, and therefore the projectile can go to the side. A beginner will not be able to feel such a displacement, and therefore the sight in this weapon is useless. The shooter is also able to move the leather heel vertically when firing, which will also lead to a miss.

Only practice will develop muscle memory that will allow you to feel these displacements and eliminate them. This is precisely the secret of accuracy from any type of weapon, and especially when shooting from a slingshot.

A do-it-yourself slingshot should be comfortable, and the less effort the shooter puts into making a long-range shot, the better. Some simple solutions will allow you to shoot longer, and your hand will get less tired. If the spear itself is long, then due to such a lever the load on the hand increases. This is especially true for those models that are not equipped with a stop. Therefore, you need to make the horns as small as possible - two centimeters is enough. Depending on the tires, you can make it even a little smaller.

When pulled, the rod rests strongly on the area of ​​the hand between the thumb and forefinger. Therefore, a thin handle will put a lot of pressure on this place, which is also not conducive to long-term hunting. To make the pressure as light as possible, it is worth making the handle quite thick - this will distribute the pressure over a larger area and reduce its force. By putting into practice these design nuances of geometry, you will get such an excellent weapon as a slingshot, improved with your own hands and very convenient. Usually, when you get your first weapon, you will understand when shooting what you need to change. And subsequently a new slingshot is created, more convenient and improved. However, the main nuances that should be followed during manufacturing are fully described here.

Safety precautions

There are some rules that will allow you to safely use a slingshot. To protect your hand from being hit by rubber and pressing pain during prolonged shooting, you should put a glove on the hand that holds the slingshot. It is rare, but it happens that the rubber can tear when pulled and hit your eyes. To protect yourself from this, you should wear

Familiar from childhood. And it is perceived as frivolous entertainment for children and teenagers. Meanwhile, in the world, a slingshot is used for hunting in cases where the extraction of small game is required. Using this weapon requires some skill, but once experience is achieved, a hunting slingshot becomes a convenient weapon, and sometimes even irreplaceable.

What is a slingshot, why is it not a weapon, because it is omnivorous in terms of ammunition, which is why it is not an alternative to pneumatics. Let's figure it out together.

History of origin

Weapons researchers often believe that the hunting slingshot is a young type of weapon. Its whole history is a hundred years old. This opinion is erroneous, since it is known that archaeologists discovered an object vaguely similar to a slingshot at the late Paleolithic sites of a person in Asia Minor (and this is 10 thousand years ago).

It is assumed that this weapon was used for hunting small animals and birds. Paleolithic man, having a wooden slingshot with him on long hikes to hunt large animals, obtained game for himself to meet his current needs in order to organize a long pursuit of large prey.

The throwing basis for the slingshot from the Paleolithic era was the tendons of some animal species, which, after special treatment, became completely elastic, capable of throwing small pebbles over a long distance.

With the advent of the bow, the slingshot faded into the shadows. Yielding to another throwing weapon - the sling. Its principle of operation was based on the kinetic energy of a person throwing out a projectile after a circular movement with double force.

Often in the chronicles of the Ancient World you can find information about slingers, who often had a decisive effect on the outcome of battles. But combat slingshots are no longer mentioned, apparently because the secret of making elastic tendons was long lost.

Leonardo da Vinci gave the slingshot new life. He used a simple rope as a throwing mechanism. But at the same time, its action was enhanced by a complex mechanism with a number of springs. Most likely, such a weapon appears to be a type of crossbow, and very vaguely resembled the slingshot itself.

The use of slingshots in wars

This weapon is used in wartime like a special forces slingshot. In this sense, its main advantages are as follows:

• almost silent;
• projectile launch speed (metal ball or pebble) 120 m/sec (maximum);
• ease of use, compactness;
• inexhaustibility of projectiles (stones, pebbles), with sufficient sizes you can even throw a Molotov cocktail;
• compared to a sling, high rate of fire;
• the versatility of the throwing mechanism, i.e. rubber, which is easy to change if necessary.

The use of slingshots in wartime falls during the First and Second World Wars:

• on the Western Front in 1915, this device was used to throw grenades that flew much further than those thrown by hand;
• in 1944, on the Drava River, Bulgarian soldiers, using a large slingshot, attacked German positions at a distance of more than 300 meters;
• also during the Second World War, special rattles were thrown at enemy positions with the help of slingshots, which made a sound similar to machine gun shots when flying, this frightened the enemy.

Thus, this type of weapon has been successfully used for special-purpose operations and has proven itself well.

Modern types of slingshots

Despite the primitive design of this type of weapon, gunsmiths offer the following types of slingshots:

• with emphasis on the forearm, which makes it easier to aim and handle this type of throwing weapon;
• with a horizontal handle, a laser sight and a flashlight are placed on it;
• for shooting small arrows, a special sight is installed for launching; aiming from a slingshot is much easier precisely because of this device.
• These are professional, modern slingshots that shoot special metal balls of different diameters and have the following parameters:
• the killing power is on average 25 joules, this is comparable to a shot from a sports air rifle and is quite suitable for hunting animals
• firing range up to 200 meters;
• initial projectile speed of 7 degrees, 80...120 m/sec, this is comparable to the speed of a bullet fired from a powerful air rifle;
• we shoot from a modern slingshot while fixing it on the forearm using a special mechanism and accurately hit the target at a distance of at least 50 meters absolutely accurately.

A projectile (a metal or glass ball, for example), fired from such a throwing weapon from a distance of 30 m, is capable of piercing through a sheet of plywood 4 mm thick.

Due to the fact that the slingshot is easy to use and manufacture, there are no special projectiles for it.

It is enough what is at hand: small pebbles or granite chips or any other material that can be thrown to achieve the desired effect.

This weapon will enjoy stable popularity and success for a long time. Its symbol has long been the exotic slingshot frog, on the head of which there are two horns reminiscent of this ancient weapon.

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