A
slingshot,
also called a
shanghai, a
catapult (not to be confused with
either
the catapult siege engine or shepherd's sling), or a
beanshooter is a small hand-
powered projectile weapon. It has a pocket for holding the projectile. Each
end of the pocket is attached to a rubber band, which is attached to the ends
of a fork-shaped frame. There are steel hunting balls for slingshots that can
kill small game.
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.
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