The slingshot is a real weapon that allows you to hunt animals of different sizes. With the right application and choice, it will not harm humans. There are options equipped with a pistol grip, sight and the ability to fix on the forearm.
In childhood, many had a slingshot. They made it on their own from gum and branches. Sometimes just from the fingers. There were also options with a "telescopic sight". For this, the wire was twisted into a circle and supplemented with an elastic band. Stones, nuts, pieces of paper were used as ammunition. They shot both at the target and at the birds, each other.
Today on sale you can find slingshots, which are used for real hunting. They are sold in specialized stores. Most species do not allow accurate aiming, since they do not have a special aiming device. To use such a tool for its intended purpose requires constant training.
Characteristics of modern models
With a sufficient number of practical exercises, it becomes possible to shoot at a distance of up to 60 meters. When using a slingshot with a new rubber band, the projectile develops a speed of up to 45-65 km / h. The speed is about the same as that of a pneumatic weapon. The instrument, familiar to everyone, differs from the latter in its accuracy. Usually, out of three fired shots, only one will be accurate.
The slingshot consists of three main elements:
- A handle designed for aiming, fastening a metal harness and holding an object when firing;
- Throwing tourniquet for accumulating potential energy and converting it into kinetic energy at the time of the shot.
- Skin for holding the ammunition during the shot.
Advantages and disadvantages
To fully understand whether a slingshot is a full-fledged hunting weapon, it is necessary to consider all its advantages.
The advantages include:
- compactness;
- low cost of consumables;
- high speed of throwing the projectile;
- no need to obtain a license or register.
Many people say that such a product is safer than firearms.
The disadvantages include the limited service life of the harness, low aiming and lethal range, the need for training. The slingshot has a small energy potential. Depending on the design and type of shells, it varies from 25 to 79 J.
Given the power of the slingshot, in some American states, it is equated to a weapon. Wearing and using it is punishable by law.
Slingshot for hunting - throwing weapon
The slingshot was also used during the warriors. With its help, grenades were thrown, which flew farther than manually fired. For example, in 1944, on the Drava River, Bulgarian soldiers with its help threw in the positions of the Germans from a distance of more than 300 meters. During World War II, special rattles were also thrown, which, when flying, made a sound similar to machine-gun shots.
Today, this tool is used not only for hunting squirrels or small birds, but also for muskrat or hare. Some hunters say that with its help it is possible to catch a small boar.
Modern models are presented in several varieties:
- With an emphasis on the forearm. This makes aiming easier.
- With a horizontal handle. A flashlight or laser sight can be placed on it.
- For working with small booms. A special sight is installed for launch.
There are also special professional slingshots that shoot metal balls. They are the most real weapons. Their lethal force is the same as that of a sports air rifle, and the firing range is up to 200 m. If you use the version with additional fixation on the forearm, you can hit the target accurately, at least at a distance of 50 meters.
There are also special slingshots for fishing. There are types for working with light baits and for long-distance request of bait mixture in balls.
Popular models of slingshots for hunting
Today, in many stores for hunting goods, you can find models:
- Trumark Fiber Optic. Has a laser sight, a recoil reduction function. The firing range is up to 200 meters, the balls fly at a speed of 70 m / s.
- GloveShot. Easy to assemble and disassemble, has no brush protection. Shooting requires preparation. The speed of the nine-millimeter balls is 45 m / s.
- Hathcock Target Sniper. This is a compact slingshot pistol. Designed for archery style shooting. Provides a neutral hand position, which allows force to be transferred more efficiently.
- Great and Powerful Dankung. A pistol-style product in which the grip is made entirely of aircraft-grade aluminum. Differs in high accuracy, allows you to hit the target from a considerable distance.
- Laserhawk Stealth Slingshot. A full-fledged powerful weapon. It is used not only for hunting big game, but also for special forces. Differs in its quietness and power. These products are not sold to persons under the age of 18.
How to choose a slingshot so that it is not a toy?
Novice shooters have more questions. First you need to decide for what purpose you need a tool. If you need a toy, you can find a simpler and cheaper option. If you really want to hunt an animal, then you should get a model with an emphasis on the forearm and scope.
The type of handle, its ergonomics and dimensions are also taken into account. If you cannot securely grip it, then it is better not to buy such a model. The same applies if the grip slips in the palm of your hand. In this case, the slingshot will not be able to perform its functions, and will also lead to injuries.
The rods are available with different stiffness. If this indicator is high, then the strands are difficult to stretch, which leads to a decrease in accuracy. Too soft and elastic band will not give the starting speed necessary for a full-fledged hunt.
For hunting small game, medium power options are chosen. Boosted species are usually only purchased for sports. The main indicator is the rate of contraction of the rubber. Keep in mind that the latter has a limited service life, so it will have to be replaced after 3-5 months.
Thus, many people are skeptical about a weapon such as a slingshot. However, modern manufacturers produce such models with which any hunt becomes a pleasure. This is due to the high speed of throwing (more than that of a sling and a bow). The advantage of using is almost complete noiselessness. At the moment of the shot, only the cotton of the tourniquet is heard.
