Slingshot: Difference between revisions
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==Hunting== |
==Hunting== |
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A slingshot can be powerful enough to hunt game such as small [[rodent]]s and [[bird]]s at ranges up to 25 [[meter]]s. A typical heavy pull band slingshot should be used with 9 mm (3/8") to 12 mm (1/2") steel balls. Using lighter [[ammunition]] doesn't increase the speed of the projectile significantly. |
A slingshot can be powerful enough to hunt game such as small [[rodent]]s and [[bird]]s at ranges up to 25 [[meter]]s.{{fact}} A typical heavy pull band slingshot should be used with 9 mm (3/8") to 12 mm (1/2") steel balls. Using lighter [[ammunition]] doesn't increase the speed of the projectile significantly. |
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==Fishing== |
==Fishing== |
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Revision as of 03:57, 23 May 2010
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2009) |
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A slingshot (also sometimes called a catapult, creating confusion with the military weapon, a shanghai, and in Britain a flingy or katty, from catapult) is a small hand-powered projectile weapon. The forked Y-shaped frame has two rubber strips attached to the uprights, leading back to a pocket for holding the projectile.
It is normally fired by holding the frame in the non-dominant hand, extended at arms length. The pocket is then gripped between thumb and forefinger of the dominant hand, pulled back to near the cheek, aimed and the pocket released to fire the projectile toward the target.
Home-made slingshots were popular childrens' toys for much of the 20th century because the low projectile velocity was generally considered to be safe. However, it is possible to construct a slingshot with sufficient power to cause serious bodily harm.
Construction and use
The simplest slingshot is just a rubber band stretched by a persons fingers, and then a wasp (the projectile) is slipped on, pulled back by the other hand, and released. Although the simple forked stick and rubber models are still made by children and adults, there are now a range of commercial models, some sophisticated and powerful. There are many professional catapult makers in the UK, and many people collect them. Custom catapults are made from various materials: buffalo horn, deer antler, exotic hardwoods, etc.
Custom-made catapults are sometimes made in the style of the famous MILBRO catapult of the 1950s.
Many powerful commercial slingshots now have a wrist-brace, and some models have stabilizers, rotating prongs, sighting mechanisms, and other sophisticated improvements. While these are not necessary they usually improve accuracy, and the power and lifespan of the bands.
The elastic material is critical. The best widely-available materials are dipped latex rubber, surgical tubing, and latex sheeting, which last about 6 months before they need to be replaced. They can be attached to the frame and packet by stretching them over a metal rod of the correct diameter. Some slingshots are constructed of metal tubing. Many types of rubber are used, but there are three main varieties: square, tube, and flatbands. Among the makes of flatband material are linatex, theraband and latex. These materials were designed for various medical and industrial uses and have been adapted for catapult use. Usually, the flat band material is tapered from 3/4" to 1/2", and about 5" long.
Hunting
A slingshot can be powerful enough to hunt game such as small rodents and birds at ranges up to 25 meters.[citation needed] A typical heavy pull band slingshot should be used with 9 mm (3/8") to 12 mm (1/2") steel balls. Using lighter ammunition doesn't increase the speed of the projectile significantly.
Fishing
Fishing slingshots/catapults are sometimes used by anglers to project ground-bait into areas which they otherwise would not be able to reach. A well-constructed high-powered slingshot can be very useful when it comes to survival; one can use it to hunt rabbits and hares, and can modify the slingshot to shoot arrows to hunt larger game.
Sport
Slingshots may also be used in recreational paintball games as backup weapon (Slingshot paintball). Even though the average velocity and range of a slingshot are usually less than that of a paintball gun, some paintball playing fields may not allow them.
Military use
Slingshots have been used as a military weapon, but primarily by guerrilla forces due to the primitive resources and technology required to construct one. Such guerrilla groups included the Irish Republican Army; prior to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Saddam Hussein released a propaganda video demonstrating slingshots as a possible weapon for insurgents to use against invading forces.[1]
Slingshots have also been used by the military to launch micro unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). One notable example of this is the AeroVironment Wasp UAV. The vehicle was propelled to high speeds by using a Saunders Wrist-Rocket Pro slingshot.
See also
References
- ^ Shane, Scott (2006-11-24). "In Video, Hussein Uses Slingshots and Bows to Rally Iraqis for War". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-12-21.
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External links
- "How to make a slingshot" - simple forked-stick style.