It only takes a few hours of practice for the average person to be able to hit a tin can at 10 yards w/a slingshot. Like instinctive archery, or throwing a ball, it is easy to learn. I used a Saunders SR-7 Wrist Rocket in the early 80's; it was strong and accurate. Slingshots were quite popular in years past from the 40's through the 80's. The key to accurate slingshot shooting is to use round objects (Steel balls, buckshot, etc), and not rocks. Slingshots are silent, light weight, cheap and fun to use. They slip in a pocket (unless it is a fixed or braced wrist support) and do not tend to attract negative attention like airguns or bows if you are spotted strolling down the road or trail. Many "sheeple" dismiss slingshots as toys, and find them non-threatening. At short range (20 yards or less), they are great small game weapons with lead balls or sinkers. 3/8", 7/16" or 1/2" steel will also work well on small game, but lead hits harder and doesn't bounce back at you as hard if it deflects off a tree or rock. Round (or semi-round) stones can be used in a pinch, but they are not as accurate at longer range. Trumark, Saunders, Barnett, OddWing and Crosman all make powerfull hunting slingshots (braced, unbraced and folders), and you can find great deals on E-bay. Stay away from the cheap stuff, the metal frames are thinner and could snap under a strong band, resulting in injury or the loss of your eye. Quality name brand strong, superb slingshots are not that expensive to begin with and only a few bucks more than the cheap (and dangerous!) stuff. You can go retro and look for the classic slingshots of the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's on E-bay or at flea markets. There were great models made in the past like Wham-O, Mulligan, Tinker (Killdeer and Deerslayer), Victor (Trap co.) and the Scopeshot, that all used Gum rubber flat bands, that out preformed most of todays tube bands. Oddwing in Saco Maine (
www.oddwing.com) makes a great classic style straight grain Ash slingshot that reminds me of the Wham-O; great looking wood but it has powerfull tube bands (sold in most sporting goods stores and online) instead of the Wham-O's flat gum rubber. I have a standard Oddwing, unbraced w/the heavy bands, and use it for pest control around the house. This slingshot will shoot a 3/8" steel ball right through a coffee can like a hot knife through butter. There are many instances of game the size of coyotes and foxes being taken with slingshots by hunters at close range. This is pushing the limits of ethical game shooting, and you are best to stick to headshots on smaller game like grouse, bunnys, squirrels, raccoons, possums, crows, skunks, frogs etc. Slingshots also make great weapons around the house for destroying pests like rats, as there is NO noise and the range is often short (in a garage, barn, or near the trash bin or bird feeder, etc.). On E-bay you can locate very powerfull tapered flat bands made of latex or gum rubber for the classic slingshots. Trumark has a great website for more information on the sport. The Trumark S9 (unbraced) and FS-1 (folding wrist brace) are two of the great basic models that Trumark makes. You can locate either for well under $10.00 (U.S) if you shop around online. With Heavy tube bands like Trumark RR2 (Black), they make great hunting/pest control slingshots. A slingshot is a great low cost addition to a survival pack or just to slip into a pocket of your hunting jacket. One of the cheapest forms of shooting a Sportsman or woman can be involved in. Just ensure that you check your local laws first.
