When people talk about slingshots, what usually comes to mind are the boys from the fifties who carried this funny toy in the back pocket of their pants. However, long before the slingshot became a pastime for hooligans (who often targeted windows), it had already served primitive man in hunting and war. And as a throwing weapon for self-defense with an endless supply of ammunition, it had no equal at all! Modern survival slingshots are high-tech combat devices. They will help you deal with the enemy or get food with just a few stones.
You can make a good slingshot yourself, but you can also buy one. Moreover, a good wooden fork and elastic band are almost equivalent to what you buy in a store. But in order to make it, you need to know how to attach the ties and the heel, what length and elasticity the rubber should be, and what is the best wood to choose. This will take a lot of time, which can be spent, for example, sunbathing or pumping up your abs. Wouldn't it be better to buy a ready-made metal device? After all, the only thing that is required of you in this case is to know how to use it. Well, if you have already decided to take this step, then we are pleased to present you the five best slingshots for survival .
What is a hunting slingshot?
Unlike slingshots for recreational shooting, a modern hunting slingshot is the most technologically advanced product. There are no formal criteria classifying it into this category, but the following characteristic features can be identified:
- As a rule, it is made of composites and light alloys.
- May have additional sighting devices.
- Has a forearm rest.
- Differs in power and range. The firing range of top models can reach 200 m, and the projectile speed can be 100-120 m/s. Sighting range—up to 50 m.
- Some models use not only balls, but also arrows as a projectile.
Structurally, the slingshot consists of three parts:
- Lever. The material used for it is wood, various plastics, steel and metal alloys.
Slingshot: how to make the right choice.
A hand rest is attached to it. In addition, it can be equipped with mounting spaces for a stabilizer, balance beam, sight or target designator and flashlight. - Elastic tension elements ( traction ). They are a pair (or several pairs) of rubber or latex cords of different thickness (diameter) and length.
- Kozhetok (saddle). Serves to accommodate a projectile and is made of medium-hard leather.
Archer Slingshot – Archer Set
a large magazine for shells is not the best weapon for hunting. This is the product that is hard not to fall in love with. After all, it is suitable for hunting, and for target shooting, and for military training - in general, for everything that a restless “survivalist” might wonder about. The slingshot has a shelf for shooting arrows, which can be easily removed if you want to throw standard shells. The fork is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and steel. The rods impart force to the projectile up to 11.34 kg, but they can be replaced with more powerful tubes or elastic bands. Those who like to hunt at night will love a small LED flashlight. And avid travelers will find the sealed magazine in the handle with a volume of 130 cubic centimeters useful. There is an eight-millimeter hole on the side of the slingshot opposite the flashlight. Here you can attach a reel of fishing line or a stabilizer when shooting arrows. Of course, this weapon is not very suitable for hunting - you won’t kill anything larger than a rabbit or bird. But coupled with all these survival paraphernalia, it’s a very good purchase.
Price: 8900 rub.
Advantages and disadvantages
As a weapon, a slingshot has a number of undeniable advantages:
- Ease and low costs for self-production.
- Cheapness, availability and variety of projectiles thrown.
- Relative ease of learning.
- Compact and light weight.
- Sufficient power and penetration ability for catching small game.
- Silence, allowing you to repeat the shot if you miss.
At the same time, the slingshot is characterized by:
- There is a rapid loss of projectile speed, so the effective firing range is often limited to 10 m. To eliminate this drawback, which is inherent in any throwing weapon, manufacturers use spring and lever amplifiers in the design of the tension mechanism, thereby increasing the speed of the projectile.
- Power and the overall set of characteristics limit the hunter’s choice to only small prey.
- Wear of elastic elements requires their frequent replacement. This disadvantage is compensated by the simplicity of the procedure itself.
- Dependence of accuracy and firing range on the physical parameters of the shooter.
Multifunctional slingshot.
Slingshot The Hathcock Target Sniper – pistol
universal fork small size Advantages universal fork Disadvantages: small size If you don’t yet have a preference among slingshot manufacturers, try out the capabilities of the Hathcock Target Sniper. Their products always come with all sorts of accessories, with the help of which they strive to satisfy all your requirements. Their slingshots are small and compact, designed mainly for archer-style shooting (a way of holding a slingshot when the cords are not stretched parallel to the ground, but perpendicularly). But before you buy what you like, get acquainted with the entire line of pocket predator products. And then get the Hathcock Target Sniper slingshot. This is a very popular weapon and for good reason. It was named after a Marine and sniper named Carlos N. Hathcock. Thanks to the ergonomic design, the shooter's hand is in a neutral position, without bending the joints or straining the fingers. As a result, force is transmitted more efficiently. The fork is made of steel, coated on the outside with a special compound so that the shooter’s palm does not slip. At the same time, the surface of the handle is not pressed into the palm. The ends of the slingshots are universal: you can attach both tubular and flat rubber bands of any shape to them. It is clear that you can shoot in all styles.
Price: 2200 rub.
Principle of operation
A slingshot is a throwing weapon, so the principle of its operation is common to this entire type:
- When elastic elements are tensioned, energy accumulates.
- The contraction of the rods transfers this energy to the projectile being thrown. The kinetic energy is sufficient to accelerate the projectile in the range from 50 m/s to 120-150 m/s.
Bow slingshot.
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.
Shooting technique
Slingshot shooting techniques are similar to traditional bow shooting techniques and include three stages:
- Rack. The shooter stands sideways to the target, legs shoulder-width apart, feet parallel. The holding arm is straightened and at the required elevation angle.
- Aiming. With intuitive (instinctive) shooting, aiming is carried out with both eyes, the gaze is focused only on the target. The distance, position of the slingshot and the degree of tension are determined intuitively.
- Using a sight. In this case, the eye, sight and target form the optical axis. Aiming is done with the dominant eye.
Shooting from a slingshot in motion or at a moving target is ineffective, since it is difficult to combine the required degree of tension, elevation angle, lead and wind corrections. Such shooting is possible only at a very short distance and by tracking the target.
Accurate shooting requires correct stance.
Dankung AIR Sniper – deadly art
narrow sight for more accurate shooting aluminum handle A simple design with a predominance of straight lines gives the slingshot from Great and Powerful Dankung both a stunning appearance and excellent combat characteristics. Its pistol grip is made entirely of aircraft-grade aluminum. It is very convenient to hold the slingshot. And the through holes can be used to attach a knife or hang some other “survival” tool. The rods can rotate. So depending on how you hold the slingshot or use your particular angle of attack, you can customize the weapon to your liking. The weight of the device is less than three hundred grams, which will put little burden on your camping equipment. The slingshot bears a quality mark from the Dankung company (and also a label indicating the most reasonable price for this product). This weapon is known for its accuracy. With it you will hit the target even from a considerable distance. The slingshot is made on a machine controlled by a computer, and therefore the quality is appropriate. It is good both for target shooting and in the forest.
Price: 4900 rub.
Top - 10 best expensive slingshots for hunting in 2022
Laser Slingshot Lighter LSL210721
1 place
Dimensions: 30 x 25 x 8
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | high |
| pressing force | 15 Lbs (7 kgf) |
| weight | 220 |
| average price | 1499 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
The most complete product for an unforgettable hunt, which will give the hunter inner confidence with just its appearance. Small lighters often get lost and fall out of your pocket, but here you have both a weapon and a cigarette lighter in one. It is important to note that the lighter is charged from the USB port. Also, thanks to the small dimensions of the product, it is convenient to take it with you outdoors, because it does not take up much space.
LS Steel Power LSSP1
2nd place
Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 5
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | high |
| pressing force | 15 Lbs (7 kgf) |
| weight | 370 |
| average price | 2699 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
According to buyers, this will be the most error-free purchase, and most importantly, made wisely, because the cost of the product fully corresponds to its characteristics, which will not lose their performance for a long time. People who have already been able to purchase it enjoy using it every time. Many may be confused by the heaviness of the product, but in this case it gives even greater stability to the model when in the owner’s hand.
Spetsnaz-1 rogs1
3rd place
Dimensions: 30 x 25 x 10
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | high |
| pressing force | 95 Lbs (43 kgf) |
| weight | 150 |
| average price | 2000 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
A lightweight version of a hunting weapon. Every detail is in its place and firmly fixed. According to reviews, before use it is necessary to slightly sharpen the edges of the silver elements, otherwise there is a high risk that the harness will break during operation.
Laser Aiming Aid Four LAAF1
4th place
Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 5
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | high |
| pressing force | 10 Lbs (4.5 kgf) |
| weight | 240 |
| average price | 1199 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
Thanks to the laser sight, the hunting process is greatly simplified. In addition, the manufacturer did not add any frills so as not to overload the weapon.
Laser Aiming Aid Tree
5th place
Dimensions:25 x 20 x 5
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | high |
| pressing force | 14 Lbs (6.4 kgf) |
| weight | 200 |
| average price | 1200 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
Good product for your money. It copes with the stated functions, no defects were identified. The manufacturer claims a high degree of ease of use due to the finishing of the handle and the arrangement of parts.
LS Resin Professional LRS210202
6th place
Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 5
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | high |
| pressing force | 16 Lbs (7.3 kgf) |
| weight | 240 |
| average price | 1499 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
An indispensable option for lovers of stylish design and professional shooting. Due to the fact that the handle is varnished, it is maximally protected from external influences - moisture, wind, dry air.
OAK Track
7th place
Dimensions: 30 x 23 x 8
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | high |
| pressing force | 20 Lbs (10 kgf) |
| weight | 200 |
| average price | 1300 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
An ideal option for those who value simplicity and the absence of auxiliary parts.
Dragon advance 0U-00015954
8th place
Dimensions: 22 x 10 x 3
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | high |
| pressing force | 15 Lbs (7 kgf) |
| weight | 295 |
| average price | 1059 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
The tourniquet stretches well and does not fray. You can shoot with buckshot, metal balls and stones. Buyers do not note any difficulties during operation.
Centershot Strike WAL007 0U-00020043
9th place
Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 5
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | high |
| pressing force | 12 Lbs (6 kgf) |
| weight | 200 |
| average price | 1499 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
The manufacturer claims that the slingshot is suitable for absolutely any person, of any build and height due to the possible adjustment of the stop.
Top – 4 best slingshots for hunting in 2021
MV101
1 place
Dimensions: 25 cm x 20 cm x 5 cm (hereinafter the unit of measurement will also be centimeters).
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | average |
| pressing force | 20 Lbs (10kgs) |
| weight | 200 g (hereinafter the unit of measurement will also be grams) |
| average price | 352 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
The product is designed for long-term use. Thanks to good quality, the original appearance is maintained under any conditions.
MV Lucky house
2nd place
Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 5
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | average |
| pressing force | 20 Lbs (10kgs) |
| weight | 200 |
| average price | 390 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
According to numerous reviews, the product brings extremely positive emotions to hunters. Moreover, operation is not complicated even in adverse weather conditions.
Predator VOS290-436
3rd place
Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 5
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | high |
| pressing force | 12 Lbs (10kgs) |
| weight | 150 |
| average price | 349 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
This device is suitable for people of any age. And it doesn’t matter at all whether he’s a beginner or a professional. The slingshot will help you hone your skills to perfection.
Mp01 Viking Nordway
4th place
Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 5
| Characteristic | Criteria |
| type | high |
| pressing force | 15 Lbs (10kgs) |
| weight | 200 |
| average price | 350 rub. |
Advantages:
Flaws:
Reliable device for hunting. You don’t have to worry that one of the mechanisms will suddenly fail, because there is only a body and an elastic band for tension. Due to this, the operation itself is simple.
As you can see, budget slingshots are presented without any innovations that could simplify the hunting process. For example, they do not have a laser sight or built-in handle and stop adjustment.
