A slingshot (also sometimes called a shanghai, and in Britain a Flingy or katty) 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 true bodily harm.

Contents 1 Construction and use 2 Hunting 3 Sport 4 Business Applications 5 Military Use 6 See also 7 References 8 External links

[edit] Construction and use

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, micarta, bra, and precious metals. Often these metal forks are dressed with 'scales': sides, as on knives.

Custom-made catapults are sometimes made in the style of the famous MILBRO catapult of the 1950s. Original migro forks can, and often do, sell for in excess of £40.00. Custom versions may sell for in excess of £100.00

Many types of rubber are used, but there are three main varieties: square, tube, and flatbeds. Among the makes of flatbed 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.

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 six 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. Rubbers should be stored under water - away from sunlight, which causes them to stiffen and crack.

A slingshot champion appearing on the David Letterman Show^{[citation needed]} recommended holding the projectile pocket at a fixed position near the body, such as the hip, and moving the frame, guided by instinct and practice, like a gunslinger or hip-shooter in the American Wild West. Many gunslingers could hit a target without raising their weapon to eye level.

The most common slingshot is made of wood and rubber and vinyl tubing. Usually, it has a leather pouch, in which the projectile is placed.

[edit] Hunting

A sling can be powerful enough to hunt game such as small rodents and birds at ranges up to 25 meters. 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.

In the UK where there is a strong following of hunting with catapults, a variety of game is taken amongst them hares, rabbits, pheasants, geese, ducks, pigeon, dove, rook, and all manner of other species. Usually expert catapult hunters use lead ball projectiles often sized at .44 and .50 calibre which mostly they cast themselves using musket ball moulds.

[edit] Sport

Slingshots may also be used in recreational paintball games as backup or silent sniper weapon (Slingshot paintball). 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.

[edit] Business Applications

Slingshots are also used by arborists and tree workers to place lines high in trees. The most common such device is the "Big Shot" made by Sherrill Tree Company. This slingshot is roughly six feet (2 meters) tall and is used to launch small weighted bags attached to a line.

[edit] Military Use

Slingshots have been used as a military weapon, primarily by guerrilla forces due to the primitive resources and ease used 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]

[edit] See also

• Catapult
• Hawaiian sling
• Polespear

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• "How to make a slingshot" - simple forked-stick style.