How to draw Angry Birds with a pencil. Hunting slingshot: shooting technique, tips for choosing, a master class on making Classic wooden slingshot

Despite the fact that many people consider a slingshot a child's toy, it can still be a powerful weapon. The toy is distinguished from the combat apparatus by the rubber tension force and the strength of the body. A powerful hunting slingshot is made of steel wire or a durable stick of a suitable shape. And excellent rubber will be from a football or volleyball ball chamber, a rubber bandage, a passenger car chamber, medical tourniquets or a No. 22 catheter. These are the best materials for a really powerful slingshot, with which you can hunt both birds and small animals.

What rubber is the most ideal for a slingshot

The best option is catheters No. 22 or medical tourniquets. They can be bought at a pharmacy. They stretch well and contract very quickly, which allows the projectile to fly fast and far. Their disadvantage is that when the slightest burr appears, they are torn.

The most durable rubber for a slingshot is a camera from a car. However, in order for the projectile to travel far (as if it were to be released with a catheter), more force is needed from the shooter when pulling. But on the other hand, when hunting, you can be completely sure that the slingshot will last a long time.

The camera from the ball or bandage-rubber stretches two times, or even three times stronger than the car camera, but not a single option can boast of durability. All because of the burrs. They are formed if you cut off the strips with scissors. It's only a matter of time how long such a weapon will last. Usually very short. It is better to cut off parts with a blade, but no one can do everything perfectly the first time, skill is needed here. This rubber is a very soft material.

slingshot handle

If the weapon is planned to be powerful, then the body of the slingshot should be made with emphasis. With this simple device, the hand of the holding hand will not get tired. If the slingshot for hunting is not very powerful, and the shooter is confident in the strength of his hand, then you can do without additional emphasis. In this case, the design becomes much simpler both in appearance and in execution.

What you need to create a slingshot

You need:

• wire 5 mm thick or wooden horn;
• suitable rubber;
• genuine leather or a very durable substitute;
• insulating tape;
• kapron threads;
• good glue.

First you need to make a metal body of the slingshot. As mentioned above, it can be with or without emphasis. Or you can just cut a branch that fits the shape. If the body is made of wood, then you just need to peel off the bark, give it the required size, make cuts for the rubber at the ends of the horns and sand it. In the event that a slingshot will be made of wire with your own hands, you must first bend it, as shown in the figure, and insert a piece of hose into the forearm stop so that the surface does not cut into your hand. After that, you need to saw off a piece of wood, which will become the handle for which the shooter will hold his weapon. We split this blank in half, make cuts in it, where the wire will enter, after which we drill two holes for the bolts, which will tightly tighten the steel case and both parts of the handle.

Making the rubber part of the slingshot

The throwing element of the slingshot consists of two elastic bands, which are connected by a leather heel. It is needed for good fixation, for example, of a stone at the time of the shot. A rectangle 10 x 4 cm is cut out of the skin. Holes are made at the edges, where a tourniquet or a piece of the camera is inserted, after which it is fixed with a nylon thread. In order for a do-it-yourself slingshot to serve for a long time, all rubber parts must be fastened carefully. And the nodes must be coated with glue.

Fastening the throwing part to the wire horn

A slingshot tourniquet or catheter is a thin hose that is put on the ends of the slingshot, smeared with glue. After that, for reliability, it is wrapped on top with nylon thread or electrical tape.

Fastening segments of the camera or bandage-rubber is slightly different. The edge of the rubber piece is applied to the metal horn, after which they are simply wrapped with a thread and the knot is fixed with glue. Then wrapped with electrical tape on top.

Fastening the throwing part to a wooden horn

Everything is done very simply - in the slot at the ends of the horns, rubber is laid in a loop, after which it is wrapped with a thread and tied. And, of course, the knots are coated with glue so that they do not come loose during the shooting process. It is important not to use wire with such fasteners, because it can damage the rubber.

Slingshot sight

If you need a slingshot with a sight, then the latter can be easily made. It is necessary to make an arc out of the wire, in the middle of which there will be a front sight in the form of a notch. It is wrapped between the horns with electrical tape. When aiming, it is worth connecting the front sight and the target, and then make a shot. However, in practice, such additional weapon attributes do not bring such a desired result. And for a person who knows how to shoot, such devices even interfere.

Slingshot shooting technique

This throwing weapon allows you to hit any target very clearly. However, for well-aimed hits, you need to feel it well. Only practice will allow you to develop a sense of distance and target, as well as the strength to pull. Beginners often ask how to shoot with a slingshot, they are trying to understand the technique itself.

In principle, everything is simple - you need to visually present the line between the fastenings of the rubber bands on the spear, and combine the center with the target. After that, you need to make a shot. However, everything is not so simple here. When pulling the rubber, it is easy to displace it, and therefore the projectile can go to the side. A beginner will not be able to feel such a shift, and therefore the scope in this weapon is useless. The shooter is also able to take the leather heel vertically when firing, which will also lead to a miss.

Only practice will develop muscle memory that will allow you to feel these shifts and eliminate them. This is precisely the secret of accuracy from any type of weapon, and especially when shooting from a slingshot.

A do-it-yourself slingshot should be comfortable, and the less effort the shooter makes for a long-range shot, the better. Some simple solutions will allow you to shoot longer, and at the same time your hand will tire less. If the horn itself is long, then due to such a lever, the load on the brush increases. This is especially true for those models that are not equipped with an emphasis. Therefore, you need to make the horns as small as possible - two centimeters is enough. Depending on the rubber, you can even do a little less.

Rogatin, when pulled, strongly rests on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe hand between the thumb and forefinger. Therefore, a thin handle will put a lot of pressure on this place, which also does not contribute to a long hunt. To make the pressure as light as possible, it is worth making the handle quite thick - this will allow you to distribute the pressure, reduce its strength over a larger area. Putting into practice these constructive nuances of geometry, you will get such an excellent weapon as a slingshot, improved and very convenient with your own hands. Usually, after making your first weapon, you will understand when you shoot what needs to be changed. And subsequently a new slingshot is created, more convenient and improved. However, the main nuances that should be followed in the manufacture are fully described here.

Safety

There are some rules that will allow you to safely use a slingshot. To protect the hand from being hit by rubber and pressing pain during prolonged shooting, it is worth putting a glove on the hand that holds the spear. Rarely, but it happens that the rubber can tear under tension and hit the eyes. To protect yourself from this, you should wear

One of my favorite puzzle games. The plot of it is not intricate, but it drags on for many hours of play. The point is just to shoot green pigs with a slingshot. But instead of the core, birds are used in the slingshot. These are the meanest birds! I drew one of them today. Let's see: To be honest, I thought I couldn't come up with an easier drawing. But since Denis Kolokolov and Anzhelika Osipova are asking, I'm posting a lesson, how to drawAngrybirdpencil!

Step one. We draw a huge circle on a whole sheet of paper. At first it looks like with, and a tail.
Step two. Now let's add an evil face and a beak.
Everything can be colored! Although this bird is small, it took a surprisingly long time to paint. In the end, I was very tired, and noticed that my desk turned into a "creative mess". See photo:
I am pleased with the result. And this happens very rarely. This is probably my shortest tutorial ^^, Try it draw othersAngrybirds, and attach your work below the article! Join our Vkontakte group and communicate with other readers. That's all for today, I recommend watching more lessons about other birds. For example, try drawing:

Slingshots are multifunctional throwing devices of small size. For many years they have been used for various purposes, ranging from hunting to games for the development of accuracy. Slingshots can vary in size and design as they can be made from a number of different materials. However, all slingshots have something in common: a strong frame, rubber bands and projectiles that are sent flying when the elastic is pulled and released.

Steps

Classic wooden slingshot

Find a strong Y-shaped horn. Pay attention to branches lying on the ground that can be broken off or cut to the desired shape. Branches from almost any tree will work for a slingshot, as long as they are strong enough to hold their shape when you pull your slingshot. However, for convenience and simplicity, it is best to use a spear about 15–20 cm long with branches 2.5–5 cm thick.

• Look for branches on the ground in a wooded area. There you will have noticeably more choice among suitable materials.
• If you prudently remove the exfoliating raw or mossy bark from the horn, you will get a slingshot that will be more convenient to hold in your hands.

1. Dry the horn. Hang the branch found over a heat source, such as a fire or burner, and turn it over periodically. Dry the branch for several hours. As it warms up, excess moisture will gradually come out of the branch. This is necessary so that the slingshot bends less at the time of the shot.

   Make grooves at both ends of the fork. Take a penknife or a sharp stone and scrape out shallow circular grooves at the ends of the stalk. Each groove should be located at a distance of about 2.5 cm from the ends of the fork. The grooves will provide a secure fastening of the rubber bands (heavyweights) with which you will shoot.

   • If you make the grooves too high, then the slingshot may break from the pressure of the stretched elastic band. If you make them too low, then the projectiles you shoot with can constantly cling to the base of the fork.

2. Cut off the elastic band for the slingshot straps. Any thick springy material you have on hand can be an effective throwing mechanism. Thick elastic bands or strips of latex and even medical harnesses are all great for making a reasonably powerful slingshot. Having picked up the right material, fold it in half and cut it to get two identical strands. Each cord in length should approximately correspond to the length of the fork of the slingshot.

   • The exact length of the straps will depend on your preferred shooting style, as well as the materials you are working with. Shorter ropes will allow you to make more powerful shots, but it will be more difficult to pull the slingshot.
   • Longer straps will allow you to adjust the slingshot to your liking or even completely redesign it if you make a mistake somewhere.

3. Attach the straps to the horn. Take one of the two ropes and wrap the end of it around one of the grooves on the slingshot you made earlier. Tie the tie securely in this place. Do the same with the second weight. Trim the tied ends of the tie-rods short so they don't get in the way. Your homemade slingshot is almost ready!

   • In order for the slingshot to shoot accurately, make sure that its weights are as uniform as possible in length. Otherwise, your weapon will turn out to be skewed.
   • Check the knots of the heavyweights for strength. If one of them is untied at the moment of the shot, the slingshot can whip your hands quite painfully.

4. Make a skin. Take a piece of durable material and cut a strip of it about 10 cm long and 5 cm wide. At a distance of about 1.5 cm from the ends of the strip, make holes through which you can pass the free ends of the cords. The resulting skin will serve as a nest for your projectiles, in which they will sit securely until the shot.

   • It is best to use a durable material with some resistance, such as leather or thick burlap.
   • To make holes in the leatherette, use the tip of a penknife or other similar object. You can also just make cuts in the material, but they can break after a few shots from the slingshot.

5. Tie the skin to the cords. Insert the free end of one cord into one of the holes on the leatherette. Tie the cord in a knot at the outer edge of the leatherette. Repeat the same with the second weight. Now the trigger mechanism of the slingshot is a single unit and consists of a skin in the center and two cords attached to its ends.

   Piston slingshot made of cardboard tubes

   Make a slit in the toilet paper tube. Take scissors and cut the toilet paper tube on one side so that it can be unfolded into a sheet. You only need to make one cut, as the tube must remain a whole piece of sheet metal.

6. Roll the cardboard into a narrower tube and secure with tape. Lay the ends of the cut cardboard tube over each other, and then roll it up the way people usually roll newspapers. As a result, the tube should be half as large in diameter as before. Wrap a long piece of tape around it to secure it, leaving only 2.5 cm of cardboard sticking out at one end.

   • This part will serve as the internal piston of the slingshot with which you will launch the projectiles.
   • The inner diameter of the tube should be small enough to hit the projectiles you intend to shoot without letting them slip through. It will be useful to compare the dimensions of these parts before gluing the tube with tape. If it is too wide, twist it a little tighter to get the correct size.

7. Make two holes on opposite sides of one end of the tube. These two holes should be large enough to fit a pencil through. Position them at one end of the tube exactly opposite each other, not at opposite ends. In order not to warp the holes relative to each other, it will be more convenient to look at the tube from above.

   • Use a manual single hole punch to carefully punch holes. But if you do not have such a hole punch, holes can be made with scissors or the tip of a pencil.

8. Insert a pencil into the holes in the cardboard tube. Insert a pencil into one hole in the piston and out the other. Position the pencil exactly in the middle. To do this, correct it until the ends of the pencil of the same length stick out on both sides of the tube.

   • It is best to use a short, thick pencil, as there is less chance of accidentally breaking it.
   • Be careful not to damage the holes in the cardboard when inserting the pencil. They should only be large enough to fit a pencil. If one of the holes breaks, rotate the tube and make two new holes in it.

9. Take the second whole toilet paper tube and make a series of cuts on it. With a pencil, draw two vertical lines 1.5 cm deep from one end of the tube. Leave a finger-width between them. Turn the tube and make two more of the same marks on the opposite side of the same end. Then take scissors and carefully cut the cardboard along the marks.

   • This tube will be the outer cylinder of the piston slingshot, containing the thinner piston you made first.

10. Hook over a banker's rubber band for money on both sides of the tube. Hook the elastic bands on the paired cuts, lowering them to the very base of these cuts. In order for this type of slingshot to shoot normally, you will need to use an elastic band for both sides.

    • You will achieve the best results if you take two identical elastic bands. If you don't have much choice, try to make sure the rubber bands you use are the same size and thickness.

Attention! Hunting with a slingshot is prohibited on the territory of the Russian Federation, this information is provided for informational purposes only. Follow the hunting rules and laws of your country.

Many experienced hunters have a rather contradictory attitude towards such a type of weapon as a hunting slingshot. And there are reasons for this, because without understanding this type of weapon, it is difficult to imagine how it can be better than a gun and a carbine. However, hunting with a slingshot has a number of advantages, one has only to study the “subject” in more detail. For example, with the help of shooting from a slingshot, you can successfully hunt squirrels, hares, muskrats and otters. There were cases when a small boar was even shot from a slingshot. Therefore, very often the choice of hunters falls on this type of weapon.

What is a hunting slingshot?

First you need to figure out what parts the slingshot consists of.

At first glance, it may seem that its device is elementary:

1. Handle or base. A tourniquet is attached to the handle, which helps to hold the slingshot in the hands when fired;
2. Harness - while pulling, it saves energy for a shot;
3. Kozhetok - keeps the projectile in the grip during the shot.

The first material that was used to create homemade slingshots was wood (cherry, oak, apple tree and others). To do this, they chose the densest and tightest branch in the tree, then with the help of twine they tied the supports of the slingshot. This design was left for three months in order for it to acquire the desired shape and fix it. Only after acquiring the form, the branch was sawn off from the tree, the bark was cleaned. The form was fired on an open fire and polished with a cloth.

The main element is an elastic band, it is necessary that it quickly returns to its original position after the shot. An elastic band up to 30 cm long was put on the base, and it was pulled not in one, but in several layers. The tourniquet is attached in small strips to the base, they are called "harnesses". The ends of the elastic are attached to the leatherette. A leatherette is a small piece of leather with two holes for a tourniquet. Leather is suitable dressed, for example, from an old belt.

Advantages and disadvantages

Each hunter will ask a question, what are the advantages of this type of weapon?

The advantages are enough to choose this type of weapon for hunting:

1. This is a very inexpensive weapon.
2. High shot power with minimal noise.
3. The radius of destruction is up to 10 meters, and there are models with a radius of destruction up to 70 meters.
4. A gun or a bow is difficult to carry unnoticed by people, and a slingshot for hunting, with its small size, few will notice.
5. If the hunter is well prepared, then a shot from a slingshot can be done in an instant, and due to the lack of noise, a second attempt can be made in a few seconds.
6. A hunting slingshot can be used in any conditions, even while walking or fishing, because you can hit any target within reach.

But there are several disadvantages of this type of weapon:

1. A short aiming range and a small lethal range compared to a gun.
2. Due to the small force of the shot, it is not possible to hunt large animals.
3. The harness wears out very quickly.
4. For a successful hunt, the hunter must have a lot of experience and good aiming skills.

Principle of operation

So, on what principle does this compact and rather powerful type of hunting weapon work? A classic-sized slingshot can easily fit in a hunter's fist.

What the slingshot consists of, we have already figured out, but how it works needs to be studied in more detail. A projectile is placed in a tourniquet or elastic band. After the projectile is inserted, the elastic on the sides must be stretched, then aim and release the leather insert with the projectile with one movement.

The shot itself occurs according to the following principle: with a sharp reduction in the gum, the kinetic energy from it is transferred to the projectile. This energy is enough for the projectile to reach speeds of up to 80 m / s, and the range can develop up to 200 m. These figures will depend on what material the slingshot is made of, what its design and type of ammunition are.

The types of ammunition are quite diverse. It can be:

• Plastic balls of various sizes - used for training and practicing shooting skills. Multiple use.
• Shot, buckshot from metal of various sizes. Used directly for hunting.
• Small and medium stones.

shooting technique

How to properly use a slingshot for hunting and make the most successful shots that hit right on target? Hunting with a slingshot can be a pleasure if you know the shooting technique.

The main thing in hunting with a slingshot is aiming and the hunter's stance. That is, you need to understand the essence of how to shoot from a slingshot. Let's look at the aiming technique first. Basically, there are two techniques: instinctive and aiming.

instinctive shooting

The essence of this method is that the hunter aims "by eye". At the same time, two eyes are focused on the target, the hunter sees the slingshot and skin only with peripheral vision. In this way, the goal is reached by intuition rather than sight. If, according to the feelings of the hunter, the direction of the weapon and rubber bands is correct, then the skin itself goes down. The advantage of this type of aiming is that the projectile flight range is automatically calculated. And on the hunt, the calculation of the flight range is a very necessary quality.

It will also be an advantage that it does not matter which eye sees better. The disadvantage of this type of aiming is that changing the slingshot or rubber band on it, you will have to re-learn the aiming technique, because the trajectory of the projectile changes from the qualitative characteristics of this type of weapon. In order for shots with intuitive aiming to be accurate, it is necessary to be able to mentally represent the trajectory of the movement of the ammunition. And this requires experience in shooting, which can be accumulated by shooting at cans or targets. In the process of learning, you need to constantly imagine which line the projectile will fly along, try not to blink during the shots, and see the point where the projectile hits after the shot.

Aiming with an eyeball

When shooting with an eye gauge, the results are more effective. The sight can be any landmark on the slingshot, which aligns the eyes, the shooting device itself and the target along one line. You can make your own guide. The meaning of aiming will be that the aiming eye, the sight of the slingshot will be built strictly in a straight line. For this kind of aiming, it is better to use one eye, which has sharper vision. The other eye can be closed for convenience.

Most often, when using an eye gauge, the skin in a taut position will be in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe face from the side of the leading eye. But we must not forget about convergence, which can significantly spoil the quality of shooting. Therefore, the sight of the slingshot must be placed at some distance so that the lines intersect at the location of the target. It is convenient to use the sight when several models are used for hunting, with different pulling forces and shot quality.

Depending on the hunter's stance, and also depending on whether he is moving or standing still, several types of aiming and shooting can be distinguished:

1. Aiming technique while moving- to keep the sight still while moving is a very difficult task, almost impossible. But this type of technique does not require the hunter to be completely immobilized. The sight during movement should move along a line similar to a figure-eight laid on its side, or along the line of the infinity sign. The point where the circles will intersect must be the target point. In fact, the meaning of aiming will be that the skin will be released when the line of sight coincides with the location of the target. It is important to act quickly here, because how quickly the skin is released is of great importance. With the accumulation of experience, the shots will be accurate and accurate. The line of sight can move along other trajectories. Some use horizontal or vertical movement of the sight.
2. Fixed aiming technique. With this technique, the sight must be aimed at the target, fix it and make a shot. With the accumulated experience, this technique gives a very high result. To achieve high results in this technique, the main thing is to learn how to keep your hands with a weapon in a stationary position for as long as possible, and when shooting, make a minimum delay, up to about 6 seconds. Basically, this tactic is used when shooting from a sports slingshot.

Safety

When shooting from a slingshot, it is important to observe safety precautions so that you do not get hurt instead of the beast:

• when hunting with a slingshot, you should always wear goggles;
• do not aim at animals if you are not going to shoot them;
• you always need to see who or what is behind the animal you are aiming at;
• do not shoot into the air over hills and buildings if the target is not visible well;
• beware of ricochet.

The same rules apply when shooting from a sports slingshot.

Hunting tactics

You can hunt small animals or birds, such as hares, ducks, squirrels.

The tactics of hunting with a slingshot is somewhat different from hunting with other types of weapons and has some features. In this case, the hunting tactic is to get as close as possible to the animal, or to lure it out of the hole. In this case, the ammunition is released silently and at the first unsuccessful attempt there is a great chance to make a second, more successful shot, since the animal may not notice or hear the first shot.

Overview of popular models

Nowadays, there is a huge selection of slingshots for every taste on the market, but among them there are the most popular factory-made models, and not home-made slingshots:

1. Slingshot for hunting manufactured by the company Dankung- This is a powerful slingshot for hunting. Simple in design, perfectly performs its functions. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, it weighs about 200g. Its main advantage is its accuracy, which is ensured by a narrow horn. Ideal for hunting.
2. Combat slingshot company Gloveshot Made of anodized aluminum, it can be disassembled for easy portability. The spear is wide, which reduces the accuracy of shooting, however, with constant training, the accuracy increases significantly.
3. Pocket Predator Hathcock Target Sniper- this combat slingshot fits perfectly in the hand, and when shooting it does not cause discomfort. The base is made of steel, which is surrounded by a layer of rubber on top. It can be attributed to a sports slingshot.
4. Survival Slingshot Archer Complete is a tactical slingshot designed for hunting. It is distinguished by its equipment, which includes a flashlight that helps with night hunting. You can also use arrows as ammunition.
5. Model FS-1 by Truemark on the market for over half a century. Lightweight, has a clip for charges. The hand rest can be removed.

Do it yourself

You can make a slingshot for hunting with your own hands, it's not very difficult.

Materials needed to make a slingshot:

• wood, plastic, metal for the base of the structure;
• rubber for a slingshot;
• a piece of leather.

Tools you will need to make your own slingshot :

• jigsaw (if the slingshot is made of wood).
• sandpaper;
• scissors;
• drill.

Stages of work

How to make a slingshot for hunting without spending a lot of money and time is described below. This is the most common and elementary model for hunting.

The best wood for a hunting slingshot is walnut, oak, ash or maple. You need to find a forked branch of the required shape or cut a slingshot of the desired shape and size from solid wood. If the choice fell on a branch, then you need to clear the rock from the bark.

Using sandpaper, the workpiece is polished. Next, a place is prepared for attaching the gum. Two slots are made on the handle, according to the size of the gum. The distance from the end of the horns should be about 2 cm. The elastic is wrapped around each horn and tied in a knot. The ends of the elastic are superimposed on the horns so that they are a continuation of each of the horns, and in place of the slots in the handle, they must be tied with a thin elastic band. It is better to sand all holes and slots perfectly so that the gum does not wear out too quickly.

The “saddle” of the slingshot is best made of leather 3x5 cm in size. Small holes are made along the edges, through which an elastic band is threaded and a knot is tied. Elastic band is the main detail in this device. The elastic can be replaced by using a tourniquet for a slingshot. The hunting slingshot is ready!

You can also make a slingshot with your own hands from other materials - for example, make a blank from metal or plastic. You can make a powerful slingshot with your own hands if you pay special attention to the quality of the gum without sparing money on it. It is better to buy rubber for a slingshot from a branded manufacturer that has all the necessary physical characteristics. A homemade slingshot can be a worthy alternative to the factory model. Plus, a do-it-yourself slingshot can be perfectly made to fit the hunter's hand.

Video

From our video you will learn how to make a slingshot with your own hands at home.

Today, many experienced hunters are conflicting about the use of a slingshot for hunting, it is more considered exotic than common. There are reasons for such a statement, since without having studied this type of weapon, it is difficult to imagine its advantages over a gun and a carbine. For example, with the help of a slingshot, you can successfully hunt hares, squirrels, otters and muskrats, there were also cases when a small boar was even shot from this weapon. Therefore, in the arsenal of many hunters, a powerful hunting slingshot occupies a worthy place, being located on a par with crossbows and bows.

Toy or dangerous weapon?

Based on the technical characteristics of such products, it can be understood that a hunting slingshot is a completely reasonable and justified tool. Hunting with a slingshot has some features and is somewhat different from hunting with other types of weapons. The tactic is to lure the animal out of its hole or get close to it, which turns such a hunt into a reckless training in the ability to disguise and hide. In order to make an effective shot from a gun, many hunters use it to scare a marten or squirrel out of the nest or to get a wounded animal.

In this case, the ammunition is released absolutely silently, and in case of an unsuccessful attempt, there is a chance to make another, more successful shot, since the animal may not hear or notice the first shot. In the lands rich in game, hunting for pheasant (especially at the beginning of the season), duck, various waders and even black grouse is famous. As for its direct use, first of all, it is shooting with shot or balls of various diameters at medium-sized game, located at a short distance from the hunter.

Today there is a large selection of such products for every taste, the Russian market is filled with "different-sized" and different-quality factory-made products, among which there are models that are quite difficult to pass by. You can also find a lot of information on how to make a slingshot for hunting yourself.

Slingshot made of wood and powerful rubber band

A slingshot is a Y-shaped wooden handle (in the classic version) to which rubber strips are attached. A “projectile” is placed in its central part, the rubber bands are stretched as much as possible to the limit, released, the “projectile” flies out and a “shot” is carried out. This tool can be easily made independently from any improvised materials. Homemade hunting slingshots are a worthy alternative to factory models and meet all the necessary physical characteristics. However, before you make it with your own hands, you should familiarize yourself with its structure.

The simplest weapon in design consists of only a few elements:

• horn. It is used to secure harnesses and to hold a slingshot during a shot or aiming;
• bowstring (harnesses, strands). Rubber strips that are used to accumulate potential energy when pulled and quickly release it to the “projectile” during the shot;
• saddle (leather). This is the central part of the slingshot, most often made of leather and serves to capture and hold the "projectile".

When making a slingshot with your own hands, as a rule, natural wood is used, but you need to be very serious about choosing a breed. The tree must have the following qualities:

• hardness;
• elasticity;
• fracture resistance.

The most suitable for this are considered only deciduous trees - rowan, apple, walnut, maple, acacia. When choosing a suitable branch for a homemade slingshot, you need to pay attention to the presence of two symmetrically located processes of the same thickness on it. Since rubber bands will be attached to them in the future, they should be almost the same size. After the branch is cut, it must be well cleaned of bark and dried.

The resulting “semi-finished product” of the handle must be sanded, adjusted to the dimensions and proportions, depending on your engineering and taste preferences. One of the advantages of homemade slingshots is that they can be made to fit the hunter's hand.

But at the same time, there are certain logical criteria: the handle should not be too thin and short, and the horns should have the same height.

Also of great importance for homemade weapons is the material for making the bowstring. Previously, rubber medical bandages were used to make such devices on their own, but today, high-quality natural latex is used in the manufacture of gum for a slingshot, which quickly restores its original dimensions. The strands made from it have the maximum rate of contraction and will last for a long time.

Improvements in shooting practice made minor changes to the design. Over time, it turned out that the gun would shoot better if the cords were of different thickness along the entire length. Well-known manufacturers of slingshot rubber for hunting or sports make their strands conical or wedge-shaped, while they must necessarily taper towards the leather jacket. The leather jacket must also have a certain rigidity:

• medium hardness is ideal;
• a soft leather jacket is more comfortable to hold, but there is a possibility that it may slip out unevenly and this will affect both the strength and accuracy of the shot;
• in a hard leather jacket - it is quite difficult to hold the projectile.

A self-made slingshot is quite versatile, and the types of ammunition for it are quite diverse. It can be:

• shot or buckshot made of metal of various sizes;
• small and medium stones;
• plastic balls of various sizes - usually used to practice shooting skills. Multiple use.

All types of ammunition must be used directly on the hunt.

Benefits of a slingshot

• compactness and light weight;
• radius of destruction up to ten meters (there are models in which the radius of destruction reaches 70 meters);
• noiselessness of the shot (often this is important);
• high shot power with minimal noise;
• easy repair or replacement of any part;
• versatility in relation to ammunition;
• noiselessness of the shot (often this is important);
• with good preparation of the hunter, a shot can be fired in an instant;
• an excellent product for training the eye, skills of stealing, "silent hunting", studying the habits of game, understanding the basics of ballistics;
• on the territory of Russia, a slingshot is not considered a weapon, does not require a license, registration or any other legalization;
• a hunting slingshot allows you to hit any target, it can be used in any conditions - fishing or walking;
• low cost of products.

Safety rules while hunting

So that instead of prey you do not suffer, when shooting from a slingshot, you must follow the safety precautions:

• Protective goggles must be worn while hunting.
• you always need to see what or who is behind the animal;
• if you are not going to shoot at animals, you should not aim at them;
• do not shoot into the air over buildings and hills if the target is not clearly visible;
• beware of ricochet.

The same rules apply when shooting from a sports slingshot.