How do you shoot a slingshot?

Question

I have one and wanted to know how to shoot it properly to atain the best possible acuracy.

I dont wanna shoot birds or anything but it looks like a fun toy.Are there any sites or anything?

What works best are pebbles okay I know they are not all uniform what about BB's?

LOL you both not only copied the same article from Wikipedia but it is one I read before posting this question.

Answer 1

slingshot, also called a shanghai, a catapult (not to be confused with either the catapult siege engine or shepherd's sling), or a beanshooter is a small hand-powered projectile weapon. It has a pocket for holding the projectile. Each end of the pocket is attached to a rubber band, which is attached to the ends of a fork-shaped frame. There are steel hunting balls for slingshots that can kill small game.

A slingshot champion appearing on the David Letterman Show some years ago[citation needed] said to hold the projectile pocket at a fixed position near the body, such as the hip, and move the frame based on gut feeling and practice, just like a gunslinger or hip-shooter in the American wild west. Many gunslingers could hit a target without raising their weapon to eye level.

A slingshot can be powerful enough to hunt small game. In order to achieve power, the correct ammunition must be used; steel balls are the most common choice. A typical heavy pull band slingshot should be used with 9mm (3/8") to 12mm (1/2") steel balls. Using lighter ammo doesn't increase the speed of the projectile significantly.

With practice, slingshots are effective against small rodents and birds at ranges up to 25 metres. The newer and more advanced slingshots can fire up to 200 meters. They are excellent for hunting rats and pigeons. Because of the low ammunition cost (pebbles work) and ease of use, slingshots are very popular with children.

The weak hand holding the frame becomes fatigued by doing so. Many slingshots have a wrist-brace so the user's weak hand doesn't have to hold the frame very tightly. Some models come along with stabilizers, rotating prongs, sighting mechanisms and other sophisticated improvements. While these are not necessary, they usually improve the power, lifespan of the bands and accuracy.

The material for the rubbers is critical. The best widely-available material is dipped latex rubber surgical tubing or latex sheeting. It lasts about six months before it needs to be replaced. It can be attached to the frame and packet by stretching it over a metal rod of the correct diameter. Some slingshots have been constructed of metal tubing of the exact diameter. Rubbers should be stored under water away from sunlight, which causes them to stiffen and crack.

The weight of the pocket is critical, because if the pocket is very heavy, the slingshot will be weak. The best pockets are made of soft leather, which does not fray.

Securely attaching a pocket at home can be quite difficult. An effective way is to drill a short section of hardwood dowel lengthwise, and place the pocket in a cotter pin. Next, insert the pin into the dowel, and wrap the ends of the pin completely around the dowel. Finally, stretch the rubber over the dowel and pin-ends. Never re-use a cotter pin.

The slingshot is not related to the sling. Mechanically it operates on a different principle. Operation is different, as well.

Today, slingshots may also be used in recreational paintball games as backup or silent sniper weapons. See 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.

Answer 2

This is not rocket scientist stuff. When you pull back - you need to have your hand holding the slingshot to follow the target. Not hold still while the hand holding the projectile moves...... because this is how you hit your own hand. FYI - most nasty slingshot accidents happen from broken rubber tubes or the pouch rips. So - when you buy your new slingshot - pay a few extra $$ for what ever model has replacement slings and buy a spare one or two. And at the first sign of wear - swap the rubber and pouch out. As for slingshot 'Hunting' - in many states they are not legal for small game. Be sure to read the hunting regulations - in the front section will be an area called methouds and means that tells you want you can, and cannot use - to hunt animals. Also, in all states - if the animals does not have a season or bag limit - you cannot hunt or kill them.

Answer 3

Slingshots can be a lot of fun, and can even be a great way to practice your bowhunting skills. If you have a slingshot, it is important to learn how to use it safely and with proper form in order to avoid causing damage or injuries. You need to consider your slingshot as a weapon and always use caution when you handle it. Once you get the proper routine and form down, you will quickly become an expert marksman with enough practice.

1.Select your ammo. Round, dense objects will work best. Marbles or ball bearings are ideal. Avoid using stones. The object should be round so it shoots straight.

2.Load your ammo. Hold the base with your dominate hand. With the opposite hand, place the ammo in the center of the pouch. Do not let the ammo shift away from the center of the band.

3.Hold the ammo in place with your fingers. Use your thumb and index finger to keep the ammo in place. Your thumb should be parallel with the strap. You can curl your index finger slightly and press the other side of the pocket between your first and second knuckles.
Avoid squeezing the pocket closed around the ammo. There should be enough space for the shot to release cleanly.

4.Pull the ammo back with your free hand. Pull until the band is completely stretched out. Make sure you see all of the triangle formed by the forks of the slingshot.Release the band. Make one last check to make sure there is nothing that you might accidentally hit with your shot. Then let go of the ammo and watch it fly.

Answer 4

A slingshot champion appearing on the David Letterman Show some years ago[citation needed] said to hold the projectile pocket at a fixed position near the body, such as the hip, and move the frame based on gut feeling and practice, just like a gunslinger or hip-shooter in the American wild west. Many gunslingers could hit a target without raising their weapon to eye level.

A slingshot can be powerful enough to hunt small game. In order to achieve power, the correct ammunition must be used; steel balls are the most common choice. A typical heavy pull band slingshot should be used with 9mm (3/8") to 12mm (1/2") steel balls. Using lighter ammo doesn't increase the speed of the projectile significantly.

With practice, slingshots are effective against small rodents and birds at ranges up to 25 metres. The newer and more advanced slingshots can fire up to 200 meters. They are excellent for hunting rats and pigeons. Because of the low ammunition cost (pebbles work) and ease of use, slingshots are very popular with children.

Answer 5

to shoot: You grab onto the handle with the opposite hand of whatever hand you are most used to, so if you are right-handed grab the handle of the slingshot with your left hand. With your right hand, have the pebble in the holster of the slingshot, then grab onto it with your thumb and index finder of whatever hand you have free that is not grabbing onto the slingshot. Then pull back on it, aim, and fire

No, there are no sites for slingshots, as of summer 2006, the last time i tried looking for some for my slingshot.

BB's would work for the slingshot, depending on how big the holster for it is. (the part that holds your ammo) for most slingshots, pebbles would be the best bet