DIY hunting slingshot. Five ways to make a slingshot at home. Who can you hunt with a slingshot?

Once upon a time, hunting was one of the main human activities. Successful results provided people not only with food, but also with clothes, shoes and even jewelry. Nowadays, commercial hunting has practically disappeared, and now it is more of a hobby. Expensive, requiring not only desire, but also certain skills. There are so many weapons and devices of such quality that the hunter often only has to aim and pull the trigger. But real professionals do not recognize such tactics. Some of them also disapprove of this type of weapon such as a slingshot for hunting, considering it ineffective. However, this statement is controversial and to understand who is right, we should take a closer look at this ancient weapon.

No man needs to explain what a slingshot looks like. A homemade slingshot, made from scrap materials, has been in the hands of almost every boy. But it still doesn’t hurt to remember. Moreover, modern hunting slingshots have undergone some improvements, and manufacturers no longer use forked branches specially spotted on a particular tree. Although the principle remained unchanged.

So, a slingshot for hunting consists of three main parts:

The base, which simultaneously serves as a handle and a place for attaching the harness.
Tourniquet. Power and range depend on its elasticity and resilience.
Kozhetok. A specially selected piece of tanned leather into which the projectile is inserted.

Previously, the process of making a slingshot began with finding a suitable branch. The type of wood also mattered. Oak, ash, cherry or apple trees were best suited for this purpose. A dense forked branch was tied with twine and left for a while so that it accepted the required form. Only after this the blank for the slingshot was cut off. They removed the bark from it, polished it and burned it.

A multi-layer elastic cord was attached to the upper ends, in the middle of which a leatherette was attached - a small piece of tanned leather. Then the slingshot had to be shot, because it is impossible to make products identical in strength, range, accuracy and lethality.

IN modern models other materials are used. More durable and flexible.

Shooting principle

A projectile is placed in the skin. The tourniquet is stretched too much. The distance of the target in this case does not play a role. The projectile must receive the maximum charge of kinetic energy. Not only the power, but also the accuracy of the shot depends on this. Aiming is in progress. Then the skin is sharply released, the tourniquet instantly contracts and sends a projectile. In this case, the speed can reach 70-90 m/s, and the range is 200-250 meters. These indicators do not apply to all types of slingshots. Everything will depend on the material from which it is made, the design features and the type of projectile.

Ammunition

There's not too much variety here. But after many years and even centuries practical exercises, three types of projectiles for hunting slingshots were selected:

Plastic balls of various weights and sizes. They are not very effective for hunting, or more precisely, they are too light, but they are ideal for training.
Metal buckshot and shot. These are just combat options.
And, of course, small-sized and suitable-shaped pebbles. This type of shell can be easily found right on the spot.

Advantages and disadvantages

The debate on this topic will never subside. Some consider a slingshot to be an ideal weapon for hunting. Others, on the contrary, do not compare it with the same bow or hunting crossbow. And there’s nothing to say about a good branded gun or carbine. However, not all so simple.

The undeniable advantages of the slingshot:

Can be used under any circumstances. Even if you went into the forest to pick mushrooms or go fishing in the river, you can make a targeted shot at any time.
Having certain skills, preparing for a shot takes only a few seconds. Which, coupled with noiselessness, makes it possible for a second attempt to hit the target if the first was unsuccessful.
The slingshot is easy to carry and even with a supply of shells it is quite light.
Relatively high power. There are slingshots whose destructive power reaches 70 meters or more. Of course, it can’t be compared with a gun, but in a dense forest sometimes there are only ten meters left.
Silence.
And the last argument is cheapness.

What other arguments could there be that speak in favor of a hunting slingshot? They certainly exist, as well as disadvantages:

To learn how to properly and successfully use a slingshot for hunting, you will need many days of training.
Large game is not available for this type of weapon, although cases of wild boars have been reported.
No matter how high-quality the harness is, its service life is very limited.
Not a long aiming range. This point was also noted in the merits, so it all depends on the circumstances in which the slingshot is used.

Having considered both lists and having considered what outweighs the advantages or disadvantages, you will have to make a choice: will you take the slingshot into service and go hunting for hares, squirrels and other small game. Or will you prefer a more lethal weapon, which will provide the opportunity to kill a larger animal.

Correct shooting technique

This concept includes two components: aiming and the hunter's stance. By mastering both correctly, you can achieve amazing results. Experienced hunters are able to hit a target that is not standing still. And it’s also not uncommon to shoot while you’re on the move.

In this light, two aiming techniques are worth considering.

Instinctive shooting

This method is based more on imagination and feelings, although it does not abolish the laws of physics. Aiming is done with both eyes, and the slingshot is controlled by sensations, because it is completely outside of direct gaze. When the hunter feels that the direction of fire has been chosen correctly, by lowering his hand with the leatherette clamped in his fingers, the trajectory and flight range of the projectile is adjusted.

The undoubted advantage of this aiming method is that the shooter does not care which eye he sees better. But the disadvantages include two facts:

If a hunter is poorly able to imagine the trajectory of a projectile, he is unlikely to achieve any success. This is the very imagination on which the method is based.
The second is the fact that after replacing a worn out harness, you will have to spend some time shooting.

Mastering this method requires long training. But having mastered it, the hunter is unlikely to leave the forest without trophies.

Aiming with an eye

Installing a landmark on a slingshot for hunting can significantly increase the efficiency and accuracy of shooting even for an inexperienced shooter. But there are some nuances here:

You will have to aim with one eye, the one that is sharper.
The reference point should be set slightly to the side, since the hand with the skin will be in close proximity to the face, and this fact can negatively affect accuracy.
When choosing a reference overlay, you need to ensure that it matches your individual color sensibilities.

The essence of aiming with an eye comes down to the following: three points must be lined up on one line. Eye, sight and target. The flight range is determined in the same way as in the previous method.

A well-made and individually adjusted eye can easily be used with several types of slingshots, simply by moving it from one to another, which can significantly improve hunting results.

Hunter Stance

When hunting with a slingshot, sometimes there is no time left to take the correct stance. Find support for your feet, fall on one knee, or vice versa, straighten up. All these movements in the forest, where any movement means danger for the animal, can scare away the prey, and you will have to spend some more time searching for it. Therefore, the hunter’s stance comes down to two concepts, from which the method of aiming follows.

In move. Experienced shooters advise not to try to keep the sight exactly on the target while moving. It is almost impossible to do this, and by and large it is not required. The sight can move along a certain trajectory, perfect example which will be the infinity sign - a figure eight falling on its side. The junction of the imaginary lines will be the aiming point. As soon as the shooter feels that the movements have converged at this point, and it, in turn, coincides with the target, a shot is fired. "Infinity" is not the only option. The trajectory of the sight should be selected individually.
Fixed aiming. At first glance, nothing complicated. Point the sight at the target, make sure that all three points coincide and release the skin. But there are subtleties here too. Learning to hold a tense slingshot straight throughout the entire time of sight is not easy. And one more thing: between the moment when the sight found the target and the shot, the delay should be 5, maximum 7 seconds. In the forest when hunting, this method is rarely used, since you can’t sit in an ambush with a slingshot, so this method of aiming is more suitable for sports competitions and shooting.

In general, there are nuances. However, having mastered all these skills, you can safely take the slingshot into service.

How to make a slingshot for hunting with your own hands

The hunting equipment store offers quite a selection of wide choose slingshots, but remembering your childhood and making one yourself is also not difficult. To do this you will need a very small set of materials and tools:

Suitable piece of branch. Can be replaced with a plastic or metal part.
Rubber or special harness.
A piece of tanned leather.
Jigsaw.
Drill.
Scissors.
Sandpaper.

The algorithm of actions is still the same as in a cheerful, happy childhood.

A carefully selected horned branch should be cleared of bark and processed sandpaper.
On each horn of the sighting part, about two centimeters below the ends, remove the annular chamfer under the elastic band.
The elastic is wrapped around the antlers, tied in knots, and the knots are wrapped with thread.
The center of the elastic is measured and cut.
In a piece of leather selected for the leather, holes are made along the edges.
The ends of the elastic are passed through these holes and tied with a knot.

The homemade slingshot is ready and no drawings are needed. The main thing is that the ends of the elastic bands are the same in length, otherwise the skin will be shifted to one side. All that remains is to select suitable shells and start shooting.

Review of several popular models

But let's go back to the store. Choosing a truly high-quality slingshot for hunting, and even a strong, accurate and durable one, is quite difficult for an inexperienced person. Therefore, here are a couple of the most popular models:

Model FS-1 from Truemark. Very light. The kit includes a clip for shells. Removable hand rest. Designed almost 50 years ago, it is still one of the best-selling models.
Survival Slingshot Archer Complete. Purely hunting model. The kit includes a flashlight. Arrows can be used.
The so-called fighting slingshot. Collapsible model made of anodized aluminum. There is a large scatter when shooting, since the sighting part is too wide.
The base is made of aircraft aluminum, which makes it lightweight. Due to thin rubber, the accuracy of hitting the target is increased.

The list is far from complete, but the listed models are enough to understand that finding a slingshot to suit your needs will not be difficult.

Safety precautions

Shooting, no matter where or what it is made of, is quite dangerous. Especially when the view is blocked by densely standing trees, low bushes, or peeking out from behind a cloud Sunbeam. Therefore, it is necessary to observe safety precautions when hunting.

The first danger is ricochet. A projectile from a slingshot flies very quickly and can change its trajectory, hitting a stone, a tree trunk, or just a thick branch.
When shooting a slingshot, you must wear safety glasses.
Carefully monitor what is on the projectile’s flight path and, especially in the immediate vicinity of the target.
And never aim at an animal unless you intend to shoot.

This is where we can finish the review of this familiar and at the same time such an unusual weapon for hunting. Good luck in the fishing.

A slingshot for hunting may look exactly like a device familiar to everyone from childhood, or it may have a modern ergonomic design And additional options, like a comfortable palm rest and an adjustable handle.

A hunting slingshot differs from any other in several ways:

convenience and simplicity of design;
noiselessness of the shot;
it should make it possible to use special industrially produced balls and any other objects suitable for shooting, such as pebbles;
the firing speed must be high.

Such a slingshot can be purchased in a store, or you can make it yourself.

What is a homemade slingshot for hunting?

Homemade slingshots for hunting are most often made of wood, plastic and metal and are distinguished by a wide variety of shapes, especially wooden ones.

There are woodcarving craftsmen who can make a real masterpiece.

But it is enough to make a high-quality slingshot and an ordinary branched branch; in the simplest version, the bark is not even removed from it.

A video in which you can watch the process of making a slingshot from wood. Enjoy watching.

How to make a slingshot for hunting

Regardless of the material and manufacturing method, the approximate width between the “horns” should be from 4 to 7 cm, the length of the handle and horns are selected individually, they are not too important for successful shooting, more affect the convenience of the shooter. Therefore, try to imagine what will be more convenient for you, and choose the length and width of the slingshot according to these parameters. But remember that a slingshot cannot be too thin for hunting; it must withstand frequent shooting with heavy projectiles. The horns should be positioned at the same angle to the handle and be as uniform in thickness as possible.

Wooden slingshot. It is best to use walnut, oak, maple or ash. You will need either a naturally forked branch or a piece of board if you want to carve the slingshot yourself. Using a jigsaw, we cut out the slingshot into the desired shape; it is better not to make it flat - a flat slingshot does not lie very comfortably in the hand. If you manage to find a suitable branch, clear it of bark. We sand the workpiece with sandpaper manually or using a grinder.

We are preparing the place for attaching the elastic band. You can attach it in several ways.

We make slits corresponding to the width of the elastic band, at a distance of 1.5 - 2 cm from the ends of the horns. We wrap an elastic band around the horns and tie a knot.

We make slits as described above, place the ends of the elastic band on the horns so that they are not perpendicular to them, as in the 1st point, but serve as a continuation of the horns, and tie them at the slot with a thin elastic band.

We drill holes at the same distance from the ends of the slingshot corresponding to the diameter of the elastic band, thread it through them and tie knots so that the elastic band cannot jump out.

Slingshot made of epoxy glue. Knead "Poxypol" or any other two-component epoxy glue, and mold it into a slingshot of the desired shape. When sculpting a handle, take the epoxy mass in your palm and squeeze it a little, but not too much, as if not squeezing. If you squeeze too tightly, the slingshot will be awkward to hold in your hand when shooting.

After hardening, we follow the papier-mâché principle - we glue the slingshot with 5 - 6 layers of paper using PVA glue. You need to tear the paper by hand; it is better to alternate plain paper and newspaper in layers - this way you will see whether the entire surface has been glued with a new layer. After the last layer has dried, drill holes for the elastic at a distance of 1.5 - 2 cm from the top edge of each horn. You can slightly widen the hole on one side so that the knot does not stick out, but “sits” in the recess.

We sand the product with sandpaper, and then prime with PVA, mixed with chalk, or water dispersion. Sand again with fine-grain sandpaper and paint.

This slingshot looks very aesthetically pleasing and is in no way inferior in quality to a traditional wooden one.

The holes and slots for the rubber bands in any version of the slingshot must be sanded as best as possible, otherwise the rubber band will quickly wear out.

The slingshot saddle (the part in which the projectile is placed) is best made from a piece of thick leather 3 cm wide and 5 cm long. We make small holes along the edges, thread an elastic band through them, and tie a knot.

The choice of gum, perhaps, most important for the killing power of a slingshot. The best elongation indicator is 80% of the length in a “quiet” state. The fastest contracting, and therefore the most powerful, will be flat latex. The manufacturer most loved by slingshots is Thera band, but you can purchase other types of rubber if you can’t find it. You can buy this latex in sports stores; it is used by athletes for training. From it you will need to cut a strip 1.5 to 2 cm wide.

You can also use a round rubber band - for example, a latex catheter purchased at a pharmacy. You can also buy a special rubber band for slingshots, but as a rule, it is not very easy to find.

Elastic length determined individually- it depends on the length of the shooter’s arm and on how well the rubber stretches. To choose the optimal length, you need to try to “shoot” the slingshot with different elastic lengths.

What to shoot with

Traditional rocks are not very good for hunting when every shot counts. Different dimensions and weight do not contribute to the development of automaticity when shooting.

For hunting, 8.5mm buckshot is best suited; it can be used to shoot quite far, it is cheap, and is always on sale.

Special metal balls for slingshots, fishing sinkers and lots (pieces of thin reinforcement) can also be used for hunting.

Who can you hunt with a slingshot?

They use a slingshot to kill small animals and birds. The slingshot performs best when hunting game that rises almost from under your feet - great snipe, woodcock, partridge, hazel grouse, pheasant. Those who like to experiment can also hunt blackbirds, larks, buntings, bullfinches, and waxwings - in traditional Russian cuisine, these birds were often used both as an independent dish and as an additive to pates and sauces.

When shooting at long distances the effectiveness of the device is sharply reduced, so, for example, you can shoot a duck, but it will be much more difficult.

Before you go after your prey with a slingshot, you should take the time to train, choose the best position for shooting, and adjust the length of the elastic band of the slingshot. If you have not had this experience before, you will most likely not hit the target very accurately at first. But over time, with practice, you will be able to successfully use a slingshot while hunting.

Below you can see photos on the topic of slingshots for hunting. Enjoy watching.

The slingshot has long been perceived as nothing more than an attribute of defense and attack by all the boys in the yard. Behind easy way Its models, which you can make with your own hands, have become a favorite toy and even a weapon for adult men for small game. Currently, the slingshot is still very popular and has unconditional respect among boys different ages. Despite its apparent simplicity, its manufacture can be different from each other, as well as the material used.

It is a mistaken opinion that a slingshot is just a small mini weapon for hooligan boys. A professional slingshot in the hands of a fighter can become a real weapon with which you are not afraid to go at the enemy. To obtain such a weapon block, specialists use the highest quality materials: titanium, carbon fiber. Supplemented with a laser pointer or red dot sight, it was often used to restore order during riots. A combat slingshot is also used as a first “assistant” when firearms were not used appropriately. The purpose of the slingshot is not specified; everyone uses it for different purposes. Later we will describe ways in which you can do without a slingshot, but with its help make the work easier. Let's look at what a slingshot is for, how to make it yourself, and figure out which material is preferable in everyday use.

A slingshot is a throwing weapon in which the projectile acquires the kinetic energy of the potential energy stored in a stretched rubber band.

Origins of the slingshot

The meaning of the word “slingshot” itself, according to some unreliable sources, comes from the word “horns”. Indeed, they do have certain similarities. It is often compared to a catapult, only in this case it is a miniature device. Like many inventions that have survived to this day, the slingshot was created by Leonardo da Vinci. The original device was a slingshot without rubber, and instead there were special rollers on the axles. Inside there were springs with pulleys. A cord is attached to them, when stretched the springs stretch and create conditions for an accurate and long-range shot. Over time, this mechanism was replaced by a simpler one replaced by rubber.

What does a slingshot consist of?

In appearance, the slingshot does not have a complex mechanism, however, it is divided into several important units:

The body of the slingshot, consisting of wood or less often metal;
A throwing tourniquet that accumulates energy;
Boot, heel or saddle. Serves to hold the projectile. It may be absent if the projectile protrudes in the form of metal brackets.

A slingshot, similar to the standard model, is mainly made of wood (walnut, cherry, elderberry). For the ideal Y-shape, young branches are taken as a basis, the young “horns” are tied together and left in this form for approximately two months. After which the shape of a regular slingshot is formed.

A serious approach to the manufacture of a slingshot determines the accuracy in the symmetrical placement of the horns relative to the handle of the base.

After two months, the slingshot is cut down. In order for the device to acquire a strong appearance, it should be cleared of the top layer of bark and dried, wrapped in material, for about two weeks. The slingshot is then fired over an open flame. From this point on, the ideal thickness and surface are achieved using sandpaper.

Correct selection of material

Slingshot body. Having become a favorite among young men, slingshots today are made of metal, plastic, wire, wood, and cardboard. Naturally, the most durable material from the above is metal, and then wood. It’s just that a slingshot made of wood is more common due to the fact that the complexity of working with metal cannot always be used at home. Plastic is no less durable, even mechanical stress is not harmful to it. Cardboard is only suitable for playing with children, but do not underestimate its power for throwing bullets.
Choosing a rubber band. According to numerous reviews, the most suitable option is rubber sheathing of cables. The simplest option is a medical tourniquet, but only because it can be bought at a pharmacy. Many people recommend a Martens bandage, a GP 5 gas mask. A latex surgical drainage tube is considered very durable and malleable, but it is very difficult to get. More simple options used by those who need a slingshot only for the game, for example, rubber from a ball or a bicycle tire is used by young men. It is affordable, and its throwing properties absolutely meet their needs.
Kozhetok. Almost always it always has a rectangular shape. The material from which it will be made must be durable and provide reliable wear resistance. Usually it is leather, less often suede, dermantin.

Which projectile to choose

The good thing about a finished slingshot is that you can pick up shells for it even on the street; these can be ordinary stones. The size and shape are chosen by the owner himself for personal reasons. If you want to increase destructive power, speed, and impact when thrown, then opt for special metal bullets purchased in stores. These can be steel balls, lead shot, chopped lead, or drawing lots.

A simple option to make a slingshot with your own hands

A strong slingshot will be no worse than one bought in a store, if you approach your homemade product responsibly. Find a branch that looks like the letter Y. It is advisable to use sizes that are between 15 and 20 cm long.

To ensure the branch is strong and secure, make sure there are no cracks or chips before breaking it from the tree. It’s okay if there are small scratches on the branch; they can be easily cut off with a knife;
The bark will become redundant, so it is often removed. This is done for aesthetic reasons.

The best option would be a fresh branch. But the moisture it contains is excessive, otherwise the structure will lose reliability. How to dry it. The easiest way is to wrap it in material and dry it in microwave oven. Use the correct step-by-step instructions:

Wrap the future slingshot in a small towel. Place in the microwave and leave on the highest setting for a few seconds.
The stick will create a hissing sound, when it stops, put it down again for a few seconds and do this several times.

The photo below shows what can happen if the stick is left for a long time without a towel. It may turn black or even catch fire. So be careful, watch what you do.

Let's move on to creating notches. For this you will need a construction knife. Make cuts on the top of each branch, as shown in the photo.

Let's move on to the choice of tires. In this example, a medical tube will be used; you, in turn, can use another rubber band, for example, a tourniquet, rubber from an old ball or a bicycle inner tube. The diameter is 80 mm, and as for the length, you decide what it should be. The traction force depends on this. The shorter the band, the stronger the throwing. Don’t forget that it still needs to be stretched, so you shouldn’t make it too short either. Once the length is chosen, cut the two tubes in half and tie the end of each to its own notch.
Tie a piece of dental floss around the tube. The thread will tighten the tube and make it strong.
Let's move on to creating the skin. It is not difficult to cut from any durable fabric, preferably leather. A 10x5 rectangle should have a small hole on each side (0.8 - 1.20 cm). Later we will thread the traction tube through these holes.

Now everything is simple. Pass each end of the rubber tube through the holes. Make a knot on each one. Manipulation with dental floss can also be used in this case, the structure will become much stronger.
The slingshot is ready. Practice using your new slingshot to shoot down any inanimate object, train your eyesight and accuracy.

This example is more suitable for the amateur method of throwing stones or other small equipment.

An original slingshot for homemade work with children

It's no secret that most children who like slingshots are boys. Therefore, you can use this master class as a development activity for your son or grandson. To start the process you will need the following tools:

Tube from toilet paper. You'll have to prepare in advance; you won't unwind a whole skein;
Insulating tape;
Pencil;
Rubber;
Scissors.

Take cylindrical shape from toilet paper and cut it vertically, this will make it easier to roll. Roll it into a stick and wrap it with electrical tape.
At the end of a cardboard stick, make a hole the diameter of a simple pencil. Insert it, turning it round and round.
Let's move on to the skin. To make it you will need durable cardboard. Using scissors, cut out a rectangular shape and use a hole punch to make holes for the elastic along the edges.
You determine the length of the elastic yourself; if you don’t stretch it on one side only, it is approximately equal to the length of a pencil. Insert it into the holes of the leatherette, tying each end into a knot. And twist the other end onto the end of a pencil and tie tightly. This way you will get a slingshot that you can play with at home, and you can come up with anything you want in the form of bullets. For example, soaked paper from which you form bullets with your fingers.

Slingshots made of cardboard will be stronger when the handle, which bears the main force, is strong. Therefore, it is better to additionally wrap it with adhesive tape.

Rules for using a slingshot: caution

Some types of slingshots are considered melee weapons, but even if the slingshot you buy is legal to use everywhere, this does not open up the boundaries for you to shoot animals and people. Do not hold the slingshot at eye level and do not aim at the eyes of the person standing next to you; even a small bullet can lead to dire consequences.

How to make a hunting slingshot with your own hands

Makes an ideal slingshot correct design and it doesn’t matter what material it consists of. The elastic band, in turn, ensures fast and accurate flight. To find the required forked branch you will have to work hard, but you can use a jigsaw. In order to make a slingshot for hunting we will need:

Jigsaw and wood or ready-made slingshot branch;
Sandpaper for sanding;
Rubber;
Construction knife;
Drill;
A small piece of leather.

When the slingshot-shaped branch is in your hands, we begin sanding away the tree bark. If you decide to use a jigsaw, know that the handle should not be flat, and the horns must be made the same in distance between each other and in length.

We cut out a flat flexible plate from leather. We make holes on the sides for the elastic and thread it through, tying it at the ends.

To attach the elastic band to the slingshot, you can use a drill and make corresponding holes at the ends of the horns, or you can make cuts with a knife. Both methods are welcome. The main thing is that the knot is strong.

The horns should be at the same angle from the handle. And the handle, in turn, should not be too thin, since you will have to shoot from it often, the design should be durable.

You can expand your imagination and create a completely different type of slingshot using a plastic bottle. You will need:

Plastic bottle;
Construction knife;
Rubber band for money;
Finger cap.

Cut off the top of the plastic bottle. We don't need a lid. We put the fingertip on the neck and tighten it with an elastic band. That's it, the slingshot is ready, all that remains is to put the projectile inside and take aim.

The best stretch for a slingshot is 80% of the resting length. A good option for a throwing harness is latex.

Pocket Weapon: Where to Use a Slingshot

The first thing that comes to mind for a person who is not interested in this type of weapon is the boys playing in the yard. But the slingshot has a much broader horizon and its properties very often become useful at home. Let's figure out where you can use a pocket weapon.

Anyone who has a vegetable garden or garden knows that very often it is attacked by petty thieves such as crows and other types of birds. You can save yourself with a scarecrow, but if it doesn’t help, you can drive away the ill-wishers with a slingshot. Just be extremely careful so that if you miss, there is no other person far away from you.
“The pear is hanging - you can’t eat it” - this is how the well-known riddle begins, but today is not about it. The slingshot can be used to aim to hit the fruits that are located at the very top of the fruit tree.
The tourist needs to give the slingshot its due. A foreign country is full of unexpected surprises, unless, of course, you are aware in advance of some of its dangerous zones. In this case, a slingshot can be useful in scaring away wild animals and protecting yourself from dogs. If you decide to stay overnight in the forest for a few more days, then this is the perfect time to try your weapon on small animals. Such hunting does not require licenses or special permits.
Anglers often use a slingshot to throw food into the distance of a reservoir.
With the help of a slingshot they develop accuracy. Using it for such purposes, in a very short period of time, you will shoot down targets from a very long distance.

As you can see, a slingshot is a very useful throwing device that is accessible to every person. You can put it in your pocket and carry it with you as a protective device.

How to make a slingshot for fishing

Perhaps it will be a discovery for many that slingshots are used to feed fish at a distance of 30-40 meters from the shore, but not for the fishermen themselves. This simple device is popular nowadays. Characteristic feature for the slingshot used in the fishing industry is rubber. The force of flight depends on its rigidity. The softer the rubber, the closer and vice versa. In fishing stores you can find two types of slingshots: for crumbly mixtures of complementary foods and complementary foods in lumps. Consider the master class of a slingshot, which in fact will turn out to be no worse than the factory version.

We will need:

Pezzer catheter;
Strong thread;
Branch resembling the letter Y;
Scissors, knife;
A small piece of leather.

We clean the finished branch from the bark. You can do this with a knife or take sandpaper.
We get rid of existing moisture using a microwave, after wrapping it with cloth or drying it for about a month, if there is time for this.
We cut small transverse grooves in the upper axis of the branch.
We tie each end of the catheter with a thick thread to two holes.
From the leather we cut out the required leather jacket shape.
Make holes on the sides and attach the ends of the catheter to them. We fasten tightly with thread.

To ensure maximum flight power, it is recommended to hold the slingshot vertically. Make the balls the same, of the same weight, so that you know the approximate footage from the shore. The elastic band should be pulled as tight as possible.

They say that even a stick shoots once a year, so take the slingshot seriously. Use it for its intended purpose, namely: to hit objects to develop accuracy, for game, for feeding and for helping with housework.

No matter how trivial it may sound, our childhood was much more interesting than that of today’s younger generations. After classes, the girls hurried into the yard with rubber bands and jump ropes, and the boys, having abandoned their briefcases after school, did not let go of their slingshots at all. Moreover, no one bought them in the store then, but everyone made their own. Today, children have become homebodies and spend more time at the computer or tablet. Perhaps, having come across this article, some boy will find it interesting and take advantage of the advice given in it. And we will talk about how to make a slingshot with your own hands.

You can make a slingshot from the simplest means at hand. The most common and simplest option is made of wood.

How to make a slingshot from wood

Required materials and tools: stick Y-shape, rubber band, piece of leather (rubber), knife.

You may ask, how to make a slingshot quickly so that you can use it right away? Of course, from the branch.

To do this, you just need to find a suitable stick on the street, the right shape and strong enough so that it can withstand the load and not break. The stick will be the basis for the future slingshot.
Excess branches and twigs will need to be cut off with a knife.
Next, you may need to dry the workpiece if the branch is fresh. To do this, you can use a regular oven.
The next step will be preparing the rods. You need to take any elastic band, measure the required length and make two pulls.
At the edges of the horns of the branch, in the places where the rods are attached, it is necessary to make indentations so that the elastic does not slip off.
Next you will need to make a platform for the projectile. This could be a piece of leather or rubber. You need to give it a rectangular shape and make holes for the elastic along the edges. It is convenient to use a hole punch, but if you don’t have one, you can make slits using a knife or scissors.
What follows are very basic steps - connecting all the parts into a single structure.

Homemade slingshot from board or plywood

You can also take a more complicated path - using a jigsaw to cut out a base for a slingshot from a board or plywood.

Sharp corners will have to be rounded off with sandpaper or sandpaper, or something should be wrapped around the handle. Most likely, every home has duct tape. This would make a great slingshot, considering that electrical tape comes in a variety of colors. You can also use soft leather or other material that needs to be easily secured so that it will not slide along the handle. Great idea will make a personal inscription or some kind of symbol on the handle or horns. It used to be fashionable to burn various patterns onto wooden products using a wood soldering iron. In the case of a slingshot, it can also come in handy.

Wire slingshot

Since making a slingshot from wire is also very easy and quick, any boy can use this method.

Necessary materials and tools: wire with a diameter of 2 mm and a length of 30-40 cm, an elastic band (money or fishing), pliers and a knife.

As you may have guessed, the basis of the slingshot will be wire.

The wire must be folded in half.
Approximately halfway through, pull both ends of the wire in different directions and bend them upward. Next you will need to use pliers to make the horns even. The lower part of the workpiece - wire folded in half - will be the handle.
At the ends of the horns, approximately a centimeter or more from the edge, using a stationery knife or a regular one, you need to carefully cut off the insulation so that it can be removed and then put back on.
You need to thread the ends of the elastic band into the resulting cylinders of insulation and return the cylinders to their original place. Now they fit tightly enough, preventing the elastic from slipping out.

Here's how to make your own slingshot using wire.

How to make a slingshot from a bottle

An unusual option, but also a very simple design.

Required materials and tools: ordinary plastic bottle, ball and knife.

To make such a slingshot, you need:

Cut the neck out of the bottle
Attach a ball to it.

All! It's faster to do than to tell how to make a slingshot.

What can you shoot?

All these slingshots are used for entertainment purposes. Any round berries, such as elderberry or rowan, can serve as projectiles for them. You can also make homemade bullets from thin aluminum wire. To do this, you need to cut the wire 2-3 cm long and bend it into a V shape.

You may also be interested in how to make a powerful slingshot.

Powerful slingshot

This design is no longer so simple, but it is also within the capabilities of anyone.

Necessary materials and tools: metal wire with a cross-section of 5 mm in diameter and a length of about 70 cm, 2 medical catheters No. 22, a piece of leather, a stick, electrical tape, pliers and tweezers.

Using pliers, you need to give correct form wire. Bend it in half and form a stop, handle and horns.
Then, if there is a soft rubber or dense foam cylinder, making it through hole in the center, thread it onto the wire and pull it to the stop. This is necessary so that the wire does not put pressure on your hand. You can also simply wrap it well with iso- or any other tape.
Next, you need to cut the stick to the required length, trying it on own hand. Make grooves on the sides of the stick for the wire.
Insert the future handle into the workpiece and wrap it with electrical tape or secure it with other material.
The ends of the horns also need to be insulated.
Now you need to prepare a platform for the shells. You need to make two holes in the leather rectangle.
Next, you need to cut off the tips of the catheters and make small holes in them along the edges, insert the catheter into the leather jacket. Through the hole made, using tweezers, insert the other end of the catheter into the hole and tighten. Do the same with the other thrust.
The free ends of the catheter must be put on the slingshot, having previously moistened them with any alcohol.

The article selects the most best options on how to make a slingshot at home. Use one of them, but don't forget that you can't shoot at people or animals! It’s better to make your own small shooting gallery, where the targets will be cans. Invite more friends and have fun together. At the same time, you can boast of a “personal weapon.”

Almost every boy once approaches his father or older brother with a question about how to make a slingshot. At home, this toy weapon can be made from the most different materials. There are options for wooden, wire, and plastic slingshots. You can even make a slingshot from a plastic bottle. The article discusses various options moreover, at home.

“Shoot” made from rubber bands on fingers

This is the simplest slingshot, which only requires an elastic band. Having made a loop at each end, they need to be put on the index and middle finger of the non-dominant hand (for right-handers - on the left, for left-handers - on the right). That's all! We take dowels twisted from paper, fold them in half, place them with a fold on the elastic band, pull them tight and release them. Here's how to make a slingshot at home in a few seconds. Its convenience is that you can remove the rubber band from your fingers instantly, and hiding the rubber band is quite easy. in the event that adults suddenly start looking for the one who did the mischief...

How to make a slingshot at homefrom the branch?

To make such a weapon, you can find a twig shaped like the letter Y - a spear. Having removed the jags and irregularities, so as not to damage your hand during the game, we attach an elastic band to the upper corners of the slingshot. For convenience, you can carve recesses in the attachment points so that the elastic does not slip off. Or you can drill holes and secure the elastic by threading it through the holes. The most comfortable slingshot is the one with a piece of leather attached in the middle of the elastic band. It is necessary to hold a pebble or ball.

How to make a slingshot with your own hands from wood?

There is a “gift version” of the slingshot, that is, a souvenir one. This thing can be made of a stationary type, that is, with a stand. Then you should consider the option of a stand. The main distinguishing feature of this toy is that the backbone of the slingshot has original form. This could be a funny face of a bear cub with its front paws raised up, or a bunny with ears used to attach an elastic band. Or you can make a slingshot from an ordinary rolling pin with handles. All you have to do is saw off a part about 15 cm long from it, carve a notch in the thick end (opposite from the handle) through which a dowel or pebble will fly out, and make holes on the protrusions for attaching the elastic.

How to make a homemade slingshot from wire?

You can use a solid wire frame as the backbone of a child's weapon. Branching in this case, there is no need to make the shape of the letter Y. In this case, the metal is bent at a right angle by a step, then folded in half and the second part of the frame is made symmetrically. The lower part, where the wires are connected together, is wrapped with electrical tape, and loops are made on the upper diverging ends for attaching an elastic band.

How to make a slingshot from a plastic bottle?

You can use a regular balloon or a pharmaceutical fingertip and an empty plastic bottle from under the lemonade. Remove the cap from the bottle and cut off 7 cm, measuring from the neck. A ball or fingertip is pulled over the neck and secured tightly with thread or wire. You can shoot from this device with a pen, pencil, or even piece of branch inserted into the neck. Hold the handle with your hand through the rubber of the ball or fingertip, pull back the rubber and suddenly release it.