Having a quality tool for procuring food or for protection is paramount when in the outdoors, especially in a survival situation. Many times, and for good reason, firearms and knives steal the spotlight for this purpose.
However, there is an often overlooked tool that can provide the same basics of survival while being easier to carry, easier to use and at an affordable price. That tool is a slingshot.
Slingshots are lightweight, compact, effective tools that have been around for a long time. In this article we will be reviewing the Daisy B52 according to the following metrics:
- Quality of materials
- Ease of travel and usage
- Pros and cons to the Daisy b52 slingshot in survival situations
SKIP AHEAD
Daisy B52 Slingshot Review
Having to protect yourself against predators in a survival situation is something no one wants to deal with and obtaining food will always be on the to do list. Firearms will run out of ammunition and a knife doesn’t give much distance between you and a threat or a meal that could bite back.
Ideally manufactured ammunition is best to use in a slingshot but it can also be improvised in the field. This gives a slingshot longevity over other tools, while at the same time maintaining a safe distance. Here’s the features that set the Daisy B52 Slingshot apart from other slingshots:
Frame
The B52 is built from a solid steel frame that comes out of the handle (plastic) and forms an extra-wide fork at the top. Attached to the forks is surgical-grade tubing for increased velocity and a durable release pouch that holds the shot. This model is all black except for the tubing, which comes in a bright yellow.
Handle
The molded Sure-Grip handle provides deep, contoured finger grooves for proper, comfortable finger placement.
Added Support
Weather you are experienced or a novice, a flexible wrist support provides a stable support. This helps to ensure a comfortable, accurate shooting experience. The wrist brace also helps to reduce strain on the wrist, which reduces fatigue when shooting for prolonged periods.
Easy To Carry
When you are done for the day, the wrist support conveniently folds up, making the B52 easier to store in a pocket or a pack. And at 0.8 ounces, you will hardly know that it is there.
Maintenance
If you are going to be doing a lot of practicing, or you just wish to be ready for the inevitable, it’s nice to know that replacement bands are available for this model. The tubing that is attached to the solid steel frame appears similar to surgical grade tubing.
Ammunition
While ammunition can be improvised, it is always best to use the manufacture’s recommendation. For this model that would be ¼”, 3/8”, ½” steel or glass shot.
Origin
For those interested where their products come from, the Daisy B52 is made in the United States of America.
- Extra wide fork
- Flexible wrist support provides steady
Last update on 2024-09-14 at 18:06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Daisy B52 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight and compact storage
- Shot (ammunition) comes in easy to carry containers
- In a survival situation, shot could be improvised (small pebbles, for example)
- Very comfortable to use, especially with the included wrist support
- Due to the price and ease of use, it is a good starter slingshot for someone wanting to try out this outdoor tool
Cons
- Your local laws should be checked for age requirements and where such a tool can be used before purchasing. Adult supervision is always recommended.
- The bands and replacement bands don’t seem to be uniform in their longevity. One set might last a long time, while the next set may last just a few shooting sessions.
- Slow reloading time. To be fair, this is the case with all slingshots and not just the Daisy B52 specifically. Of course, the more you practice, the faster you will become.
- Short range. Gives more distance than an edged tool, but less than other projectile tools.
- The wrist support folding action is not always smooth.
- The rugged release pouch is quite small, so be sure to use the recommended shot.
What Others Are Saying About The Daisy B52
Many people know the Daisy brand. I would even go so far as to say that it is a bit of an American institution. I have used products by this company off and on my entire life. I feel comfortable in saying that most people, like me, have at least a few special childhood memories surrounding this brand.
Overall,the Daisy B52 Slingshot appears to fall in line with the above sentiment. Many people seem to be happy that they are able to get involved in this long-standing activity at such an affordable price.
The few quality issues that have been brought up appear to be centered around the handle. Noted issues are the plastic handle cracking during normal use and problems with the handle hardware becoming loose. Always inspect your gear before and after every use and be sure to report any abnormalities to the manufacturer.
- Extra wide fork
- Flexible wrist support provides steady
Last update on 2024-09-14 at 18:06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Questions About The Daisy B52
We’ve compiled a list of the most-asked questions about the Daisy B52:
Q: What makes this a good starter slingshot?
A: Its lightweight, compact, and best of all – it is affordable. When first testing the waters of a new type of gear, it is understandable to not want to spend a lot of money. After all, what if it just isn’t for you? The price point of the Daisy B52 Slingshot allows for anyone to try out a slingshot for the first time without breaking the bank.
Also, the extra-wide fork on the Daisy B52 slingshot makes it safer for users who have never shot a slingshot before.
Q: Can slingshots be used for survival purposes?
A: Certainly. They can be used for hunting, fishing, self-defense and scaring away predators.
Q: Are slingshots deadly?
A: Absolutely! A slingshot, especially modern models are no longer just a children’s toy. This is why extreme caution and adult supervision needs to be implemented at all times. Even while practice shooting, I have had ricochets inflict damage. Eye protection is also highly recommended during use.
Q: Do I have to use shot that is made by the manufacture?
A: The short answer is no. But finding suitable shot that will work just as well is tricky. The right shot will need to be perfect in size, shape, and weight. Scouring the ground for a consistent amount of pebbles that fit those characteristics can be laborious with mixed results.
Verdict
In my opinion, the Daisy B52 Slingshot is a great model for anyone wanting to gain experience with a slingshot, whether it be for survival applications or just to plink around with. The slingshot itself is very affordable and so is the shot used in its operations (usually sold separately).
For me, that is a huge selling point. Inevitably with all projectile tools, the cost of the projectiles will surpass that of the tool. But its nice to know that purchasing new shot for the Daisy B52 slingshot won’t break the bank.
The power behind this slingshot allowed me to practice on a variety of targets with very interesting results. The contoured handle coupled with the flexible wrist support made shooting the B52 for hours at a time, just as comfortable as it was fun.
The few quality issues I have seen about this slingshot don’t really sway me away from it. I have bought several of these in the past with no real issues other than the longevity of the bands. Given the Daisy B52’s ergonomics, comfort, ease of use, price, and what it is built for, it is a pretty darn good slingshot to have around for general purposes.
P.S. I know that I mentioned this a few times throughout the review, but it’s worth noting again: a modern slingshot is not a toy. They are powerful and young users need to have adult supervision.
