A slingshot is not talked about much in the outdoor community because firearms and bows take the spotlight.
This is understandable as they are far more effective at propelling a projectile.
But firearms and bows can be quite expensive to purchase and shoot.
A much cheaper alternative is a slingshot. But are they worth owning?
To answer that question, I wanted to quickly go over some of the key features of a slingshot.
SKIP AHEAD
Slingshot’s Features to Consider
Affordability
Most slingshots are fairly cheap and can be picked up at most sporting goods stores or even some big box stores for around $20.
However, slingshots are like anything else in that you can spend however little or however much money you want on them. I have seen them priced lower than $20 as well as $150 or more.
I would suggest starting on the low end to see if this is an activity you would enjoy and then move up from there.
Usability
To become proficient in their use, shooting a slingshot does require practice.
But its operation is so straightforward that almost anyone across a wide age range can pick one up and begin shooting it right away.
Reusable Ammunition
Similar to a bow and arrow, once a slingshot has been shot, the ammunition can be collected and immediately used again.
This is one of the best features of a slingshot because it allows it to be used over and over without having to carry a lot of ammunition or investing too much in it.
There are also several different types of ammunition that you can choose from that include:
- Clay shot. A biodegradable shot that you do not have to worry about picking up after shooting
- Plastic. A plastic shot that is good for beginners, practicing, and for minimizing damage from ricochets or when the target is missed
- Ball bearings. These are solid metal balls that are designed to damage a target
- Lead shot. Similar to ball bearings except they are much softer, and they do pose a health risk because they are made from lead
- Rocks. This type of ammunition is free as they can be found everywhere outdoors but know that smooth round rocks will work best
Discrete Carry
Lightweight and compact, a slingshot can be carried in a pocket, a pack, or a vehicle. This makes it easy to transport almost anywhere you want to go.
Indoors and Outdoors
I love using my slingshot outdoors when the weather is nice. But the weather does not always cooperate.
It does not take much effort to set up a simple and cheap backstop to use a slingshot indoors on those cold rainy days.
Can Be Used for Hunting
Depending on the type of bands and ammunition used, a slingshot can be deadly, making it a viable tool for hunting. It works best on small game to medium game and for scaring unwanted critters away.
However, if you want to up your hunting game, there are accessories now that allow a slingshot to be modified so that it can shoot full-length arrows.
Fun for All Ages
Because of the above reasons, shooting slingshots can be a fun activity for getting the family or a group of friends involved in. It does not require a lot of resources, space, or money.
Wrap Up
A slingshot is a pretty cool item that has evolved from a toy to a serious tool with several applications.
It is light duty enough to be shot in the backyard or even indoors, but modern materials have made it powerful enough to be used for hunting.
All things considered; I think a slingshot is definitely worth owning!
How about you?
Sound off in the comment section below and lets us know what you think about slingshots!