Are Slingshots Worth Owning? Survival 101

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By Bryan Lynch •  4 min read

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. 

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:

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!

Bryan Lynch

Bryan grew up in the Midwest and spent every waking moment outdoors. Learning how to hunt, fish, read the land, and be self-reliant was part of everyday life. Eventually, he combined his passions for the outdoors, emergency preparedness, and writing. His goal was to spread positive information about this field. In 2019, Bryan authored the book Swiss Army Knife Camping and Outdoor Survival Guide. His second book, Paracord Projects For Camping and Outdoor Survival, is scheduled to be released on March 2, 2021.