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Sling Shot Tips

The slingshot is one of those things that has transformed from a weapon into a tool. There were times when the slingshot was a military weapon. In this era of high-powered rifles and nuclear weapons it is difficult to imagine slingshots as a person's primary weapon. There are legends dating back from biblical times about the potential power of the weapon. Today it has some uses. Children use it as toys and some fisherman use it to launch their bait far into the water. Like most things there are correct ways to shoot projectiles from the slingshot and incorrect ways. The correct ways will lead to success and safety.

Styles
- Throughout the ages there have been different types and styles of slingshots. Perhaps the most common style found today is the "Y" shaped body with two rubber pieces attached to the arms of the "Y" and joined together by a leather strap. Firing is quite straightforward. You grab the handle with your non-dominant hand and then choose that which you want to fire. You place your projectile of choice in the center of the leather strap and pinch it in between the leather with your dominant hand, pull back as far as you can, then simply let go.
Accuracy
- Shooting accurately typically comes with practice, but there are also certain tips you can use to help the process along. Gripping the handle firmly is a simple but important step in firing. If your wrist or hand is not firm, the accuracy suffers greatly. Another great tip is your stance. When you are about to fire, be sure to stand with your dominant foot forward and toward the target. This allows for you to make the movements more naturally. When pulling back on the leather straps right before firing look down the rubber straps. This will give you a good idea of where your projectile will fly.
Projectiles
- One of the wonderful things about using a slingshot is the ammunition. There are no special bullets to buy or anything of the sort. You can simply look on the ground, pick up a rock and fire away. There are some basic parameters that should be followed. The rounder the object, the better. This will give the projectile an aerodynamic quality, allowing it to go farther and be more accurate. Choosing something small enough to fit within the boundaries of the leather strap, but large enough to see fly through the air is also preferable.
Weapon or Toy?
- The slingshot was first used as a weapon and is used to today by hunters to kill small animals. The potential that this toy/weapon has in hurting living things is great and should in turn be respected. Wearing goggles is suggested, as are gloves. Never fire at people or animals because the chance that they may be hurt is great.

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