Huh, a slingshot for self-defense? Before you conclude, let’s take you down memory lane.
Do you remember when you were younger, someone tried attacking you during casual kids’ playtime? You brought out your slingshot to defend yourself, and the person retreated?
Wait to conclude; we’re still going. Do you also remember when you tried using it, and the band failed you?
We just got you needing clarification about the possibility of using a slingshot for self-defense. So let’s undo that by taking you through all you need to know about self-defense slingshots.
What Is a Slingshot?
A slingshot is a pocket weapon that’s powered manually by the hand. Slingshots come in different sizes and shapes but are used the same way. The most popular one is the Y-shaped slingshot with rubber.
Some of you know it by the name catapult or peashooter. Nevertheless, they are all the same thing.
The slingshot is held with two hands when you want to use it to shoot something. You place one hand on the down part of the Y-shape and the other on the band to project the band backward.
Can You Use a Slingshot for Self-Defense?
What is the correct answer to this? Your response will vary depending on your knowledge about the slingshot.
Surprisingly, you can use it for self-defense. In so many emergencies, the slingshot can be deployed for survival if you’re good at handling it.
Whether hunting or at home, the slingshot comes in handy when you’re unprepared or can’t reach out for your armor.
Let’s look at some practical instances where the military used self-defense slingshots.
Military guerrillas have deployed slingshots as an army weapon due to their ease of assembly; it’s advised to keep a slingshot with you, even with a gun.
In the battle of Marawi, the Philippines army’s elite scout rangers used the self-defense slingshot.
On the south, slingshots can fail at any time without prior notice. Its band can break loose when you want to fire against the attacker. Most bands are from latex, which loses strength with time.
However, before you use the self-defense slingshot, ensure the band is intact and not faulty.
How Do I Use the Self-Defense Slingshot?
The self-defense slingshot requires a few trials and errors before one can get perfect at using it. Here’s how to use this tool.
Choose your ammo – preferably a brightly colored marble.
Hold the base of the self-defense slingshot with your steady arm.
Place your ammo at the center of the band.
Point the slingshot toward your target and steady the ammo with your thumb and index finger.
Pull the band backward.
Move the shoulder of the steady arm holding the grip of the slingshot toward the target.
Exhale gently to relax your nerves.
Release the band.
How to Make a Self-Defense Slingshot for Your Home
Find a Y-shaped piece of a tree’s branch or wood; guava branches work perfectly.
Cut the top side of the Y-shaped branch in 7 inches.
Dry the wood or branch near a heat source.
Use a knife to make a shallow hole around the top of the prong—1 cm from the top is perfect.
Cut an elastic band precisely the length of the Y-shaped frame.
Tie the band to the shallow hole you made.
Ensure that the tied band has no loose ends.
Stretch the band a little bit backward and release it.
Stretch the band forward and release it.
Now, try firing it with ammo.
Use This Method if You Need Help Finding a Y-Shaped Branch or Piece of Wood
Find a finished toilet paper roll and cut it on one side. The cut should make the cardboard flat like paper.
Bring the two ends of the cardboard together, then roll a newspaper around it. Ensure the newspaper is at most half the diameter of the original cardboard roll.
Use a tape measure to wrap the cardboard, leaving a 2 cm space between the pieces.
Make a hole at both ends of the roll. Make sure the holes are opposite each other.
Put a pencil through the small hole and let it pass through the other hole.
Make two incisions on the end of another piece of toilet paper cardboard. Ensure to do it inward from the edge.
Make another two incisions opposite the first one.
Put one end of a rubber band into the first incision and the other into the second. Ensure both sides of the rubber band reach the bottom of the incision.
Put the other roll into the second one.
Stretch the rubber bands backward and hang them on the pencil.
Put in ammo and stretch the roll that’s inside backward, then release it.
Types of Self-Defense Slingshots
Toprade ABS Slingshot With a Flat Rubber Band
Its flat strap band’s straightforward design made it the town’s talk. It’s effortless to pull and doesn’t break – very durable for constant use.
This self-defense slingshot has a forearm brace that counters shots. On the plus side, its handle is robust and can withstand being run over by a tractor.
Using this slingshot feels natural – like it’s helping you aim at your target with little effort.
Surprisingly, it can fit in your pocket and won’t be a problem if you want to bring it out quickly.
Friendly Slingshot With Six Rubber Lines
We know what’s on your mind right now – it’s friendly to you but not friendly to your target. Actually, “Friendly” is the brand’s name.
When trying to survive, this slingshot can help you achieve it. The handle is like an eagle’s eye that monitors its prey. The base is made from materials, which makes it durable.
This slingshot has a non-slip collar on its band that prevents the ammo from falling during firing. Interestingly, it has a pocket for storing it while hunting or at home.
Torque Slingshot
The Torque brand is one of them when it comes to slingshots that increased the requirement for quality slingshots.
Its parts are produced from the finest materials in the USA: polycarbonate and glass-filled nylon.
It is lightweight and sleek and can easily be carried in a pocket. It is a good self-defense slingshot for hunters and security guards.
It has an offset handle that allows users to load any ammo of their choice. As a result, this slingshot is excellent for experienced shooters.
Laser? That’s futuristic! If you’ve heard about laser slingshots, you should try them out immediately.
It has a sleek design, which gives you complete confidence when using it for self-defense.
You can shoot your target at night with the help of a laser. What makes this self-defense slingshot awesome is its ability to hit distant targets.
Scout Hunting Slingshot
This slingshot is designed with aluminum and a patented flippin’-out 3G fork. Though it is of high-quality materials, it is less expensive than other brands.
Its durability is surprisingly incredible – no matter how long you’ve used it, the band would still be intact, and the timing is still precise.
Moreover, the Scout hunting slingshot can be modified to look more fanciful without damaging the quality of the slingshot.
COOY Slingshot
Whether you’re new to or an expert in using slingshots, you’ll find the COOY slingshot fantastic. It has a tight band that releases the ammo almost immediately after you free the band.
The ergonomic rubber band makes aiming for a target less troublesome. Fortunately, this slingshot comes with a removable flashlight, which can help you see at night or find the attacker after releasing the ammo.
Daisy Outdoor B52 Slingshot
For emergencies, this slingshot is the ultimate weapon to defend you against the intruder. It is made with the finest materials.
It has an adjustable handle, which you can set at any time without damage. Its band is comfy and can last for an extended period.
MoreFarther Slingshot
This slingshot is very serious when injuring your attacker when they attack you. However, if you’re looking for a slingshot that can blind an eye instantly, you should go for this one.
The best ammo for this MoreFarther slingshot is a marble. It has a steel grip for better holding and targeting.
Slingshot’s Legal Issues
Although the self-defense slingshot can protect you from doomsday, many jurisdictions frown on carrying an arm-braced slingshot around.
An example of such a state is New York, which classifies it as a class 4 misdemeanor. Anyone can get charged for carrying it illegally.
Takeaway
As much as you can use a self-defense slingshot when someone attacks you, it is best to ensure your slingshot is healthy before relying on it.
However, the slingshot is a great option if you don’t like carrying firearms around.
