Its seems hard to master, but wouldn't be something to scoff at, in the hands of someone who mastered whatever slinging technique works for them. Even today, a good ole rock to the head or somewhere on the body would suck
They are quite deadly. In pre-classical and classical antiquity, many armies employed large numbers of slingers, even cultures with well-developed archery.
I made several in my youth. Difficult to master, but quite a potent weapon.
They are quite deadly. In pre-classical and classical antiquity, many armies employed large numbers of slingers, even cultures with well-developed archery.
I made several in my youth. Difficult to master, but quite a potent weapon.
Their use throughout history is fascinating. Their history has motivated me to order one and practice with it, hopefully Ill be able to takr out that damn cat that keeps **** on my porch. What did you use for the pouch and the string?
I have been dabbling with them for years and can still barely hit a thing, but they are a lot of fun. Would be a very formidable weapon in skilled hands.
played with them as a child, never was proficient. David was good with them. Shepherds had lots of time so sling practice consumed a lot of their time. I'm sure they were used on wild dogs and cats.
I was quite good with one at one time (45 years ago). I could hit a 4x4 fence post from 10 yards at least 80% of the time. I haven't tried one in years, time to build one and introduce the grandkids to them.
I also made and used them when I was younger. I was ok but my brother, who taught me, was very good. If you use roundish rocks you'll be much more accurate but I used to have fun launching flat sharp edge rocks just to hear the sounds they'd make, sometimes a low hum other times a high pitched whistle. I've seen people try to make pouch shaped slings to cup the rock but it's not needed and will more often cause hangs. Just a flat piece of leather cut semi football shaped makes a good sling.
I also made and used them when I was younger. I was ok but my brother, who taught me, was very good. If you use roundish rocks you'll be much more accurate but I used to have fun launching flat sharp edge rocks just to hear the sounds they'd make, sometimes a low hum other times a high pitched whistle. I've seen people try to make pouch shaped slings to cup the rock but it's not needed and will more often cause hangs. Just a flat piece of leather cut semi football shaped makes a good sling.
I just used a fairly thick piece of leather and a couple 6ft pieces of rawhide. We did not have paracord at the time but I'm sure that would work also. The pouch was about 2.5 to 3 by 6 rounded at the ends. Poke 2 holes in each end for the rawhide. Rawhide is doubled up so a 6 foot piece means 2 three foot laces per side. Tie a knot in the end of one pair leave the other pair unknotted. The knot goes between index and middle finger so when you make a fist it is inside( palm side) unknotted pair gets gripped with thumb up against index finger so to release you just lift thumb since the fist is still closed it holds the knot. You need to start smooth and slow don't jerk, make at least 2 revolutions around and release when arm is pointed at target. It's going to take some practice expect some wild shots so I'd practice well away from houses and people. BTW: in a pinch a leather boot tongue and laces would work for awhile.
Anyway, that's how we did it. Not the only way maybe not the best way but it worked. Adjust pouch size to ammo, we used golf balls and similar sized rocks but smaller ammo could use smaller pouch.
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The sling was last used in Europe for military purposes at the siege of Sancerre in 1572 by the Huguenots. These Huguenot slings were nicknamed arquebuses de Sancerre
The old sling was a pretty powerful weapon. I never got good with one either. I think something like that probably requires some training. Unlike the modern slingshot which is fairly intuitive.
Appreciate the input everyone. Im debating what pair of shoes to get rid of, to salvage the laces : , while I wait for the vendor to ship out my "quality" (for a lack of a better term) made sling out.
I made one with a leather pouch and para-cord cords. One end got a wrist loop and the other got a bead that I could hold in my hand. Very impressive how fast it can throw a rock between the size of a golf ball and baseball. I could definitely see one taking out a giant.
I couldn't hit a giant but I could sail a rock at 80 mph right past one.
Only thing I have about using a sling is that you have to stand up like you do when loading a muzzle loading musket to use the thing. I can use a bow from 'rice paddy prone' effectively. Not so with a sling.
You're right it would be tough to do while fully prone, but you can easily use one while squatting or sitting.
If I was choosing what to bring and size is no issue it would be a bow, if I had to improvise a weapon or I want something that fits in a pocket I'd go with the sling.
Roman Army (mostly auxiliary troops) used them with lead egg-shaped projectiles.
Sometimes hardened clay or concrete.
Formidable. I'm sure they argued around campfires over weight versus velocity.
You know - high speed 9mm vs. slow and heavy .45.
"Silvanus, you don't know beans - this here lead egg will knock your sandals off if it hits you anywhere on your stupid body, fast or slow."
"Rufinus you big slob, I can carry 10 clay slugs to your one lead chunk, shoot straighter and more accurate too. A head shot with these babies and even a block-headed German
will be out like the lights. Game over!"
I have played with them as well never able to get good at them, now an atlatl on the other hand is also a very old and simple weapon and in a coupke of days of practice you can get pretty good with one
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