Recentlyt I 'invented' a sling. I have almost knocked out several windows (1 part because I can't aim it proficently yet, 3 parts it's range is unbelievably far!) and anhilated several other expensivr things. I nearly missed hitting a cow right between the eyes that was about 50 feet away.

Anyway, it is just a winter glove with two lengths of baling twine on it.

Does anyone have experience making better ones, or how to aim better or any other hints or tips? I have moved my practice station far away from anything I could concievable damage, so hopefully I won't get into anymore trouble! <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Oh, and for ammo, I have been using a bunch of rocks, anywhere from a "charge" of pebbles to cobblestones.

Targets more than 6 feet above ground level seem easier to hit than objects 6 fet or closer to ground level. Whats up with that?

I played a bit with slings too. I used a patch of leather for holding the projectile and made a sling around the wrist. A small patch of leather on the lose end makes it easier to hold and release smoothly. For the release you just ease pressure and let the momentum of the stone pull the lose end out of your hand. It should take 2 or 3 circles to accelerate and a straight line motion of the hand for the shot (just like throwing a ball at the target). Bear in mind that you aim with your feet. The shot should be made with the same motion every time. When you´re looking at the target and you miss to one side, you should turn a little (move your feet for that). Don´t try to compensate with a different arm movement. With a little practice you should be able to predict the proper stance.

hehe, wow I used to make these years ago. I would use twine and leather or heavy plastic sheeting (like garbadge bags or cut up plastic tarps) It was pretty amazing how far you could get it to go. We were bad though and always got them taken away for launching stones at eachother. <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

In skilled hands that thing might be deadly. I witnessed village kids launching well sized stones to unbelievable distances. One such stone may crack open an unprotected head. If you are in a vantage position, a sling is a frightening and efficient weapon.

Been there as a target- not nice.

B.

P.S. When a kid, I mastered the fine tricks of rubber powered slings. Still have one...

While stationed in Greenland I got rather good with a sling. There were lots of rocks and lots of time. We had compititions and some of the guys got very skilled at both targeting and power.

I still carry a sling much of the time when in rocky country. I doubt that I retain enough skill to use it for hunting or protection however I still enjoy playing with it.

Mine is two long strings with a woven basket, all of nylon line. One string is a bit longer than the other and has a loop which I put over my wrist. The other, a bit shorter has a large stopper knot at the end.

The whole trick is to be consistant. Much like golf. Keep everything as uniform as possible. Don't worry about range or power. Just try to hit the same point over and over. Throw a rock, then a second. Try to hit the first one. do it again and again.

Try both underarm and overarm throwing. They both are useful. Don't try for power, it will come later. Use your whole arm and when you release, let go of everything. The loop on your wrist will retain the sling. Follow through just like golf, keep your eye on the rock.

The length of the strings and the size of the pocket are variables depending on what you are doing. Lobbing a large rock underhand like a morter takes a different sling than a powerful overhand (really for me a kind of sidearm throw). Just make one and get started. Lots of fun and good eye hand coordination training as well. I found it helped a lot in my "practical" pistol shooting.

Nomad.

In skilled hands a sling is quite deadly. The Romans used them for centuries rather than bows. They cast lead bullets which were very effective missiles. I don't think I would want to be on the receiving end of a legions worth of Roman slingers. However, as others have stated, they do take a fair bit of practice to achieve accuracy practical for hunting purposes. Still, it's alot of fun to try... Just watch those windows.

Greg