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Most slingshots (like slings) are not merely toys. With the right construction and ammunition, this ancient device can also be a lethal weapon suitable for hunting small game in a survival situation. This article provides instructions for making a catapult-type slingshot, an old and remarkably simple design. It’s fun to make and fun to shoot at targets, but it can be dangerous, so never shoot it in the direction of people or animals.

Steps

1. Find a sturdy, y-shaped piece of wood. You can make slingshots with forked branch of just about any size, but piece about 6-9 inches long, with a fairly uniform thickness of 1-2 inches generally makes a strong, easy-to-use slingshot. Try to find a piece with as few imperfections as possible; even moderate cracks can render your slingshot dangerous or unusable. If there are knots or bumps you can cut or sand them off.
2. Peel off the bark. With the bark gone the slingshot will be more comfortable to hold. You may need to let the branch dry a little before you can get the bark off.
3. Let the wood dry. This step isn’t necessary, but if the wood is still green, it’s a good idea to let it slowly dry. This will give it more stability and strength.
4. Get a long, thick rubber band to form the firing mechanism. You can make a stronger firing mechanism by using surgical tubing or several rubber bands wound around each other. You can experiment with the length to find out what works best, but it is important that it be strong and thick.
5. Cut the rubber band in half. You now have a band for each side of the slingshot. If you’re using surgical tubing or multiple rubber bands, you can skip this step–just make sure that each band (each side of the firing mechanism) is of equal length.
6. Get a rectangular piece of leather or strong cloth (several rectangles of duct tape stuck together work, too). This will be your holder or “pocket.” It should be nearly square (each side should be about 2-4 inches), but a little longer one way than the other.
7. Cut two slits into the pocket. Use a knife to make an incision about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in from each edge. The slits should run parallel to the shorter edges of the pocket. Try to get them both an equal distance from their respective edges. The slits should be just large enough for the rubber band to fit through without being wrinkled.
8. Slip one end of one of your rubber bands through the slit and fold it back over itself so that it makes a little loop around the edge of the pocket. Secure the loop by putting a small, but sturdy rubber band around. The smaller rubber band will probably have to be doubled or tripled around itself to make it tight enough. Repeat this other rubber band on the other side of the pocket. Make sure the bands on both sides are still of equal length.
9. Use rubber bands or electrical tape to secure the other ends of the long rubber bands to the slingshot body (the wood). You can also, if you wish, lash the rubber bands to the slingshot body Secure one of the long rubber bands to the back of one branch of the “Y” and secure the other long rubber band to the back of the other branch of the “Y”. The rubber bands should be secured to the wood near the tips of the branches. Once again make sure the bands are of equal length.
10. Shoot your slingshot. Use small rocks, rubber balls, and wadded-up pieces of paper–just about any small projectile–as ammunition. Exercise caution when firing your slingshot, and wear eye protection.

Compact Slingshot

1. Find a forked stick.
2. Skin the stick using a pen knife or similar.
3. Wait for the stick to dry. Don’t heat it unnaturally. It will split. Unless it is soaked, this should take only a few hours.
4. Find some string and rubber while you’re waiting for your slingshot-to-be to dry. A bicycle inner tube is good for this. Cut a strip that is slightly thicker than your pinkie finger.
5. Gather a piece of leather. If you have an old shoe, you could use the tongue from it. If not, you could get a sample from a furnishing shop or similar.
6. Make two holes in your leather. You could get a skewer or something sharp to do this. If you are young, get help from a parent/guardian.
7. Find an old car-tire inner tube. Cut a slice across the tire. Cut the across the tire to make a loop about 1 inch wide. Put the handle of the Y into the loop, and pass the rest of the loop through the “V” at the top. You will have a rubber sling and a place for your stone.
8. Fires objects about 30 yards, as this slingshot is compact but not particularly powerful.

Heavy Duty Slingshot

1. Get a tree branch (maple is best) about 2-3 inches in diameter at the bottom and 5 feet high, and dig a hole for it so most of the bottom is in the hole.
2. Take all of the rubber bands off a pair of moon shoes and make 4 strands, with six bands linked together in each strand.
3. Cut holes in each corner of a piece of fabric (not too close to the edges).
4. Attach the strands of bands to the corners the same way you attached the bands together. This will create a strong hold.
5. Tie the 4 strands connected to the rock holder to the “turret” or Y shaped stick.
6. Use this slingshot for heavier objects to hurl a 2 Pound rock about 50 yards.

Tips

• Surgical tubing works better than rubber bands. It is much stronger due to its shape, and can be bought online or even at some hobby or hardware stores.
• Tightly wrap the handle with tape or twine to provide a surer, more comfortable grip.
• You can make slingshots of just about any size. Try varying sizes to find out which work best.
• Dried wood works better for slingshots. Make sure it’s dried slowly or it may be prone to cracking.
• To protect your eyes, don’t raise the slingshot to eye level. With practice you can be just as accurate (or more) by holding the loaded pocket in a fixed position close to your body (near the hip for example), and moving the body of the slingshot to aim.
• Head bands can be used in the place of rubber bands as they don’t break as easily and they’re longer.

Warnings

• Use your slingshot responsibly. Treat it with the respect it deserves.
• Your rubber bands should be as strong as possible. Therefore, be sure that they aren’t dried-out, nor have tears.
• Never fire your slingshot in the direction of people or animals. Your slingshot should be treated with the same caution as a deadly weapon.
• Protect your eyes, and use your slingshot with care.
• Be sure that the branch has no sign of rot–a dead branch can result in serious injury.
• Never pull the pouch back to your eye. If the rubber snaps it will put your eye out.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• If you have a wooden frame, first make sure that it is a solid piece of wood that doesn’t have cracks or holes.

Things You’ll Need

• One or two long, thick rubber bands. Alternatively, a length of surgical tubing or some other stretchy, strong material
• Smaller rubber bands
• A small piece of leather
• A Y-shaped branch
• A knife

Related wikiHows

• How to Make a Bow and Arrow
• How to Survive in the Woods for 3 Days
• How to Find True North Without a Compass
• How to Prepare for a Camping Trip
• How to Make a Simple but Somewhat Effective Weapon
• How to make a Toothpick Slingshot

Sources and Citations

• DesiQuintans.com
• Wikipedia.org

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make a Sling Shot. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

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Slingshots & Accessories | History Of Slingshots | Catapults

Charlie made a good video that you can see below, and in it he shows us how to make your own survival slingshot. This is something that just might save your life one day, class, so pay attention! As a free bonus, Charlie shows a few other survival items after his slingshot demonstration.

Charlie looks like a survival expert. He wears an olive green bandanna and a camo vest over a tee shirt that says “Infidel,” so you know he’s one serious dude not to be messed with. He sits outdoors in the bright sunshine as he demonstrates how a slingshot can be made from very basic materials. Charlie gives some useful tips that I have not heard elsewhere. For example, he shows how to tie a string or chord from the slingshot handle to your wrist to help give you more leverage, thereby enabling you to draw back farther. An added benefit: If you miss that bear and have to run, you won’t drop your slingshot. It’s kind of like those mitten clips your mother put on you when you were a little kid learning that it’s good to be prepared.

httpv://youtu.be/SNv7qeZHxJI

I just found a great 10 step instruction article on how to make a slingshot that is worth adding to my how to make a slingshot video and article list.

Most slingshots (like slings) are not merely toys. With the right construction and ammunition, this ancient device can also be a lethal weapon suitable for hunting small game in a survival situation. This article provides instructions for making a catapult-type slingshot, an old and remarkably simple design. It’s fun to make and fun to shoot at targets, but it can be dangerous, so never shoot it in the direction of people or animals.

10 Steps Here

Homemade Slingshot photo image

Whenever I find a cool video on how to make a slingshot I like to post it here for people to see. This guy makes some bad-ass high powered slingshots that rock! Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments.  Be sure to check out the slingshot man if you think that home-made slingshots can’t be powerful as well as accurate. I run commentluv for you fellow bloggers. “-)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zeQO7ObhoQ&feature=fvw

There are several videos, as well as resource articles and links that provide all the information you need to make a homemade slingshot. Be sure to check out our “the slingshot man video.”

Making a slingshot is easy and safe if you use the correct materials and fasten everything securely. Having a slingshot band snap you in the face sucks, so make sure you fasten the rubber good.

That is the major concern with home made slingshots. If you want to buy slingshot bands for your home made slingshot I have them here.

Homemade Slingshot

How to make a slingshot video

this is a short film on how to make a home made slingshot.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHMrEdsvjww

How to make an easy slingshot video

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzwevLWazV8

How to Make a Sling Shot: 10 steps – wikiHow

#1 Find a sturdy, y-shaped piece of wood. You can make slingshots with forked branch of just about any size, but piece about 6-9 inches long, with a fairly uniform thickness of 1-2 inches generally makes a strong, easy-to-use slingshot. Try to find a piece with as few imperfections as possible; even moderate cracks can render your slingshot dangerous or unusable. If there are knots or bumps you can cut or sand them off.

#2 Peel off the bark. With the bark gone the slingshot will be more comfortable to hold. You may need to let the branch dry a little before you can get the bark off.

#3 Let the wood dry. This step isn't necessary, but if the wood is still green, it's a good idea to let it slowly dry. This will give it more stability and strength.

via How to Make a Sling Shot: 10 steps – wikiHow.