weapons

[Malthouse]

Just seen mention of slingshots in another thread, what is the difference between slingshot and catapult? And what is the UK law on them?

Not something I have ever dabbled in, but I do have some very nice stainless steel ball bearings that need a use

[mallie99]

Just seen mention of slingshots in another thread, what is the difference between slingshot and catapult? And what is the UK law on them?

Not something I have ever dabbled in, but I do have some very nice stainless steel ball bearings that need a use

A slingshot is what we used to call catapult when we were kiddies and read Dennis the Menace. That's how I interpret it, a catapult is a great big wooden thing used alongside trebuchet's - or counterweight catapults - in the "very long time ago" era.

The law, so far as I can tell, is that it is not illegal to own a slingshot but if caught with one in the high street your motives will be questioned with a confiscation and potentially a new pair of bracelets. They are used for fun and hunting rodents.

[lonewolf]

a slingshot is usually the American term for what we call a catapult, however a slingBOW is a catapult modified to fire an arrow, plenty of videos on youtube on this subject.

[Malthouse]

Cheers for that dude

Other than breaking windows and taking someone's eye out, could be be used for any harm?

[lonewolf]

small game hunting? post SHTF of course.

[mallie99]

Cheers for that dude

Other than breaking windows and taking someone's eye out, could be be used for any harm?

Against a person? They'll give you a nasty looking welt and can kill a kid if you hit them in the head.

Against a aminal, you can kill a rodent with a well aimed shot, and hitting a small dog in the head will make it think twice. You're looking at less power than a crossbow but easier reload with similar ammunition (I've read that steel bearings are good in crossbows, certainly when bolt use is frugal)

[lonewolf]

depends on the range I suppose.

[Malthouse]

So should be ok for my not very careful 9 year old then?

[lonewolf]

well kids have been using them for centuries, its all down to practise...as is everything.

[mallie99]

small game hunting? post SHTF of course.

I'd be very wary of trying to hunt wabbits with one, better off with a bow or crossbow if that's what you're wanting to do. That's my opinion based on logic though, never had need to use one and my mum wouldn't let me have one anyway

I have, however, been at the receiving end of one firing stone chips. It ffffff.... Very much hurts and will draw blood if not a raging SDH. But a little light protection (even a couple of mags strapped under your coat) and you're safe.