| The story of David and Goliath was written at about | | | | Hawk," which are quite fitting names. |
| the same time as when Homer was writing his | | | | The basic ideas and principles first generated by |
| works. That would be around 800 BC. The story that | | | | manufacturers during the early fifties are still used in |
| is being told is from the past, and could be referring | | | | the slingshots that you can buy today. You can get |
| to a time around 3000 BC. | | | | stocks made of steel, aluminum, and wood - |
| That makes the first recorded slingshot about five | | | | whatever you may choose. |
| thousand years old! | | | | Homemade Slingshots Some people still make old |
| The Modern Slingshot Slingshots today come in a | | | | fashioned homemade style slingshots, like the famous |
| large variety of styles, shapes and are constructed | | | | Rufus Hussey. Rufus Hussey was known as "the |
| with modern materials. Because of these | | | | bean shooter man" because of his expert |
| advancements, they are no longer simply considered | | | | marksmanship. Rufus could hit a June-bug off a leaf |
| to be "toys" but have become truly powerful | | | | from a considerable distance. |
| weapons that in the right hands can bring down all | | | | He started making and shooting slingshot when he |
| kinds of small game such as squirrels, birds and | | | | was a kid growing up during the great depression out |
| rabbits. | | | | of necessity, and later went on to make them for |
| You have to be a skilled shot though to hit one of | | | | fun. Rufus passed away back in 1994 after more |
| these critters, and this is even truer if the critter is | | | | than 50 years of slingshot mastership. |
| on the move. You can now get these modern | | | | Still other people who make wrist rockets may carve |
| catapults with sights, even high powered sights that | | | | beautifully engravings in the stocks and will also use |
| are called "laser" sights. Today's high velocity, high | | | | exotic woods. They can become quite fancy. |
| accuracy slingshots also include such features as a | | | | Today's modern wrist rocket manufactures use the |
| self-centering ammo pouch, wear-reducing prongs, | | | | very best rubber and leather pouches making these |
| and guidance collars. | | | | more than just toys, but rather highly tuned |
| Because of these advancements, there have been | | | | weapons that are fun to own and shoot. |
| radical improvements in the power, fork design and | | | | Laws There are laws governing the shipment of the |
| materials, which make these tools true weapons, | | | | slingshot that should be kept keep in mind. For |
| which are great for competitive shooting by adults as | | | | example, slingshots cannot be shipped to some |
| well as for kids. | | | | states such as Massachusetts, New Jersey or New |
| There are many regional and national clubs and | | | | York. |
| competitions for the modern slingshot enthusiasts. | | | | You should check your local area for any special |
| Shooting Skill Despite all the advancements in | | | | codes concerning shooting slingshots in residential |
| technology, from that time so long ago when the | | | | areas. It is recommended that you go to a low |
| small little David confronted the huge Goliath, hunting | | | | populated and open area when shooting. |
| with modern slingshots still requires a high degree of | | | | Wrist Rocket Safety Safety should always be kept |
| shooting skill that can only be acquired through | | | | in mind whenever you use projectiles. Having a band |
| dedication and practice. | | | | snap back and hit someone in the face can be |
| The first "Wrist Rockets" One of the first modern | | | | dangerous. Be sure to wear glasses when firing |
| slingshots was put out by the Wham-O, company | | | | because safety glasses are highly recommended |
| way back in 1949. Then there was the Saunders | | | | when using slingshots. |
| "Wrist-Rockets" which were introduced in 1954. From | | | | Also, never shoot at people. |
| that time over 50 years ago until our present day, | | | | You can truly hurt someone with one of these. Keep |
| their popularity has not dwindled. | | | | in mind that these modern devices can be more |
| Some of the popular models currently on the market | | | | powerful than even many air guns. Safety must be |
| have names such as "Black Widow" and "Laser | | | | taken seriously. |