[Avenger]

Can anyone recommend a good slingshot for rodent control? My friend has a rat problem in the woods behind his house. .22 and pellet gun aren't an option for him, due to a long-ago felony.

[CWL]

How about Wrist Rocket?

I don't know if different brands matter all that much. Your friend will need to practice alot in order to be able to hit rats with any regularity.

[hso]

Avenger,

I'm not aware of any place in the US that an air rifle is classified as a firearm. As such, your friend could use one for pest control.

OTOH, wrist rocket type sling shots shooting steel balls can work very well against vermin. http://www.airgunsbbguns.com/Hunting_SlingShots_s/213.htm

[Zero_DgZ]

But steel balls can also bounce something fierce. I recommend using lead balls (muzzle loader ammo) or glass balls (marbles) but more towards the lead end. Lead doesn't bounce as readily and won't shatter into pointy clouds of dust if it hits a rock.

Just wash your hands afterwards.

[Snowdog]

When I was a teen, I thoroughly enjoyed my "wrist rocket" (a $9 Marksman K-mart special, IIRC). These slingshots are tyically personified by the wrist brace and tubular bands.

Practice
It does indeed take plenty of practice. Unless your friend was Denis The Menace in his past life, it's unlikely he'll prove to be a natural, even though the design and motions of these newer designs do seem somewhat intuitive and easy to get a feel for.

If he truly wants to become proficient with the wrist-rocket type slingshot, he'd better purchase three or four replacement bands and some marbles (or other spherical of consistence size and weight).
I would have gained proficiency much earlier on if I didn't have to contend with the trajectory deviations when using gravel, nuts and bolts when a teen.

Once reasonably proficient, it's not unrealistic to expect consistent hits on an 12oz aluminum can at 30 paces. As for power, I cleanly took several rabbit when a kid with my Marksman slingshot. A rat will pose no problem for a decent slingshot paired with lead or steel shot.

As a bonus, when slinging a penny or washer, it makes a dandy noisemaker, sounding quite similiar to the familiar ricochet sounds typically heard in old westerns.

Oh, those were the days....

[Tacticaldude]

I love slingshots 'till now for fun and pest control(mouse,BIG RATS,snakes,etc.)..Long-long time ago..I Killed a stray dog that is soo vicious in the neighborhood in our country that chase all the people in our street when I was 15 years old with a homemade slingshot(out of a branch of a guava tree and a flat rubber brand that looks like the tourniquet in hospital lab,pouch is made out of leather). Anyway, for fun and pest control..I recommend this two modern slingshots 'cause I own one of each and it works:
Here's the first one..Great for pest control at night time too :)
http://www.airgunsbbguns.com/Hunting_THE_BAT_Slingshot_p/tmksbat007.htm

most expensive I've got is this PS-55:
http://www.catsdomain.com/

On the ammo..be creative and explore;)

GoodLuck on the search and let us know what you decide..
:cool:

[Sharpdogs]

As far as I know air rifles are considered firearms in NJ. If he uses a slingshot (illegal in NJ) have him use lead balls. From what I heard they have the best effect and most humane kill. I have never used this slingshot, but they are worth a shot http://www.laserslingshot.com/.

[lepmik]

Don't forget to use eye protection with your slingshot. Ricochet can be a problem, but I'd worry more about a broken band. When I was younger, a broken band snapped back and hit me just above my eye. I hate to think what would have happened if it had been just a little bit lower.

Slingshots are a lot of fun, though. It's challenging to become a good shot with one, but it's also rewarding to be able to hit small targets at a distance!

[Avenger]

He's in Ohio, so it's legal for him to have the pellet gun. He's a bit paranoid about the police arresting him for having one, even if it is legal.
That PS55 is about what he's looking for. I've used the Wal-mart ones back in the day myself, those surgical tubing type bands just don't last long, and the accuracy isn't too impressive, even with an entire summer's worth of constant use.

[Tacticaldude]

I talked to the inventor of the PS-55 and he gave me an advised to make the surgical tubing rubber band last longer.. after using the slingshot..Keep it dry and store it out of the sunlight. If you have a silica gel it might help control on the moisture in your storage. hope that helps..;)

[Bullseye Guy]

I use a product called "303 Aerospace Protectant" to get the maximum life out of my powerbands. Check it out at www.slingshotsusa.com

Thanks
Bullseye Guy

[Bullseye Guy]

THR members just email ray@slingshotsusa.com and tell him your THR username and he will issue you a code which gives you a 10% discount on all of their products. They are the largest retailer of the "Laser Guided Slingshots PS-52, PS-55 & PS-55M" in the world. They carry a complete line of Marksman, Saunders Wrist-Rockets, Trumark & Precision Shots slingshots as well as CX Blaster & SlingKing water balloons. Huge slingshot ammo selection. Check out their novelty and gag gifts...

Thanks Bullseye Guy