The Shotgun Slingshot!

[JoergS]

Hello,

upon special request, I have looked into ways how to shoot shot pellets with a slingshot. Using the conventional leather pouch does not work, as the pellets fly in crazy directions. Therefore I made a pouch that has been formed from thin Kydex (a plastic that you can form by heating it).

The new pouch holds up to 50 .177 (4.5mm) lead or steel pellets. Since it does not open fully, the groups are fairly tight, which is shown in the video.

This includes slow motion scenes recorded in Hi Speed (1200 frames per second). Watch how the pellets smash through beer cans! Spectacular scenes.

The slingshot used for these tests is the Cougar, the first commercially mass produced Jörg Sprave design. It is demonstrated in detail in another video (currently awaiting the approval of the Dankung company). You can order your Cougar at www.dankung.com!

Here is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz2oGkggCCs

 

[docnyt]

wow!

 

[glistam]

Very clever. Now that is a design I may try to replicate myself. It occurs to me that, with a modification, the pouch can be kept loaded ahead of time while carried, unlike most slingshot types. I wonder if a pre-loaded set of pellets held within paper or tissue of some kind may make a method of "speed loading" the pouch?

Also, this design may have genuine applicability for defense. While the velocity is probably lower than a real shotgun with gunpowder, the mass of stinging pellets is not going to be fun on the receiving end. It reminds me of the practice of American farmers who sometimes load their shotgun shells with rock salt to use as a "less lethal" projectile against pests and thieves.

 

[JoergS]

Yes, tissue bags work, and you can simply keep the preloaded pouch closed with a paper clip. The paper clip flies off automatically.

These pellets are probably very very painful. The video shows that they penetrate a full beer can, actually fly straight through. This means that they will break the skin.

 

[JoergS]

I have done some slomos to see how the pellets leave the pouch.

Interesting, the Kydex pouch flies high after the fork has been passed, while the shot pellets continue straight on.

The pellets are in a nice tight group, just perfect if you ask me.

Then, the pouch returns downwards. I have no explanation for the strange post-fork flight of the pouch, maybe it is because of the hollow container halfs. Well, I don't care as long as it works.

 

[RyanM]

Very, very nice, well thought out design. Have you tried shooting "slugs," just the same size of round ball that you formed the hollow out of?

I would suggest adding some kind of clip to the slingshot body, that the pouch can snap into, and that holds it closed. That way the slingshot can be kept loaded and ready to fire. Very practical for hunting, maybe even for self defense, considering how powerful you make them.

 

[Russ in PA]

JoergS,

Congratulations for another innovative design. The shot pouch is a work of art, even if it may be tedious to load.

I really enjoy your videos. But I must say, if you're going to destroy a beer with a slingshot I'd respectfully suggest you post some type of a warning, "disturbing video" or "not for the squeamish" or something along those lines. Seeing that beer go to waste...it made me cry.

 

[proud2deviate]

I'm a big fan of all your slingshot videos. You have some great designs, and they look quite powerful. I'm thinking of building one myself. I love slingshots, but shelling out $4 for a band that I'll break in two days gets irksome

I'd love to have something sturdier, with more wallop to boot.

 

[JoergS]

I use a paper clip to hold the pouch closed. The clip flies off automatically, works very good.

Someone suggested to use a straw with the amount of pellets needed, as a speedloader. Works very good.

I have tried to shoot balls, of all sizes. It works very good, a clean release and a great grip.

Pretty much the only disadvantage is the returning pouch, kind of sharp. Without gloves, it can cut your fingers. I have to solve that problem. Maybe I will simply bend the corners to create round ridges.

Slingshot bands can be made for much less than four dollars, and if you do it right, then they can last a long time. My target shooter has over 2000 shots on the clock with just one band set, and no tearing at all. Thin Thera Band Blue.

If the fork is well done, the bands will always break near the pouch. So you start out with bands that are a little longer than needed and simply shorten the bands when they tear.

Also, you simply should not draw the rubber out to the max. That is what kills them quickly.

Jörg