The Best Slingshot For Survival Situations

If you hear the word ‘slingshot’ and images of a mischievous Bart Simpson come to mind, you’re not alone. Although sling-type devices have been around since biblical times (remember how David slayed Goliath?), modern slingshots are engineered like never before and are considered legitimate weapons.

Out of the various slingshots that we’ve reviewed, we recommend The Scout Hunting Slingshot as the best well-rounded slingshot for survival situations.

In this article, we are going to take a look at what survival situations a slingshot can be an essential tool as well as what qualities to look for when choosing the best slingshot for your bug out bag.

Should I Add a Slingshot to My Bug Out Bag?

Lightweight and versatile, slingshots make an excellent addition to any bug out bag, and the best part is you don’t need to pack ammo!

Whether bugging out in the wilderness or an urban environment, projectiles for your slingshot can easily be scavenged. Not only will you not be weighed down by packing extra ammo in your bug out bag, but you won’t need to worry about running out.

When bugging out in the wilderness, nearly any rock will serve as usable ammo; however, riverbeds are probably your best bet for finding smooth stones that will fly well.

If you find yourself in an urban survival situation, there are plenty of sources for ammo including building debris and concrete, or, if you’re lucky enough to come across one, items from abandoned hardware or sporting goods stores.

However, if you do have space to spare, then packing some steel slingshot ammo isn’t a bad idea.

Slingshot Uses in Survival Scenarios

The two best most applicable uses for a slingshot are hunting and self-defense; making it a versatile survival tool.

Slingshot as a Hunting Weapon

For those who have never hunted with a slingshot, it may seem like a laughable concept, but rest assured that a good slingshot is capable of killing most small game (squirrels, rabbits, birds, etc.) from 30 feet away.

The following are some advantages of using a slingshot to hunt small game:

• Gives you a small profile and makes it harder for animals to spot danger
• Makes it easier to maneuver through brush to improve your shot or conceal yourself
• Its completely silent – won’t give away your location to other animals or unfriendly humans nearby

The slingshot is a great choice for feeding yourself on small game but what about larger game, or fish? A good slingshot can take care of them too.

If your group is large enough that a couple squirrels simply won’t suffice, you can easily modify your slingshot to shoot arrows and take down bigger game.

You can also catch fish through slingshot fishing – a modified form of bow fishing that usually requires adding a reel to the slingshot, especially if you intend to fight the fish. Here is a how-to video if you are interested in learning more about slingshot fishing:

Slingshot as a Self-Defense Weapon

Don’t discount the power of slingshots in conflict (remember David and Goliath?) – they can be excellent survival weapons against both aggressive animals and humans.

Some of the advantages of using a slingshot as a survival weapon include:

• Its small size, which makes it easy to conceal until you need it
• Even just brandishing it and showing an attacker you are not unarmed can be enough to show you aren’t an easy target
• Ammo can be easily acquired in the field making it a great choice for long-term survival
• No need to worry about keeping it dry
• Silent firing – you can stealthily take down targets without alerting any collaborators

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not a slingshot can be an effective self-defense weapon, consider that in recent history it has been used by various irregular forces including the Irish Republican Army and Ukrainian Anti-government protesters – this certainly demonstrates the slingshot’s effectiveness in modern conflicts.

The Best Survival Slingshot: The Scout Hunting Slingshot

You will want your slingshot to be accurate, powerful, and durable.

The Scout Hunting Slingshot delivers on all three of these requirements.

The Scout’s heavy duty flat bands allow for accurate, high-velocity shooting when stalking prey. Paired with some scavenged ammo, or 3/8″ steel slingshot ammo, The Scout Hunting Slingshot is a force to be reckoned with.

It is 100% American made and utilizes a classic design upgraded with indestructible, modern materials. For example, its glass filled nylon construction provides an extremely durable frame while remaining lightweight.

The Scout is designed with an ambidextrous grip that fits just right for any sized hand.

The Scout Hunting Slingshot a great choice if you are looking for a reliable way to feed yourself with small game or birds while on the trail. Naturally, The Scout can also be used as an effective self-defense weapon.

Its sub-$50 price point delivers great value and makes it a smart addition to any survival kit.

Want to see The Scout in action? Check out this video that demonstrates just how accurate it is…

Features to Look for in a Slingshot

If you’re experienced with a slingshot, then you know what a valuable survival weapon it can be. What you may not know is that not all slingshots are created equal; there are distinct features that make some more suited to a survival situation.

Let’s take a look at the different considerations to make when choosing a slingshot:

1. Frame Material
2. Band type
3. Other Features

Frame Material

Generally, slingshots are made from three materials: metal, wood, and plastic. For your reference, I’ve listed the benefits and drawbacks as well as key considerations of each material to help you choose the best slingshot for your needs.

Metal

• Metal slingshots are light and strong
• They will generally be the most expensive but are far sturdier and last longer than wood or plastic
• For a BOB, an aluminum or steel slingshot with a plastic or ergonomic foam handle is the ideal choice

Wood

• A wooden slingshot is the most classic design
• They are generally engineered with a simple Y-shape and a rubber band attached to each fork

Plastic

• Different plastics can have very different qualities
• Plastic slingshots are often more economical
• Modern plastics such as glass filled nylon can be an incredible choice for durability and weight

Band Type

The two types of bands you will see in modern slingshots are flat bands and rubber tubing.

The determination of which is best for your survival needs really depends on what you intend to use the slingshot for – tubing may be better for hunting due to its durability, while flat bands provide better accuracy and would serve better as a self-defense weapon.

The benefits of each are as follows:

Rubber Tubes

• Tubes tend to last longer; they would be the better choice if you are planning to use a hunting slingshot to feed yourself over an extended period of time
• There are many types of slingshot tubes to suit any desired draw weight, check out the guide below:

Flat Bands

• Flat bands are easier to draw and typically produce a faster projectile speed; if you won’t be firing a lot but want better accuracy when you do, this may be a better choice
• Flat bands would be a good self-defense option when making an evacuation that may require you to deter aggressive people
• Flat bands tend to be faster and more accurate than tubing due to their rapid “snapback speed” – the rate at which the projectile is propelled forward

Both tubing and flat bands are relatively cheap –  if you are seriously considering a slingshot as a survival weapon, it may be worth experimenting with a few different types to find the best fit for you.

Other Features

The best slingshots have several features that differentiate them from the mediocre ones.

Some features are relevant for a survival or hunting slingshot, others less so, let’s take a look at the best slingshot features:

Grip

• No matter what the use, having a comfortable grip is an essential feature for any slingshot
• A grip will let you fire more shots and increase accuracy by reducing hand and wrist fatigue
• When choosing the best slingshot, look for one with a contoured handle that fits your hand naturally

Sight

• A sight helps to improve the accuracy of your shots
• This is a great feature for someone with little experience as it can reduce the amount of time you need to dedicate to improving accuracy. However, don’t assume that just because you have a sight you will instantly become an accurate shot – practice still makes perfect!
• If you will be aiming at lots of small targets, such as small game, a sight is a key feature
• If you expect to be aiming at large targets, such as humans, at shorter distances for self-defense, a sight becomes less necessary
• Most of the best hunting slingshots will come with a sight attached

Hollow Handle

• Many slingshots come with a screw-cap hollow handle that can be used to store almost anything, from spare rubbers to ammunition
• You can also use a hollow handle to store survival gear, similar to the hollow handle of a survival knife
• While not a necessary feature, a hollow handle can be quite useful if you think carefully about what could be packed in there (fishing kit, items to make fire, button compass, etc.)

The Best Slingshot For You

When it comes to choosing the “best slingshot,” we really like The Scout Hunting Slingshot, but it comes down to your own personal preference.

After reading this guide, now that you’re more informed on the various nuances in various slingshots, you’re able to make an educated decision.

Final Thoughts

A slingshot is a versatile tool that can be used by both male and female preppers, from teenagers to seniors; slingshots are especially advantageous for preppers who aren’t comfortable with firearms or don’t have the size and strength to wield a hand-to-hand weapon.

However, like anything in life practice makes perfect. It does take some time to become accurate, but time is really your only investment as ammo – rocks, spare nuts or bolts, nails, etc. – is free!

Remember, practice is essential for proficiency!

While its simplicity is part of its appeal, the slingshot is a skill-based instrument that requires practice in order to get good. So take your time, practice all you need and develop your skills on this unassuming “toy” that could very well play an integral role in your survival.

Even if you decide a slingshot is just not the right fit for your bug out bag and survival plan, I would still suggest grabbing one as they are a lot of fun to play around with.

What do you think?

Do have a slingshot in your bug out bag? Is there a particular slingshot that you love? What do you think are the best slingshot features for a survival situation? Let us know in the Comments Section below, thanks!