Gear Review – Survival Slingshot

As a child I was handed a slingshot and was told to “have fun”. I did not know the fun would end at the killing of my first bird with this new weapon. My grandfather stood beside me as we discussed the death of the animal and how sometimes it is beneficial while others are what some consider sport. At eight years old, I did not know the death of one Blue Jay would have such an impact on me later in life.

Maybe it wasn’t the death of the Blue Jay per se, it may not have been the long discussion with my grandfather, but I do believe it was partially because of the weapon I would come to enjoy. The one common thread of the “little boy” persona is the typical slingshot hanging out of the back pocket of their pants or overalls. I was no different.

I made slingshots until I could not make anymore because I had no more friends to give them to. I finally settled on one made with a forked oak branch, twine and latex rubber surgical tubing along with a leather strip from an old pair of shoes. I still have that one and am pretty good at shooting with it.

But this is a new day! Times have changed and the slingshot is not just for shooting cans off of a split-railed fence. We use them now for defense and survival.

I have had the pleasure and enjoyment of reviewing the Survival Slingshot from survivalslingshot.com. This versatile weapon has now been added to my short list of necessary survival gear. You may ask yourself, why would I add a bifurcated, wooden, tubing holder to my preps.

For starters the handle is made of aircraft aluminum and is water proof and hollow so one can store the included survival kit and steel shot or create their own kit. The collapsible brace and yoke are made from pure steel in order to last a long time. The tubing, oh yes, the tubing, has a 25lb pull which is twice what you can find in most stores at the moment. I found one that maxed out at 20lb. Also, I think the 25lb is the standard they ship with, as I tested the pull and it closer to the 40lb range.

In the words of an overplayed infomercial, “but wait, there’s more”, each Survival Slingshot comes with a pair of picatinny rails to allow for the tactical light attachment or something a little more customizable should you want it.

The sweet spot of the archer addition is the Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit with a 1/4 slot. This allows for quicker loading and reloading of … arrows! I am not referring to bolts shot in a normal crossbow fashion, although you can use them with a shorter draw. I am referring to full size arrows that you would normally use in a compound or recurve bow. Use broad-head, bird, fish or field arrows. And if you really want to use it for fishing, just adjust and use the fishing arrows that have monofilament line with them.

The whisker biscuit just folds out of the way when you are trying to use shot or rocks. Oh yes, this puppy was fantastic!

Just the facts:

• 25lb pull elastic tubing
• Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit with 1/4 slot
• Hollow Aircraft Aluminum Handle – waterproof tested for 45 minutes and no leak – with compass in cap
• Steel Brace and Yoke
• Survival Kit – Matches, hook, line, sinker, needle, thread
• Steel Shot Ammo
• Dual Picatinny Rail System
• LED Tactical Flashlight with Weaver Rail Mount
• Lifetime Warranty on Non-Wear Parts
• Pricing
  • Standard Slingshot – $49.95
  • Standard Slingshot with Tactical Light – $69.95
  • Survival Slingshot Archer Standard – $129.95
  • Survival Slingshot Archer with Tactical Light – $139.95

Watch the tool in action with my Youtube.com video review for your perusal.

I am currently pondering the ability to start reselling this product just because I believe in it. Their whole philosophy is “Bring a tool, not a toy”! I think this is a great philosophy and again, a great product.

Add it to your kit today!

Until then,

Use your instincts to survive

Photos: Samuel Reese (except for header)