I have another idea I just remembered. This relates to hunting, but I think it's worthy of it's own topic. Years ago I thought it up after researching on slings.
Now maybe Chris knows the answer to this? I read once in a big encyclopedia, that in ancient times, there was a sling that could sling arrows! There was a certain empire that used them or something. Have you heard of this Chris? Or anyone else? I had forgotten about it till now, but a few years ago I was turning the idea over in my head. This could be a very good hunting weapon if well made!
Does anyone have any ideas on how to make such a sling? I would figure that it would take the arrow some time to stabilize in flight depending on the design. A few years ago I did some small experiments of my own
Here's how.
Get a big but sharp sewing needle and put some thread through the eye. A small needle will work too, but the bigger the needle the better. It needs to be sharp. Let the thread run out of the eye as a double strand, about 1.5', depending on how heavy your needle is. Tie a little knot on the end to hold onto when you use it.
Make sure nobody is around!!!! Then whirl it around and sling it at the wall from a few yards away. Make sure you do this in a place where if you loose the needle, you won't find it in your foot or child's mouth at a later date!
The needle provides the weight, and the thread provides the mechanical advantage, release node, and needle stabilization system.
You release the needle and thread together. This isn't really a sling, it's more of a miniature arrow with a thread hanging off the back end.
This worked perfectly for me every time when I tried it a few years back. I never missed a stick. The needle is propelled by the sling principal. The thread trailing it's back end, instantly stabilizes it's flight like the fletchings on an arrow! It's a fun little activity.
Now what if we were to do this with a full size system? We would have a very sharp projectile that weights around 4oz and travels very fast and aerodynamic. The impact energy would be very high and the momentum would drive the arrow deep into any target it hit.
Think about it! Something like this maybe?
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That design has a heavy head, a 1' or so long shaft, and the release cord could be around 2' foot long. Depending on what the release cord is made of, it should provide all the drag needed to stabilize the arrow. We'd have to experiment. Small cords, big cords, so on and etc....
Another design could be an arrow with the weight incorporated throughout the length of the arrow instead of having it concentrated at the head. This may not stabilize as well? But the needle is of this type and has no issue with stabilization. An arrow of this sort would have excellent penetration.
Here's some ideas I have on how to make these ideas work in reality. Fill a big gauge, hollow metal arrow with molten lead or solder till it weighs a few ounces. I'd recommend 4oz. Depending on how much arrow length it takes to get to that weight, cut the arrow to that length or a little longer if possible, and attach a small cord to the back end. The fletchings will be counterproductive to the efficiency of the system so make sure you leave them off. I'm hoping the arrow wouldn't need to be over a foot and a half long inorder to hold that much lead. I would try this all out myself but I don't really have the place.
Anyone with enough enthusiasm, give it a try?
Anyone who has an idea on how to make an actual sling that shoots arrows? Any ideas? I'm excited to hear.
Ben
I don't have the place to experiment with designs but I'm very curious.