We love this question, and it was also the last one submitted the season.

The question came from an Olympic archer, who was wondering if he should approach slingshot, shooting as he approached archery. And honestly, his question is basically the answer Gerald absolutely nailed it in his question when he asks if a slingshot shooter should start with lighter bands and appropriately matched ammo to learn how to shoot.

After developing the skill and muscle memory, he asks if that would be the time to work up to heavier, bands, and matched ammo. And his guess is completely correct.

As we have mentioned earlier this season, slingshot, shooting and archery have much in common. This is no exception. We absolutely recommend starting with small light ammo and light bands to learn the basics of shooting.

There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is the ability to shoot without muscle fatigue, and really hone in on those small muscle movements and skills that are so critical for accuracy.

Slingshot Ammo

Does the weight of a slingshot frame have any effect on shooting?

It sure can. A heavier frame can have a dampening effect on the shot helping with what you might call recoil.

However, we would warn anyone to not get too hung up on this and think that they need a very heavy frame.

A heavy frame could also be difficult to hold at arms length, so there would be trade-offs on this.

As we mentioned all season long, the trick to so many of these answers is to find what works best for you. If you find that heavy slingshot is difficult to hold firmly, steer clear and choose a lighter frame. If you find that a heavy frame helps stabilize your shot on the release, go for it, and shoot heavier frames. That which works best for you is best for you.

Slingshot Ammo

What is the right mindset for accurate slingshot shooting? Particularly in a competition setting?

With a clouded mind, being a source of all kinds of trouble, how can one clear the mind and shoot successfully? This is especially a factor in competition shooting with the added pressure.

We talk about this a lot in our slingshot mastery course. Mindset is one of the most important aspects of shooting consistently and accurately.

You will need to find what works for you to control your mindset, but some very simple ideas are to pay attention to breathing, stance, and groundedness.

These are skills to practice all the time, not just at the competition line. When you practice these things, and they become part of how you operate, you will become a much more successful shooter, particularly under pressure.

Slingshot Ammo

Why do top shooters shoot TTF and prefer thin frames?

Our answer is that top shooters don’t actually prefer through the forks instead of over the top and we’re not convinced that they necessarily prefer thinner frames either.

Top shooters are often able to shoot TTF and OTT with great success. And if you look at the world championships, you will see that a majority are actually shooting over the top. This is consistently true at all world championships.

We understand it may seem that proficient shooters gravitate toward smaller frames because proficient shooters know that they are less likely to get a four kit (and may be willing to “risk” using a smaller frame) but there is no clear connection between advanced shooting and smaller frames.

Frame size is more a personal preference than anything, and we know some of the best shooters in the world who shoot very large bulky frames. For example, John Webb shoots a large frame, and the top Chinese shooters are known for shooting frames with enormous ergonomic handles. So what answer is that they don’t.

The top shooters in the world shoot TTF and OTT, with the majority shooting OTT, and they shoot frames of all shapes and sizes. We encourage you to do the same.

Experiment with frames and shooting styles and find the one that works best for you.

Slingshot Ammo

If I have large hands, I need a large slingshot frame?

Do large hands require big slingshots? And if I have small hands, do I need to have a small slingshot frame?

The answer is to use whichever slingshot frame works best for you. Some people have very large hands and shoot very small frames very effectively.

Some people with small hands appreciate a large frame, and shoot it very well. It’s a common refrain here.

What is best for you is what matters most. There’s no hard and fast rule on what size slingshot frame you need.

Slingshot Ammo

Sometimes I will give myself a challenging target and be thrilled to hit two in a row. Then it never fails. I’ll miss that third shot. What can I do about it?

We’ve all been here. We nail a few shots, matching our personal best, and then we just can’t get past it. I always miss that next shot. Usually, the answer lies in our mindset.

We have to get ourselves grounded and out of that moment of pressure to make that next shot.

Here are a few pointers from Nathan on what he does to make sure he keeps that streak going as long as possible.

Next thing you know that streak will be three, then four, the next thing you know you’ll be helping to make that 15th shot in a row.

Visit, https://slingshotmastery.com to purchase Nathan’s full course, including lots of content on mindset.

Slingshot Ammo

Why do my slingshot bands hit my middle finger?

We’re going to have to make some assumptions on this question. We are going to assume that you are talking about your frame holding hand, which is being smacked by your bands.

You are not alone. This is called hand slap or band slap, and it is absolutely no fun. Especially as the weather gets colder, it can be downright unbearable.

The great news is that it is completely avoidable. We preach matching bands, two ammo a lot around here, and avoiding hand slap is one of the reasons to do so. Mind you, there are other even more important reasons, but hand slap is no fun and that is the question here.

Hand slap usually occurs when shooting over the top when your ammo is too light or your bands are too strong. The leftover energy in the bands causes them to retract for the second time and then they come crashing back into your frame hand. Ouch.

You have a few options. First, hand slap is much less likely when shooting through the forks. If you shoot through the forks, band slap will almost entirely go away.

Second, make sure that your bands are matched to your ammo. Try shooting a heavier ammo or lighten up your bands so they match and there won’t be that leftover energy in the band.

For a much more in depth answer to this, check out https://youtu.be/kS-4jX7heBo

Slingshot Ammo

Are butterfly shooters or anchored shooters more accurate or consistent?

Historically it has been considered that an anchored shot will be more accurate, the best shooters in the world shoot both styles with incredible accuracy.

Technically speaking, your chances of success with consistency or higher, with an anchor point.

On paper, to lock in an anchor point should lead to more consistency. However, we stand by the answer being both are incredibly accurate.

Slingshot Ammo

I don’t want to spend the money on a chronograph. Is there another way to measure the speed of my shot?

Technically, no. If you would like to know the speed of your shot in feet per second or meters per second, there is no way to know that measurement without using a chronograph.

There are chronographs that do not cost $133 but the purchase decision would be entirely up to you. We would like to suggest that if you are enjoying your shooting, then you do not need to know your shot speed to enjoy it any more.

It is fun to be technical with slingshots, but not necessary. If you are wondering if your slingshot is shooting hard enough for hunting, and don’t have a chronograph to prove that, there are other ways. For example, if you can shoot a heavy steel can and get full penetration on both sides of the can, you likely have enough power to hunt small game successfully.

Don’t forget to have fun, but DO be sure you have enough power for a clean ethical kill if you are hunting!

Slingshot Ammo

What’s the deal with shooting BBs with a slingshot. Is it a good idea? What’s a slingshot frame for BBs? What are slingshot BB bands? Any tips?

This is a topic we love here at SimpleShot because we think that shooting BBs is one of the best things you can do to improve your accuracy.

Shooting BBs gives you feedback in a way that shooting larger ammo never will and you can massively improve your accuracy shooting BBs.

The question about a BB frame is simple. Any slingshot frame can be used to shoot BBs. It is common for shooters to use a small frame, but it is absolutely not necessary. You can shoot BBs from the Hammer if you like.

The more important question is that of bands. It is always essential that you match your band set to your ammo. If you do not match your band set to BBs, you will definitely lack accuracy and enjoyment.

Make sure you use a properly matched band set for small ammo. Then enjoy shooting small ammo with small bands.

The draw is easy. The ammo is cheap. BBs are great for shooting paper and will help you shoot better in many ways!

We love BB shooting with slingshots and highly recommend it!

Slingshot Ammo