Sling trials

[gobae]

We recently tried our hands at making some slings. Although we are still learning to use them, they were really incredibly quick and easy to make.

http://www.celticclans.org/projects/slings.html

[Billy]

Good work Dan. I've had a blast at this myself, and it is a lot of fun.

A great place to practice is by the seashore, or on the edge of a lake. You have a wide open plane of water in front, where it is easy to see how far the stones go, and you are unlikely to hit anyone. You also have a potentially unlimited supply of ammo if it is a shingle beach. The water rolled stones are ideal for slings.

[Nerva]

Salve Dan!

Great work. Using the things is the problem though. I think I've managed to managed to hit myself 9 out of 10 time's so far

[Cathal]

Wow - amazing work!!
Would slings like the shown be Ok for 10th C. Ireland or are we too late now? As we try to show the assimilation process Lochlannach/Gael in our group, this would be one more nice tool...

[gobae]

Thanks so much for the kudos.

I'm trying to make it a habit to stop off at our local lake/reservoir and pitch stones after work each day for practice.

Cathal - I don't know if any slings have actually been found. But you're right; as far as I know the once "Viking" contact began the switch from slings to bows began. Maybe someone with more specific knowledge has a feeling for how quick and complete this transition too?

[Billy]

Well in Ireland the sling continued right up to the Norman invasion, and beyond. The Vikings reintroduced archery alright, but it doesn't appear widespread in Ireland until after the Normans came and shot the shite out of the place with arrows, and the Irish copped on that it'd be a good idea to start firing back!