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Slingshots were popular in the 19th century and used as a street weapon by youth gangs. They involve a weight tied to a string and can be used in two ways. The sling was eventually banned and replaced by other weapons.
Popular in the 19th century, slingshots are simple weapons that involve a weight tied to the end of a string. The sling can be used in two different ways, both of which are relatively simple to master. While no longer popular, the slingshot was often a street weapon of choice among youth gangs in metropolitan areas during the mid to late 19th century.
The most common means of using the sling was to tie the unweighted end of the cord around the wrist. The rest of the rope was piled in the palm of the hand, along with the weight on the opposite end. When attacking an opponent, the weight is thrown in the face, quickly retracted and thrown again. Regular practice would allow the slingshot user to become proficient with the device, delivering blows in quick succession.
A second application of the sling would involve throwing the heavy end of the device while transitioning to the other end of the cord. This would send the weight flying for a direct hit which can be quite painful. Throwing a slingshot became a favorite strategy of street gangs and thieves, as the device could be hidden with ease, but would quickly disable the victim and make it possible to steal a wallet or other valuables. A well-placed strike can easily rub a knee or blow the wind out of the stomach.
By the late 19th century, many jurisdictions had banned the use of the sling, imposing harsh penalties that included extended prison terms. Over time, the practice began to fade as new, equally effective weapons gained favor with street gangs. By the end of World War I, the use of the sling had all but disappeared.
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