What is a Slungshot?

Popular during the 19th century, slungshots are simple weapons that involve a weight that is tied to the end of a length of cord. The slungshot can be deployed in two different ways, both of them relatively simple to master. While no longer popular, the slungshot was often a favorite street weapon among youth gangs in metropolitan areas during the 1830’s through the 1890’s.

The most common means of using the slungshot involved tying the unweighted end of the cord to the wrist. The remainder of the cord was bunched in the palm of the hand, along with the weight on the opposite end. When attacking an opponent, the weight is thrown into the face, quickly retracted and thrown again. Regular practice would allow the user of slungshot to become proficient with the device, delivering blows in quick succession in a manner similar to using a yo-yo.

A second application of the slungshot would involve a snapping motion, not unlike using a towel to snap at a friend in the gym. Holding the weight in one hand, the other hand is used to snap the cord, sending the weight flying in for a direct hit that can be quite painful. Snapping a slungshot became a favorite strategy of street gangs and thieves, since the device could be hidden with ease, but would quickly disable the victim and make it possible steal a wallet or other valuables. A well placed snap of a slungshot can easily crumple a knee or knock the wind out of the stomach.

By the end of the 19th century, many jurisdictions had outlawed the use of the slungshot, imposing strict penalties that included extended jail time. Over time, the practice began to fade as new and equally effective weapons gained favor among street gangs. By the end of World War I, the use of the slungshot had all but disappeared.

Written by Malcolm Tatum