Connor Ruebusch wrote: |
The slinging style is also a consideration. What style do you use to throw?
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Vertical plane, underarm release. This needs a sling to be short enough to not hit the ground at the bottom the swing, so not the longest range. Still, OK, and I think the most accurate. Also does heavy stones well, and I find it's the best style for coping with non-uniform stones - stones don't always come in one size.
I usually just pile my stones on the ground, which would make blind loading harder. Trying your method with a fake sling (indoors, and don't have a real sling here), it works. Better with a finger loop I think, than a wrist loop (which I use).
With a target past 40m, if you miss, you should have time for a 2nd chance before they reach you. If they're closer than 40m, and you miss, it might be time to run (or whatever). To spend a second or two watching to make sure they're hit and stopped means that they'll be that much closer.
Connor Ruebusch wrote: |
Also keep in mind that you don't really have to aim in most warfare situations. The sling is a great weapon for flanking fire (sorry to use a firearm anachronism) and long-range volleys. The advantage of the slingers and peltasts in antiquity is that they could open ranks to lessen the impact of cavalry, and easily outrun heavy infantry, hopefully getting themselves to a more comfortable range to use more massed shooting techniques. |
Extra-long range shots (by sling or arrow) have some nice potential for harrassment. Even if you only have a small number or extra-long range slingers, or archers shooting long range flight arrows, those on the receiving end will be that much less relaxed. Force them to form their army 100-200m further away means that they have that much further to come when they attack.