Help for arthritis

I have arthritis in my hands pretty bad, I shot the Scout XT for a long time. I've found a style of slingshot that is very comfortable for me to shoot, it allows you to grip the slingshot with more of an open hand.
Here is a picture of one that I made, they this a pinch grip. I've found that you don't have to grip it very tight.


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I use a wrist sling as opposed to a wrist lanyard. Basically, a length of paracord with 2 knots to make 2 loops. The wrist sling does not attach to the slingshot. Instead, the first loop goes over your wrist, you put the slingshot in your hand, then the second loop goes on top of the grip and then over your middle or ring finger. The enables a relaxed and confident grip.

The one pictured is a bit fancier, w/ Cobra knots for the wrist loop and sliders (also made from Cobra knots) to adjust the 2 loops.

PM me if you need more instructions or if you would like me to send you one.

Note the sanding marks on my PP Scorpion. Don't be afraid to hand file and sand the grip for a better fit.

A wrist-brace may also help. Lots of options for attaching flat bands to a wire-framed slingshot, including clamps that Bill and Daranda sell at PocketPredator.com.

Yup, I just made a movie with the Taurus that shows how you can shoot it open palm when it's connected to my wrist brace... I've got to see if I can uploaded it today after I check the internet speed here. Here's a picture of it and the brace that connects to all of my slings.

There's a post called "All about Lanyards" on here that will really help you out. The brace makes most slingshots usable open handed.

I've been pondering if I can offer any helpful information here aside from the aforementioned & quality information above.

I have had total systemic R.A. since I was 4 or 5 years old. So I adapt most things without real thought, but sometimes I make a real effort and study out of the process. My hands are small and very stiff, especially the thumbs.

I find that consistent lightweight daily shooting actually helps my hands and general mood to improve. BUT I have a problem- When the hitting is good or my hands are having a "good day" I tend toward "over doing it". Even despite ny experience and my loving wife's advice and glare. Hahaha...

That said here are the features that are good use by numbskull men with a can do attitude and arthritis like myself

1. Light draw weight. (Good news- modern latex specifically made for slinging is fast, so we don't need heavy draw weight to launch ammo for plinking.)

2. Low forks. As low as you can go without fork hits and most importantly without hand slaps or hits.

3. Narrow grip area. I shoot very small frames in the web of my hand. It's not quite a brace grip nor a pinch grip. But it ain't any where near a hammer grip, so if a hammer grip is your preferred way I say get a course file and experiment with some soft wood to find a comfortable fit then look for the slingshot closest to that. My grip to speak plainly it's low down and ugly, but comfortable.

4. 3 finger foregrip. Like a pot bellied flip or the opposite of a palm swell. This swell goes on the target side. It works best if your middle finger can find its place and lock in and act as a pivot point. It feels weird at first, but spreading the force out through the whole hand helps. When you pull back on the forks the knob/ball feels more comfortable than just holding the frame.

The Mini Taurus I got is OTT. I was pleasantly surprised hiw well it fit my hand. I gave/loaned it to a buddy til out spring backpacking trip.

The Scout LT is good, but the fork are a touch high.

And I have few in the making process that may be fit this description. Also any flip can be modified with a wrap or a shaped block of wood w/ glue, epoxy, or just taped on to try.

5. A bent/leaning handle- like on certain natties or the portion of a skate deck. You'll just have to seen the pics.

6. Tapers- Tapers bands seem to help. Anything that'll lower the draw weight and perform.

7. Smaller ammo means lighter bands. Also smaller pouches and ammo really sharpen your release... I think anyway.

Pics of some my go-to frames on bad days.

PS- a big fat handle is always a plus with what I call the Wonky Grip.

I hope this helps,
MakoPat