[ConnorA9]

Got one in the mail this morning, and I instantly loved the design and craftsmanship that was involved, with a lot of detail and attention given to pretty much every aspect of the frame. However, since I had never shot with a square rubber bandset before, I knew I'd have to do some adapting....but not that much! It came with half inch steel balls, and as much as I persevered, I was hitting a large-ish Amazon box very low each time unless I compensated dramatically, when I hit at all. The almost comically large pouch didn't help either. My dilemma is that I know how long-lasting and tough square rubber is, and that is a great factor in this lockdown situation, but it seems to be quite inaccurate, the draw weight is ridiculous and so far, I'm certainly not getting the speeds that even tapered .80 GZK flatbands chuck half inch steels at. What I'm wondering is, does square rubber 'break in' with use? I may consider looking for tubes that shoot that sort of ammo well instead, if not.

Overall, I appreciate the choice of bandset they fitted onto the frame for its vintage style as a nod to the past, while keeping the design new and fresh at the same time, but so far it just doesn't click for me, although in terms of the frame itself, it's a winner in my opinion all round!

 

[mattwalt]

Wow! - One of these was my first 'modern' slingshot purchase. mine came with daisy tubes cable-tied on... Been really wanting to get another. The only think was the finger 'stud' has pointy edges and wasn't extremely comfortable, and think mine has a high-chromed finish which was prone to chipping, and doesn't have a lanyard hold - though actually does sit quite secure in the hand. Other than that its a sublime frame to hold and shoot - super comfy an heavy for its size.

OK That square black elastic... As a kid this was the most desirable rubber ever. Came in 6mm and I think 5mm sometimes... A lot of my pocket money was spent on metre lengths...

Firstly the rubber is insanely heavy and harsh. In hindsight I was shooting 18-20mm lead ball sinkers - with a fairly long band for the actual draw... They last well but do eventually start to get brittle and break up. I'd say other than nostalgia - replace them with some tube - 1842 etc.

 

[ConnorA9]

That's really cool, it seems like these were quite popular some years ago and have resurfaced! Mine's extra smooth, but I'm paranoid about getting it scratched e.t.c. as it is still aluminium. I can understand why you wanted that rubber in particular back then, having air rifle power in your pocket on the cheap lol, all while the grown ups thought they were toys!

I think you're right, and while I won't throw the bandset away, I'll put some good solid tubes on it instead. Cheers!

 

[mattwalt]

Well - its was literally the only consistent rubber available. The other option was car or tractor inner tubes (and decent supply of that was had to come by). Also the logic was - the harder you pull the harder it shoots *obviously these days we know better . But basically where I lived - it was the de-facto slingshot elastic. Strong, pretty durable and simply cut 2 size and install... No carefully trying to cut inner tube along a curve to try get 2 matched bands (and the thickens could be quite variable in the length).

I grew up in South Africa - 'Ketties' were either seen as a stepping stone to real guns - or were used to shoot vermin (mainly birds) or hunting for food. So its odd that looking back they were considered toys...

On a side note - the rubber we knew as 'Haasrek' - Rek is elastic. Haas on the other hand has 2 different meanings either rabbit or hare - and secondly speed/quick. So one would presume it was fast-elastic. But always thought it meant it was powerful enough to take rabbit. Which is ironic because looking back - if I had matched the ammo to those bands the lead ball would probably be able to take down pretty much anything...

 

[Griffo]

It's a fantastic looking frame and I think you'd be doing it a favour with a more modern bandset. Authenticity for the sake of authenticity isn't necessarily the best.

If Nigel Benn ever wanted a cattie then clearly this is the one.

 

[mattwalt]

I'm definitely going to buy another of these frames. I have a set of mod's I'll do right off the bat as well.

Also I made a modernised version of the Milbro with works very well. And I'm after an old TSL with the countersunk rod bindings.

I find it really interesting how the UK's style o frame evolved compared to the US - and in fact many other countries. Small pocketable frames with serious rubber on them. Perfect covert... erm poaching devices.

 

[ConnorA9]

I'm definitely going to buy another of these frames. I have a set of mod's I'll do right off the bat as well.

Also I made a modernised version of the Milbro with works very well. And I'm after an old TSL with the countersunk rod bindings.

I find it really interesting how the UK's style o frame evolved compared to the US - and in fact many other countries. Small pocketable frames with serious rubber on them. Perfect covert... erm poaching devices.

Now that's what I call bringing the old man into the space shuttle!

Yes, while I understand why bulky, cool-looking frames which could be adapted to fire arrows e.t.c. were more popular in the USA, the styles that flooded the angling/shooting shops in the UK were all about portability, for, as you said.....co...poa....field activity devices!

 

[ConnorA9]

It's a fantastic looking frame and I think you'd be doing it a favour with a more modern bandset. Authenticity for the sake of authenticity isn't necessarily the best.

If Nigel Benn ever wanted a cattie then clearly this is the one.

Yes, I agree with that if it's going to be used, but if it were merely as a collectable then I'd keep the square rubber on for sure. I'll try tubes with it, as I'm trying to save some flat elastic a bit but am still looking for decent power/accuracy.

 

[Griffo]

When I win the lottery and buy a Jag E-type I'll want some modern brakes on it, if I was going to drive it.

BTW your vid on 'plinking with the Imp BB shooter' I found very useful, thanks.

 

[mattwalt]

I agree - Its why I'm after one of those TSL's specifically - think its the one old-school frame that will work the easiest in a modern guise.

 

[mattwalt]

Though the Salters would as well - for the same reason - just not wild about the shape...

 

[ConnorA9]

When I win the lottery and buy a Jag E-type I'll want some modern brakes on it, if I was going to drive it.

BTW your vid on 'plinking with the Imp BB shooter' I found very useful, thanks.

Good idea lol! Ah, thanks, glad it was helpful! That setup packs quite a punch (or sting), probably about as much as a mid-range .177 BB pistol, although the elastic doesn't last very long. I've got a surgical tubing 2mm x 5mm bandset fitted to my TTF Hammer at the moment which is a great long-lasting cheap alternative and very, very accurate! 6mm ammo is always handy to have lol.

 

[mattwalt]

1632 tubes are perfect for bb's and last ages...

Also used to use the postie elastic bands - ones they'd drop everywhere - they are great BB bands...

 

[ConnorA9]

1632 tubes are perfect for bb's and last ages...

Also used to use the postie elastic bands - ones they'd drop everywhere - they are great BB bands...

Once, my postie delivered a packet of steel balls and asked what was weighing down his pockets. From then on, I have not got any spare elastic bands with my mail. Funny that lol....

 

[NSFC]

That thing will last through a nuclear bomb blast. Cool shooter. I would use those bands up and experiment with other bands/ tubes. Ive learned a lot from this forum so dont be afraid to ask any questions.

When I started I didnt even know what PFS or SSOTM acronyms were. :screwy: Nor did I know how to down load pictures and I didnt ever use emojis! :banghead:

 

[crypter27]

A fine frame! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[SLINGDUDE]

Nice frame!

 

[Ibojoe]

That’s such a cool frame. With those bands you can make a new fan belt for your car! As far as tubes for 1/2” steel I like. SS medium tubes.

 

[Griffo]

When I win the lottery and buy a Jag E-type I'll want some modern brakes on it, if I was going to drive it.

BTW your vid on 'plinking with the Imp BB shooter' I found very useful, thanks.

Good idea lol! Ah, thanks, glad it was helpful! That setup packs quite a punch (or sting), probably about as much as a mid-range .177 BB pistol, although the elastic doesn't last very long. I've got a surgical tubing 2mm x 5mm bandset fitted to my TTF Hammer at the moment which is a great long-lasting cheap alternative and very, very accurate! 6mm ammo is always handy to have lol.

I have some 15/10 .54 bands from Wasp on the way. I'll be using them to shoot 1 gram 9.5mm PTFE plastic ammo indoors, which weighs the same as 6mm steel. I agree, looks like a couple of ft/lbs in your video, or mid range air pistol.

No man yet has successfully explained away the sudden appearance of holes or damage caused from indoors shooting to their wives/gfs/partners. Best keep it down-powered and stealthy. :nono: