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In these days of polarization and political tribalism, pundits and political enthusiasts may find themselves in a position where honor needs defending. In this situation, there's noting like a good-old fashioned duel.
I'm totally in favor of it. Not only would it be fun to watch, but it might really help to reduce the population of pundits and political enthusiasts.
For those at the top: elected officials, religious leaders, social activists, and the more voracious leftist and rightist adherents, I would suggest shotguns. Say five yards apart.
But it's slingshots for us. There's no need to leave us slingers out of it.
We need rules and procedures for our duels.
For instance, two guys get in an argument: OTT or TTF, which is really better? Don't come to blows about it. Settle arguments like those once and for all in a way that's both practical and demonstrative. A way that really tests all the variables and produces a definable, incontrovertible, result, the proof in the pudding.
Or, you may not like someone and just want to put a ball in their face for no reason at all.
1) After the age of powder, pistol duels were fought with smooth-bore pistols. These weapons were purposely inaccurate. Honor would be restored hopefully without fatality. Remember however, there's an excellent chance BOTH combatants will take a ball. Lots of real duels ended like that. In the Old South, where duels were often fought with revolvers, LOTS of duels ended like that.
The question is, do we allow the duelers to use their own, preferred slingshot? Or, do we force them both to use identical, perhaps less accurate slingshots, like matched Dankungs, with the same weight tubes, and the same size ammo?.
2) Do the duelers stand back to back, take ten paces each, then turn, on command, to fire, or do they just stand 20 meters apart facing each other?
I would suggest that they DO need to turn and fire. It adds challenge and gives a much better chance for a bystander to get hurt.
I also suggest that the opponents are able to hold the pouch and ball "At Ready," but they have to keep the slingshot and pouch below their waist until the order is given to turn and fire.
I KNOW I'm not the only one who pretends duels and Western quick-draw showdowns. My favorite thing is to start at the ten meter mark, walk to the 20 meter mark and then wait for that fateful time. MY target, a 23 Cm stainless steel plate (The same size as a human head) is about to die. It just doesn't know it yet.
It's not enough to be fast, you have to hit the target.
Then, just like Matt Dillon at the start of the old black and white Gunsmoke, I look a bit sad. I pretend to care about whatever miscreant is stretched out in the dirt.... Then I reload.
It might be fun to film yourself doing this. Then, other people could time (and film) themselves and see if they could beat you. Create Video quick-draw contests.
Remember though, fast is just noise if you don't hit he target.
I think I would use one of my Dankung looped tube slingshots. They may not be as accurate as a flat band, but they're sturdy, fast, and instinctive.
What would you use?

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