Letter from the Editor

SLINGSHOT the magazine is the start of a project that I have wanted to do for about 25 to 30 years. I purchased my first commercial slingshot in the summer of 1966 after two years of research for the perfect slingshot.

I had originally wanted a slingshot to carry with me when I was bow hunting. I felt it necessary to learn how to use the slingshot before hunting season and began practicing with it. Within a period of about 2 or 3 weeks I was shooting the slingshot as well as I could shoot my bows.

I then began a quest for the "Perfect Slingshot" and after a period of two or three years, I had acquired a dozen or more slingshots. While I did not find the so-called perfect slingshot, I did find many that I enjoyed shooting. I now realize that the "perfect slingshot" depends on both the person and what it is being used for.

My slingshot collection now numbers between 400 and 500 different slingshots. It is hard to find the exact number because I have many that are different in very small ways (such as different colors, etc.) that I do not always feel that I should count each one. Besides commercial slingshots, many of them are hand-made, one- of–a-kind, prototypes, made for fun, and toys. Several are modified from the original slingshot.

Slingshots Unlimited was a mail-order slingshot business that I ran for several years. While it was never a profit-making venture, I did acquire many new friends, slingshots and ideas from the adventure. I hope to restart this business to help revive the sport of catapultry and slingshot shooting. Also through buying, selling and trading, I wish to increase my slingshot collection.

The story about Glop is included because this cartoon character is a part of my math teaching materials and had become the mascot of the Summer Nationals Slingshot Tournament. He also appears in my "Glop Shots" cartoons.

The Summer Nationals Slingshot Tournament was one of the most exciting adventures of my involvement in the sport of Catapulty. I hope that this magazine will create enough interest in the tournament that it can be revived. I would enjoy hearing from those of you who would like to participate in the tournament.

The National Catapultry Association was another one of the big adventures of my catapultry career. At the present time this organization is inactive. Again I am hoping that this magazine will renew interest in the NCA and once again the organization will be active.

The success and continuation of this magazine depends upon your support and interest. I would really appreciate your subscription to Slingshot the magazine.

This magazine is still "Under Construction" so please check back to see the additions.

AIM HIGH & SHOOT STRAIGHT!!!

Kent Shepard                                                     Phone 217 327-4352
P.O. Box 128                                                      Email paladin@slingshots.net
210 Columbia
Chambersburg, Illinois 62323

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