Effectiveness of slings versus ancient bows

[Zarax]

I'm not 100% sure the question would be on topic here but in case a kind moderator could redirect in in a more appropriate place...

I've seen statements (and read some xenophon) about ancient slings being more effective that most western bows of the time both in better range and effectiveness versus armour.

Since I'm trying to recreate the effect in the RTW engine in a semirealistic way I would like suggestions from somebody more versed in ancient weapon hostory than me.

Thanks!!!

[Cataphract_Of_The_City]

Apparently slings were good enough to keep the Persian archers and horse-archers outside killing range during the ten thousand march.

[Zarax]

Well, those where supposedly rhodians and somewhat veterans, I'm more interested in the general picture...

[lars573]

I'm not 100% sure the question would be on topic here but in case a kind moderator could redirect in in a more appropriate place...

I've seen statements (and read some xenophon) about ancient slings being more effective that most western bows of the time both in better range and effectiveness versus armour.

Since I'm trying to recreate the effect in the RTW engine in a semirealistic way I would like suggestions from somebody more versed in ancient weapon hostory than me.

Thanks!!!

Go to RTW heaven. One of the regulrs there Ace_Cataphract is a slinger. He can give you all the info you need. He's actually slung led shot at steel plates, for fun.

[ajaxfetish]

You might also approach it at least partly from an ammunition standpoint. As long as their are small rocks in the area, the slinger won't run completely out of missiles, as an archer eventually will.

Ajax

[Oaty]

You might also approach it at least partly from an ammunition standpoint. As long as their are small rocks in the area, the slinger won't run completely out of missiles, as an archer eventually will.

Ajax

Sure the stone was free but lead was preferred and more effective. Also when they were down to there stone shot they may have reduced range and effectiveness

[ajaxfetish]

Right. As I said, they won't run completely out of missiles. Effectiveness will decrease, but at least they'll still be chucking something. (I think I remember reading in one of Cornwell's Sharpe books that the British used a slightly larger bore on their standard muskets than the French, which meant that in a pinch they could use captured French ammunition, though with horrible accuracy, while the French would have no use for the British shot too large to fit down their barrels. Don't know how accurate it is, but a similar principle anyhow)

Ajax

[Marshal Murat]

Slings are better in trained hands. The Greeks didn't draw bows that effectively. From what I understand, the Greeks used their two fore and middle fingers to pinch to their thumb and draw the string. Not the most effective way to draw a bowstring, especially when composite bows required several pounds to pull it.

Slings were easier to make, and very simple to chuck. While veterans could go about as far as a good bow, the novice could still throw a piece of stone at you. Like it is often said in books, the ability of slingers wasn't something to be sneezed at. They could crack bones, from thighs to skulls.

Do you remember David&Goliath? Slings won the day!

However, once improved archery techniques were devised (thumb ring, two finger draw, etc.) the archer could fire quickly, accurately, and they could fire it from a moving object.

[MilesGregarius]

Regarding the sling's effectiveness versus armor, Cortez's Spanish feared Aztec slings far more than Aztec bows. Being concussive weapons, slingstones (I haven't read of Aztec use of lead shot) could inflict injury without actually penetrating armor where the weak draw of the native bows wouldn't allow their arrows to pierce said armor.

(I think I remember reading in one of Cornwell's Sharpe books that the British used a slightly larger bore on their standard muskets than the French, which meant that in a pinch they could use captured French ammunition, though with horrible accuracy, while the French would have no use for the British shot too large to fit down their barrels. Don't know how accurate it is, but a similar principle anyhow)

On a similar note, the Soviets used an 82mm mortar. This allowed them to use captured German 81mm rounds during WWII. I don't know if modern US or NATO rounds still work in modern Russian mortars.