If you are a slingshot enthusiast, you may have come across a new kind of quick-loading slingshot in recent months that completely reimagines the slingshot. I came across this device a couple of months ago and started digging into its origin.
After a lengthy search, it looks like the device was invented by Shandong-based Sun Weifang (known by the handle 孙大少年^弓械者 on Chinese TikTok, Douyin), who apparently has filed a patent with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) as well as with the USPTO. We will take his word for it because the patent evidence provided has been redacted of some information that would allow us to verify the patents—if any at all.
Anyhoo, Sun has started a brand called AutoFling to market his product internationally. The product, called the Auto-loading Slingshot, enables the fast automatic loading of slingshot pellets, which is kind of the slingshot answer to magazine-fed crossbows. It is a pretty impressive invention, though some veteran slingshot makers in China beg to differ. But never mind that because I think it is cool as hell, and it certainly makes the slingshot worthy as a practical non-lethal weapon.
Using a linkage system, a magnet, and a magazine system, it realizes automatic loading with the press of a button. When the button, which is conveniently located within thumb’s reach, is pressed, it releases one 8 mm steel bearing at an ideal speed. The steel bearing is then captured by a magnet-equipped pouch. The mechanism is fine-tuned to do the same repeatedly, ensuring accurate dispensing and positioning every single time.
Like the magazine in magazine-fed crossbows or firearms, the moment a bearing is unloaded into the pouch, an internal tension mechanism automatically pushes the remaining balls upward, positioning the next ball for loading. The Auto-loading Slingshot eliminates the need to fumble for the projectile and the clunky process of seating the projectile in the pouch.
If you ask me, this is as close as you can get to a semi-automatic slingshot. Yes. I said it. A semi-automatic slingshot.
The frame is CNC-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminum, while a heavy latex band handles projectile propulsion duty. Not surprisingly, knock-offs quickly emerged in the Chinese market. That said, I did find a couple of stores on the Chinese e-commerce site, Taobao, selling the G5. But for folks outside China, you can pick up the Auto-loading Slingshot from the AutoFling website. It is offered as a starter kit, a solo action kit, or a duo challenge kit. Prices start at US$214.
But before you jump on it, it is your responsibility to ensure that a slingshot is legal to own and use in your locality.
This is not the only version. There have been previous iterations, but AutoFling is only selling the G5 Autoloading Slingshot, which is the latest model.
Images: AutoFling.
