Tarpon Springs, FL – New for 2023, Barnett® introduces a full line of King Rat Slingshots sure to bring adventure to hunters of all ages. The King Rat series is rooted in David Barnett’s childhood and draw from over 60 years of hunting and adventure.
Barnett was founded in the early 1960’s by David Barnett’s Father in the industrial market town of Willenhall, West Midland, England. As a boy, David Barnett visited his father’s workplace, often after school, waiting to be taken home. For his seventh birthday in 1972, his father brought back from America a tubular band slingshot. The new contraption was so different from all the things he had seen from classmates and neighbors.
Mesmerized by the slingshot, he couldn’t wait to kill some vermin with the “Pocket Full of Power.” Armed with marbles, David Barnett set out amongst the overloaded trash bins in the backyards of the local buildings as he set his sights on the numerous Black rats that scavenged in the area.
“One day, I was in luck and hit one so square, it slid up against the wall and started screeching loudly, bouncing up and down until it finally froze still. As I walked over to it with the excitement of the kill, it started screeching loudly again, and to my horror, the ugliest and biggest Black rat I had ever imagined ran in and started tearing it apart, 10ft from me. Looking at me with a bald, fire-burnt red face, it hissed, unflinching and unafraid,” recalled David Barnett.
To this day, half a century later, he still remembers that day so vividly. It wasn’t long after that that the family business started to make slingshots. So, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Barnett and to try to put this “demon” to rest, David Barnett has decided to relive the excitement of a young boy’s adventures with slingshots with the new King Rat Slingshot designs.
The new King Rat line of Barnett slingshots includes the Havoc, Havoc Hunter, Cobra, Black Widow, Black Widow Hunter, and Ambush models. All slingshots are great for young hunters looking to practice target shooting, squirrel hunting, and plinking with a beginner hunting tool. Each slingshot features a brushed leather center-shot pouch, various textured grips, and sights in a lightweight and compact design. Different models will feature a standard slingshot band, a magnum power band, or a Double-X tapered band that is replaceable. For ammo, each slingshot comes with Hotshot .38 steel pellets that are also purchasable in 50, 100, or 200 counts. In the King Rat lineup, there truly is a slingshot for everyone.
When looking for a gift for a young outdoorsman or aspiring hunter, the new King Rat slingshot line has something to offer for everyone. Pick the slingshot that suits the needs of a young hunter and become the king of your backyard.
Havoc
With the addition of a 3-distance, range-finding, ring sight, the Havoc is the most advanced slingshot available. Magnum power bands and laser cut ammo pouch ensure increased power and precision. Vibration dampeners keep every shot smooth and consistent. Complete with a folding wrist brace and diamond knurled grip, this top of class slingshot will fit like a glove and improve your point of aim.
Havoc Features:
Pro-sized textured grip
Brushed leather center-shot pouch
Folding, compact lightweight design
After-shot vibration dampeners
Double-X Tapered speed bands
Model # – BAR50005
Havoc Hunter
The Havoc Hunter is the one of the most advanced slingshots available. Our 3-distance,
range-finding ring sight, patent-pending tapered Double-X bands, and laser-cut
ammo pouch ensure power and precision. Vibration dampeners keep every shot smooth and consistent, while the folding wrist brace and diamond-knurled grip keep you on target.
Havoc Hunter Features:
Pro-sized textured grip
Brushed leather center-shot pouch
Folding, compact lightweight design
After-shot vibration dampeners
Double-X Tapered speed bands
Model # – BAR50005
Black Widow
The game-changing design changed slingshots forever. The Black Widow introduced the foldaway wrist brace for portability, storage, and increased accuracy. Featuring a premium, diamond-cut, knurled grip, padded wrist brace, and precision laser-cut ammo pouch, the Black Widow is deadlier than ever.
Black Widow Features:
Pocket-sized, soft textured grip
Brushed leather center-shot pouch
Folding, compact lightweight design
Magnum power bands
Model # – BAR50000
Black Widow Hunter
Expanding on the timeless Black Widow design, we added a premium diamond cut knurled grip with a camouflage finish, padded wrist brace, and laser cut ammo pouch. Ready to shoot with Hotshot .38 caliber ammo, patent-pending tapered Double-X bands, and a 3-distance, range-finding ring sight, the Black Widow Hunter is deadlier than ever.
Black Widow Hunter Features:
Pocket-sized, soft textured grip
Brushed leather center-shot pouch
Folding, compact lightweight design
Double-X tapered speed bands
Model # – BAR50001
Ambush
The Ambush is designed for accurate shooting and easy carry. Master the art of accurately smashing targets with this fun easy to\ use slingshot that fits in your back pocket.
Ambush Features:
Pocket-sized
Diamond textured soft feel grip
Brushed leather center shot pouch
Compact, lightweight design
Model # – BAR50002
Cobra
The Cobra’s revolutionary design provides increased performance and precision. With a unique, fiber-optic sight system, users stay on target with better balance and improved accuracy with every shot. Magnum power bands and laser-cut ammo pouch provide increased power and precision while the diamond-knurled grip and padded wrist brace ensure consistent accuracy downrange.
Cobra Features:
Magnum power bands
Brushed leather center-shot pouch
Fiber-optic sighting system
Pro sized, soft textured grip
Folding, lightweight compact design
Model # – BAR50003
About Barnett Crossbows
Barnett is the first and longest-standing crossbow company with a storied heritage. Founded in 1962, we are the pioneer of the modern-day crossbow. Barnett’s tradition of innovation has brought about numerous “firsts” in the crossbow & archery industry for the past 60 years. Barnett innovates and supplies a broad spectrum of high-performance and value-driven crossbows, vertical and youth bows, and archery accessories popular with both hunting and recreational shooters. Barnett is also the leading provider of slingshots and accessories.
