They are so effective that is why they are in wide use today.
Sorry I graduated away from such when I acquired my first 22rf rifle.
Primitive weapons are fun but are no where effective as any good firearm.
Id much rather have rifles too- definately. I have a pellet rifle that is about as powerful as a .22, and can take down deer and hogs (though i dont use i5 for those)- i also have .22 rifle and other rifles for hunting deer. But for driv8ng off pest c4eatures from garden, and taking out the occassional squirrel if need be, il. Reach for the sling shot as its silent, and ammo is dirt cheap. If i had to take soemthing w8th me 9n a survival stint where i couldnt take a rifle, id definately take the sling shot, and maybe make a larger rope sling for larger animals. At latle (sp?) Is another pretty effective weapon. (I think one or 2 survivor contestants used them)