Slingshot shooting

cavedave

I have done some archery but not enough that I feel fully comfortable buying a bow.
I am not very keen on guns and any archery in the area is indoor.
So for outdoor shooting is slingshot target shooting an option?
What is the legality? If used as a (non hunting) weapon a slingshot is illegal but is there a way to show it is intended for use as target practice?
Any advice on types of slingshot, ammunition or even good protective glasses?

toxof

cavedave wrote:

So for outdoor shooting is slingshot target shooting an option?

Not really.

Memori

if you liked archery just find an outdoor club in your area and call down to them. they shiould be able to lend you some gear while you're there and if you find that you still like it then you can look into buying a basic set up. a beginners bow and accessories shouldn't set you back too much. honestly i don't know too many people who would recommend sling shot shooting, even outdoors. why are you not interested in shooting indoors though???

BrianD3

There is no slingshot shooting scene that I know of. So anything you do will be "DIY" eg informal plinking at targets in a back garden or field etc. Obviously don't shoot anywhere where you could injure someone or damage property.

I used to shoot a Barnett Black Widow slingshot at bottles and cans many years ago. I was an OK shot but I was using stones that i picked up off the ground as ammo. As each stone was a different shape and weight I had little consistency. The ammo that is supposed to be used with slingshots is 3/8 inch steel balls. I don't believe there is a legal problem with owning or shooting slingshots (provided you're not causing a nusiance in a public place) Just the other day I saw them openly on sale in a fishing tackle shop.

The Barnett range of slingshots seems good.
http://www.barnettcrossbows-uk.com/slingshots.htm

PS it is good that you mention eye protection. NEVER shoot a slingshot without wearing substantial eye protection. I never once used eye protection when shooting slinngshots, only later on did I realise how dangerous that was.

cavedave

Thanks Brian and Memori for the advice

why are you not interested in shooting indoors though???

I spend enough time indoors and the outdoor element adds some difficulty/realism.

I think I will try archery again. Part of the appeal of slingshots was the simplicity, they seem like the harmonica of target sports.

BrianD3

Traditional field archery might be the thing you're looking for. Simple equipment and done outdoors. Here is an example of a club.
http://www.mayoarchers.com/trad_archery.html