Slingshots are projectile devices, not toys. They can cause serious injury or property damage if used incorrectly, so they must always be used responsibly and with appropriate care.

Slingshots sold by List of Goods are supplied for responsible recreational target use only and are sold only to customers aged 18 or over.

Please read the following guidance in full before using your slingshot.

 

BEFORE EVERY USE

Always inspect the slingshot carefully before firing it.

Check the latex bands for cracking, splitting, thinning, brittleness, discolouration, stretching or other signs of wear or deterioration.

Check the leather pouch and all attachment points for damage or weakness.

Inspect the wooden frame carefully for cracks, splits, rot, mould, insect damage or any other deterioration that could weaken the fork.

Do not use the slingshot if any component appears damaged, worn or weakened.

Latex is a natural material and deteriorates with age and use, even when damage is not immediately obvious. Replace bands at the first sign of deterioration and whenever there is any doubt about their condition.

 

EYE PROTECTION

Always wear suitable safety glasses or protective goggles when using a slingshot.

Eye protection should be worn before the slingshot is loaded and throughout use.

Bands can fail unexpectedly and projectiles can ricochet, fragment or travel in an unintended direction. Eye protection is therefore essential even when shooting at a controlled target.

Anyone standing close enough to the shooting area to be exposed to a projectile or band failure should also wear suitable eye protection.

 

CHOOSE A SAFE SHOOTING AREA

Only use a slingshot in a controlled location where there is sufficient space to shoot safely.

Make sure the area is clear of people, animals, vehicles, buildings and other property before shooting.

Never use a slingshot where a missed or deflected projectile could reach a road, footpath, neighbouring property, public area or other place where someone could unexpectedly enter the firing area.

Always know what is behind, around and beyond your target before firing.

Do not rely on the target itself to stop every projectile.

 

ALWAYS USE A SUITABLE BACKSTOP

A safe, energy-absorbing backstop should be positioned behind the target and should be large enough to safely contain missed shots.

The backstop should be made from a material capable of absorbing the projectile rather than causing it to rebound.

Do not shoot towards hard surfaces such as metal, concrete, brick, stone or rock.

Never shoot at water.

Hard surfaces and water can cause projectiles to ricochet unpredictably and potentially return towards the shooter or travel into an unintended area.

NEVER AIM OR FIRE AT PEOPLE OR ANIMALS

Never aim, point or fire a slingshot at another person.

Never aim or fire at animals.

Never use the slingshot against vehicles, buildings, windows or other property.

Do not use the slingshot for intimidation, self-defence, hunting, pest control or any other purpose involving a person or animal.

Treat the slingshot as capable of causing serious injury whenever it is loaded or drawn.

 

AMMUNITION

Use only ammunition specifically suitable for recreational slingshot target shooting.

Use smooth, regular projectiles that are appropriate for the slingshot being used.

Do not use rocks, stones, glass, sharp objects, damaged ammunition or irregular objects that may fragment, shatter or fly unpredictably.

Do not experiment with improvised projectiles.

Inspect reusable ammunition before use and discard anything that is cracked, chipped, damaged or otherwise unsuitable.

Slingshot ammunition may present a choking hazard and must be kept securely away from young children.

LOADING AND FIRING

Only load the slingshot when you are in a safe shooting position and ready to fire towards an appropriate target and backstop.

Keep the slingshot pointed towards the safe target area whenever it is loaded or under tension.

Never draw the bands while facing towards another person or animal.

Do not release the pouch unless a suitable projectile is correctly loaded.

Never dry-fire the slingshot. Releasing the bands without ammunition can cause the bands to recoil towards the hands or face and can accelerate wear or damage to the bands.

If you lose control of the pouch or your grip while drawing the bands, stop and reset rather than attempting to recover the shot while the bands remain under tension.

 

DO NOT MODIFY THE SLINGSHOT

Do not modify the wooden frame, bands, pouch or attachment points.

Do not shorten the bands, double them, substitute substantially different bands, attach additional bands or otherwise alter the slingshot in an attempt to increase its power.

Do not attach accessories or other items to the frame unless specifically designed and approved for that model.

Unauthorised modifications can alter the stresses placed on the slingshot and may make its behaviour unpredictable or unsafe.

 

BANDS AND COMPONENT WEAR

Slingshot bands are consumable components.

Natural latex deteriorates through use, age, heat, sunlight and environmental exposure.

Even a band that appears intact may weaken over time.

Inspect the bands before every use and replace them whenever deterioration is visible or suspected.

Never continue using a band simply because it has not yet broken.

If a replacement band is required, use a suitable high-quality replacement intended for slingshot use and ensure it is fitted correctly before use.

 

WOODEN FRAME CARE

Natural wooden slingshots vary in shape and grain, and the wooden fork should be checked regularly for structural integrity.

Stop using the slingshot immediately if you see or feel cracking, splitting, softness, rot, mould or unusual movement in the forks or handle.

Keep the slingshot dry.

Do not soak or immerse the wooden frame in water.

If the slingshot becomes wet, allow it to dry fully before storage and inspect it carefully before the next use.

 

STORAGE

Store the slingshot and ammunition securely when not in use.

Keep both out of reach of children.

Store the slingshot in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and moisture.

Heat and sunlight can accelerate deterioration of natural latex, while moisture can damage wooden components.

Do not leave the slingshot for prolonged periods in a hot vehicle, damp shed or other environment that may damage the bands or wooden frame.

If the slingshot has been stored in very cold conditions, allow it to return to a normal temperature and inspect the bands carefully before use, as latex can become stiffer and more brittle when cold.

 

TRANSPORT AND PUBLIC PLACES

Transport the slingshot responsibly and discreetly.

Do not carry or display it in a way that could reasonably alarm members of the public.

Do not use it in public places or anywhere that its use could endanger or alarm other people.

Do not take a slingshot into schools, airports, secure venues or other locations where projectile devices or weapons may be prohibited.

Local restrictions may apply to the possession or use of slingshots in particular public places.

The owner and user are responsible for ensuring that possession, transport and use comply with all applicable laws and local restrictions.

 

CHILDREN

This product is not a toy.

List of Goods sells slingshots only to customers aged 18 or over.

Keep the slingshot and all ammunition securely stored and out of reach of children when not in use.

Do not leave a loaded slingshot or loose ammunition unattended.

Small ammunition can present a serious choking hazard to young children.

 

IF SOMETHING DOESN'T LOOK OR FEEL RIGHT

Stop using the slingshot immediately if:

• a band shows cracking, thinning, splitting, brittleness, discolouration or unusual stretching;
• the pouch or band attachment points appear damaged;
• the wooden frame develops a crack, split, soft area or other structural damage;
• any part becomes loose;
• the slingshot has suffered a significant impact or other damage;
• its operation feels unusual or unpredictable.

Do not attempt to continue using a damaged slingshot.

If you believe the product itself may be defective, stop using it and contact List of Goods before using it again.

 

RESPONSIBLE USE

Use good judgement at all times.

A slingshot should only be used where the entire shooting area can be controlled and where a missed or ricocheting projectile cannot cause injury or damage.

Do not use a slingshot while under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs or any medication that materially impairs judgement, coordination or reaction time.

Do not use it when tired, distracted or unable to maintain full control of the shooting area.

Never hand a loaded or tensioned slingshot to another person.

When passing the slingshot to someone else, make sure it is unloaded and the bands are completely relaxed.

 

AGE RESTRICTION

List of Goods operates an 18+ sales policy for slingshots.

Orders are subject to age verification before dispatch and age verification on delivery.

This is a retailer policy intended to promote responsible sale and use. It should not be taken as a statement that UK law imposes an identical age restriction on every slingshot sale.

 

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY

Slingshot laws and restrictions can vary by location and circumstances.

The purchaser and user are responsible for ensuring that possession, transport and use of the slingshot are lawful in the place where it is being used.

A slingshot may be treated differently depending on the way it is carried, the circumstances in which it is possessed and the purpose for which it is being used.

Do not assume that because ownership of a slingshot is permitted, it may therefore be carried or used anywhere.

 

INTENDED USE

Slingshots sold by List of Goods are supplied solely for responsible recreational target shooting.

Deliberately firing at people or animals, using a slingshot to damage property, using it in an unsafe public location, modifying it to increase power or otherwise using it contrary to these safety instructions is not an intended use of the product.

Following these instructions does not remove the need for common sense, appropriate supervision of the shooting area and responsible judgement by the user.

 

PRODUCT SAFETY CONCERNS

If you identify a fault, structural issue or other safety concern with a slingshot, stop using it immediately.

Do not continue using a product that you believe may be defective.