The encyclopedia of slingshots
A slingshot is a hand-held, Y-shaped frame fitted with elastic bands and a pouch. Pull the pouch back, let go, and the energy stored in the bands launches a projectile.
With the right bands and ammo it is a serious tool: accurate enough for competition at 10 meters and beyond, powerful enough for small-game hunting where the law allows it, and simple enough that a child can learn it in an afternoon. Slingshots.com is the reference for the whole category — how they work, how to shoot one, what the law says where you live, where they came from, and what every term means.
Is a slingshot legal in my state?
Usually yes — but a handful of states and cities restrict buying, carrying, or hunting with one, and the rules change. Each state page quotes the statute, links to it, and shows the date we last checked.
Not legal advice. Verify against current law before you rely on it.
Getting Started
What a slingshot is, what its parts are called, and how to shoot one well — from your first pull to your first hundred hits.
Safety
Eye protection, backstops, kids, and how the common injuries actually happen — so they don’t happen to you.
Law
Is a slingshot legal where you live? Every state, with the statute cited and the date we last checked it. Plus federal and hunting rules.
Science & Gear
Latex, tapers and draw weight. Ammo weight and energy. Over-the-top versus through-the-forks. The physics behind the shot.
History
From vulcanized rubber in 1839 to the backyard classics of the 1950s to a worldwide competition scene.
Encyclopedia A–Z
Every term, one entry each. Fork, pouch, taper, active length, elongation, catchbox, and the rest of the vocabulary.
Encyclopedia A–Z
Sample entries: active length, band set, catchbox, draw length, elongation, fork, fork hit, hand slap, OTT, pouch, taper, TTF, wrist brace.