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Outdoor Section => The Outdoor and Survival Forum => Topic started by: mtoolman on October 07, 2018, 03:20:13 PM

Title: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: mtoolman on October 07, 2018, 03:20:13 PM
I found this slingshot in the draw, forgotten about it for years.
I cut some tree twigs into ammo shape, and made a few shot into trees in our back garden.
It worked very well - flying about 30 meters onto the hedges and trees.

I am having good fun practicing the slingshot with tree twigs ammo.

But I am aware that there are also laws on using slingshots in UK.
What are they? What are there to be aware of with use of slingshots?
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Smashie on October 07, 2018, 04:05:47 PM
No specific laws apply other than it's illegal to hunt with them.

However make sure you don't use it to commit another offence i.e. criminal damage

Given the current climate I probably wouldn't carry one
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: mtoolman on October 07, 2018, 04:52:21 PM
Yeah quite right. Too much possibilities with brushing against the law. Just put it back to the draw again. Will just stick to gardening and wood carving.
Title: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: G-Dizzle on October 07, 2018, 05:25:04 PM
No offense meant to any of our UK members, but I continuously grow more grateful that I do not live there.
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Wspeed on October 07, 2018, 05:54:24 PM
No offense meant to any of our UK members, but I continuously grow more grateful that I do not live there.
No offence taken  :cheers:
The law is getting worse and worse in the UK and Europe :rant:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Wspeed on October 07, 2018, 05:57:35 PM
I am surprised that we are aloud
to have a SAK as long as the blade isn’t
longer than 3 inches and the blade doesn’t lock  :think:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Smashie on October 07, 2018, 05:57:47 PM
But you do have to bare in mind the differences in geography, USA 85 people per square mile, UK 660 per square mile. Plus all land here is owned, no public land
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: AimlessWanderer on October 07, 2018, 05:58:48 PM
I have one, and play around with it occasionally. As for carrying one, why would you want to? As with cricket bats, 6 cell maglites, golf clubs, or anything else that could be used nefariously by some imbecile, just use them for their intended purpose, and only carry them when travelling to and from the place they will be used safely. There's no reason for it to never be used unless you don't trust yourself to be sensible with it.  :dunno:

No offense meant to any of our UK members, but I continuously grow more grateful that I do not live there.

Don't believe everything you read on the internet. There's a lot of fuss made about nothing most of the time. It's a VERY long way from being the police state that many would like to paints us as. The coppers want an easy life just like the rest of us, they just want scope to intervene when someone's being an arse that's all.
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: AimlessWanderer on October 07, 2018, 06:02:48 PM
I am surprised that we are aloud
to have a SAK as long as the blade isn’t
longer than 3 inches and the blade doesn’t lock  :think:

I've legally walked in front of a court house with a 4" sheath knife on my belt. I had just cause for it. The sub-3" non-locking law is only for when there's no specific reason.
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Kev D on October 07, 2018, 06:04:16 PM
I have a black widow catapult. It hasn't been out the drawer in quite a while.  I used to get 8mm ball bearings or nuts from work to fire with it.
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: mtoolman on October 07, 2018, 06:14:44 PM
Someone sent me this link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=119&v=nP8xjWfU5uI
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Fuzzbucket on October 07, 2018, 06:23:37 PM
I am surprised that we are aloud
to have a SAK as long as the blade isn’t
longer than 3 inches and the blade doesn’t lock  :think:

I've legally walked in front of a court house with a 4" sheath knife on my belt. I had just cause for it. The sub-3" non-locking law is only for when there's no specific reason.

As far as I know, it would be up to a court to decide what is good reason, so from what I understand, you could still be arrested and charged for that... I could be wrong.

Anyway... when I was young I had a cast metal catapult and I let go of the wrong end by mistake... I've not touched one since.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: mtoolman on October 07, 2018, 06:26:49 PM
There is even UK CATAPULT ASSOCIATION.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_Wk09-lVA0

So, maybe it is OK, if you are just using it to target practicing in your back garden, or to scare vermins off coming into the garden to mess your lawn or plants?
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: AimlessWanderer on October 07, 2018, 06:33:37 PM
I am surprised that we are aloud
to have a SAK as long as the blade isn’t
longer than 3 inches and the blade doesn’t lock  :think:

I've legally walked in front of a court house with a 4" sheath knife on my belt. I had just cause for it. The sub-3" non-locking law is only for when there's no specific reason.

As far as I know, it would be up to a court to decide what is good reason, so from what I understand, you could still be arrested and charged for that... I could be wrong
.

Anyway... when I was young I had a cast metal catapult and I let go of the wrong end by mistake... I've not touched one since.  :facepalm:

Could does not equate to would. The copper would need to overide my legal reason with strong evidence proving I was up to no good. Good luck with that, as I was visibly engaged in the activity that needed it.
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Smashie on October 07, 2018, 06:37:45 PM
It would also need to meet the requirements of PACE Code G

2. Elements of Arrest under section 24 PACE
2.1 A lawful arrest requires two elements:
A person’s involvement or suspected involvement or attempted involvement
in the commission of a criminal offence;
AND
Reasonable grounds for believing that the person’s arrest is necessary.
• both elements must be satisfied, and
• it can never be necessary to arrest a person unless there are reasonable
grounds to suspect them of committing an offence.
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Fuzzbucket on October 07, 2018, 06:47:11 PM
Well... I did say I could be wrong. Personally, I still wouldn't risk it though.
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Don Pablo on October 07, 2018, 07:08:06 PM
But you do have to bare in mind the differences in geography, USA 85 people per square mile, UK 660 per square mile. Plus all land here is owned, no public land
The more people squeezed together, the more that has to give.
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Don Pablo on October 07, 2018, 07:09:57 PM
It's just like archery... If you're on private land with the permission of the land owner, or at a club meeting, and you pack it away at all other times, its ok.
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Ron Who on October 07, 2018, 09:36:08 PM
Slingshots are illegal in the Netherlands. I´ve seen fishermen using slingshots for feeding though, and no apparent trouble with law enforcers.
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Don Pablo on October 07, 2018, 09:44:07 PM
The Netherlands are even more densely populated than the UK. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.  :ahhh
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Mechanickal on October 07, 2018, 09:48:40 PM
No it's because they don't stab each other all the time :whistle:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Mechanickal on October 07, 2018, 09:49:58 PM
Sorry guys!
Couldn't let this one go cold.

I'm well aware of the fact that these UK laws are no fun and have nothing to do with the general enthousiast. Which is the reason for my sarcastic reply.
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Don Pablo on October 07, 2018, 09:51:53 PM
I still think that there’s something to the population theory.  :D
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Mechanickal on October 07, 2018, 09:54:35 PM
:D :cheers:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: SteveC on October 07, 2018, 10:50:56 PM
Off topic but why do you say draw instead of drawer in England ?   :think:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Syncop8r on October 07, 2018, 10:59:51 PM
Some people say that here. It's just bad spelling.  :pok:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: AimlessWanderer on October 07, 2018, 11:15:24 PM
Some people say that here. It's just bad spelling.  :pok:

 :iagree:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Fuzzbucket on October 08, 2018, 12:04:42 AM
That's a new one on me, I assumed everyone said and spelt it drawer?  :think:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: SteveC on October 08, 2018, 12:08:06 AM
I've seen it used a few times before that's why I was wondering  :tu:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Fuzzbucket on October 08, 2018, 12:11:31 AM
It's probably me Steve, I'm not very observant at times.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: magentus on October 08, 2018, 10:40:43 AM
Yep - it's drawer.

I love living in the UK - never been at all concerned about knife crime etc - very tolerant, friendly and diverse country. Knife crime stuff is all played up by the right wing murdoch press, and a load of balls. Plenty of other places in the world I would avoid like the plague
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Don Pablo on October 08, 2018, 11:18:09 AM
Well, Wales has a little town, with 42 bookshops, that claims to be a sovereign state.  :think: That’s abnormal, isn’t it?  :D
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: mtoolman on October 08, 2018, 01:29:16 PM
Sorry for my bad spelling.

Off topic but why do you say draw instead of drawer in England ?   :think:

Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Don Pablo on October 08, 2018, 01:43:12 PM
Sorry for my bad spelling.

Off topic but why do you say draw instead of drawer in England ?   :think:
It's no problem.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: pfrsantos on October 09, 2018, 02:36:49 PM
Well, Wales has a little town, with 42 bookshops, that claims to be a sovereign state.  :think: That’s abnormal, isn’t it?  :D

No, that's a goal for everyone...

 :salute:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Don Pablo on October 09, 2018, 07:27:27 PM
Well, Wales has a little town, with 42 bookshops, that claims to be a sovereign state.  :think: That’s abnormal, isn’t it?  :D

No, that's a goal for everyone...

 :salute:
:tu:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: pfrsantos on October 10, 2018, 06:37:15 PM
Someone sent me this link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=119&v=nP8xjWfU5uI

To make it easier:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP8xjWfU5uI

Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: pfrsantos on October 10, 2018, 06:41:11 PM
Pay atention to 4:00...

 :D :D :D :D

Show content
(https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/55/2017/12/the-walking-dead-zombies-920x584.jpg)

 :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: SAKPal on October 14, 2018, 12:41:00 PM
He's contradicting himself a lot there, one minute he's saying its perfectly legal to carry the next its he's saying its up to a police officers discretion if he confiscates it

This is misleading

The police do not have the power to confiscate legally held property?
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: pfrsantos on October 15, 2018, 01:01:25 PM
He's contradicting himself a lot there, one minute he's saying its perfectly legal to carry the next its he's saying its up to a police officers discretion if he confiscates it

This is misleading

The police do not have the power to confiscate legally held property?

Well, I'd say I would let them take anything. First, I'd ask to see what law allows them to do so, then I'd ask for the officer ID, then I'd ask for a signed form declaring the time, place and reason for the aprehension, with a full description of the item and its state (new, used, any markings...). At least here, they have to give you this info and the note with awl that info. You can use that to (try to) recover your property.

If they are not exactly sure of what they're doing, they'll probably just let you go.

In any case, stay calm, stay polite, stay firm.

 :tu: :salute:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Don Pablo on October 15, 2018, 01:03:00 PM
Aka know the legal rights you have, police-wise for your area.  :salute:
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Valkie on October 21, 2018, 11:47:38 AM
Australia.........illegal

Let me tell you a little more about Australian law.

If you don't lock your car, and walk more than 10 metres from the car
You can be fined.

Dot charge or fine the criminal, fine the guy with the car.

Our parking fines in Sydney are the most expensive in the world.

And the fines for having a damaged or unreadable number plate are 100 times higher than driving on bald tyres.
Policing for profit requires number plates.
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: GrandpaPatch on November 02, 2018, 08:54:11 AM
This guy is really good with a slingshot. I've chatted with him on a different forum and he even uses bolts (small arrows) with his slingshot for fishing. Anyway, here is one of his videos were he is shooting his slingshot while riding a long board skateboard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCgU76_QVYM

He is in Florida, USA. I'm in Arizona, USA and can walk into the local Wells Fargo with a gun openly carried on my hip. I shudder to think about not being able to feel safe from the law just for walking around with my slingshot and ammo pouch (dump bag).
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: pfrsantos on November 08, 2018, 07:06:55 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ieWrWLjii0
Title: Re: Slingshot Laws in UK
Post by: Valkie on November 11, 2018, 11:41:06 PM
This guy is really good with a slingshot. I've chatted with him on a different forum and he even uses bolts (small arrows) with his slingshot for fishing. Anyway, here is one of his videos were he is shooting his slingshot while riding a long board skateboard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCgU76_QVYM

He is in Florida, USA. I'm in Arizona, USA and can walk into the local Wells Fargo with a gun openly carried on my hip. I shudder to think about not being able to feel safe from the law just for walking around with my slingshot and ammo pouch (dump bag).

Apparently its for our own good
Our politicians think Australians are too stupid to carry sharp things, things that go bang, or things that can launch anything faster than a human arm.
For that matter, there is probably some law that stops us from even throwing rocks.

Fireworks are also banned in Australia, the only thing you can have is those little sprinkler things.

Its even illegal to take steps to protect yourself.
Armoured vests are also banned for the general public.
Bikies get around this by wearing very heavy leather vests, but coppers and a politician named howard the coward wear them.

Yep, nice safe country Australia.
Where only the criminals have weapons.
Lucky most Australians are nice people eh?