Even though slingshots and slingshots were originally developed as range weapons, today they are mainly used in shooting sports, climbing, forestry or simply as toys in the children's room. However, one should not lose sight of the provisions of the Weapons Act. At the latest when the slingshot becomes a precision slingshot, you are suddenly in possession of a prohibited weapon and may even be liable to prosecution.

Definition: Slingshot or slingshot?

First of all, the terms slingshot and slingshot should be separated from each other. This is because a slingshot basically refers to a weapon in which a projectile is "hurled" by a rapid spinning motion.

In a slingshot, on the other hand, the projectile is stretched over an elastic band and fired in this way. Nevertheless, the terms are often used identically. Even our weapons law finds it difficult to distinguish between them. Here, only the term slingshot appears. However, this does not mean the ancient slingshot, but the classic slingshot.

The following article follows this nomenclature and also uses the term slingshot, even though it refers to the classic slingshot.

Legal classification of a slingshot

The slingshot is still considered by many to be a serious distance weapon. However, similar to the bow and arrow, the term weapons no longer applies under the German Weapons Act. A simple slingshot is therefore not a weapon, but rather a mere sport and play device. Consequently, there is also no age restriction, the acquisition, the possession and also the leading are completely permit-free and also otherwise the weapons law does not apply initially.

Slingshot vs. precision slingshot

However, the situation is different if the slingshot is equipped with an arm rest or similar device. In this case, the slingshot is a precision slingshot and the classification under weapons law is significantly different. In Annex 1 to the Weapons Act we find the following definition:

Slingshots that have an arm support or a comparable device to achieve the highest possible kinetic energy or are equipped for such a device (precision slingshots). The special danger thus comes from the high kinetic energy that can be imparted to the projectiles by the added arm support. In addition, the fired projectiles can be brought to the target much more precisely in this way. But how are such precision slingshots now legally assessed?

Precision slingshot banned in Germany

The precision slingshot not only counts as a weapon in Germany, but is even included in the list of prohibited weapons and is therefore illegal. Any handling of such a slingshot is a criminal offense.

This prohibition even includes the arm rests and similar devices for precision slingshots. These items may also neither be acquired nor possessed in Germany. Should one nevertheless violate any of these provisions, one may face a substantial fine or imprisonment. More information about slingshots and of course other free weapons can be found on my YouTube channel "Kwannick - Waffengesetz und Co". Disclaimer: The excerpts from the Weapons Act are from the currently applicable

Version of 01.09.2020.

The author of this article assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of the information provided.