Bands and Ammo

Step-by-step guide for attaching flat bands on the Gamekeeper PPMG Pro+ TTF and OTT versions (as well as most other slingshots with band clips. Fixing sizes vary, these sizes are for the PPMG Pro+ only)

Step 1: Unscrew the hex bolt with the included 2.5mm hex/allen key

Step 1

Step 2: Place the band over the band recess on the slingshot like below, but don’t cover up the bolt hole/insert. Check the orientation of the band, make sure the ammo pouch is facing the correct way (usually the rough side of the ammo pouch is where ammo is placed, and this side should be facing the slingshot) and make sure the bands will not be twisted once both sides are secure.

Step 2

Step 3: Place the clip back over the band so the band groove on the clip sits in the recessed area like before, but now with the band in between the clip and the slingshot frame. Hold the clip in place and tighten the bolt to secure the band.

Step 3

Step 4: Give the band a few good pulls to make sure it’s secure, then repeat on the other side. Check the orientation of the band again, make sure the ammo pouch is facing the correct way and the bands are not twisted.

 

 

 

Step-by-step guide for attaching flat bands using the Wrap & Tuck method for all flat band slingshots without band clips. These instructions also included with each flat band slingshot.

Step 1: To attach your flat bands to the slingshot you will need to use the two fixing strips provided. Some string is helpful to finish the last few steps.

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Step 1

Step 2: Start by ensuring the correct orientation and wrapping the strip once around the fork before placing the band over the strip. At this point check the orientation of the band, make sure the ammo pouch is facing the correct way (usually the rough side of the ammo pouch is where ammo is placed, and this side should be facing the slingshot) and make sure the bands will not be twisted once both sides are secure.

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Step 2

Step 3: Place the band on the correct side of the slingshot fork and wrap the strip around the band. 

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Step 3

Step 4: Tightly wrap the strip around the band several times to ensure a tight fit.

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Step 4

Step 5: After several wraps, create a loop in the string and place the string across the band. Wrap tightly once more over the loop.

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Step 5

Step 6: Feed the fixing strip through the loop as shown while keeping the tension in the fixing strip.

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Step 6

Step 7: Pull the string from under the final wrap to secure the band to the fork. You can trim the remaining strip with scissors for a neater finish.

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Step 7

Step 8: Repeat the process on the other fork. This same wrap and tuck process is used for TTF and OTT slingshots, just remember to check the orientation first before attaching the bands. Make sure the ammo pouch is facing the correct way (usually the rough side of the ammo pouch is where ammo is placed, and this side should be facing the slingshot) and make sure the bands will not be twisted once both sides are secure.

 

Click here to download Flat Band Instructions PDF

Unfortunately we can’t guarantee bands will remain securely attached during shipping so we won’t attach them for you. Instructions are provided with each slingshot and we’ve also put instructions on our Help & Support page. See the “How do I attach the bands?” section

These are different methods of shooting, and require different band setups.

OTT (Over-The-Top) is where the bands are fixed horizontally along the top of the forks so the shot is fired “over the top” when shooting.

TTF (Through-The-Fork) is where the bands are fixed vertically on the outside of the forks so that the shot is fired through the forks when shooting.

The 2 main types of bands used on slingshots are flat bands and tubes. They both come in different thicknesses and have their own advantages and disadvantages. Which one is “better” depends more on the ammo you’re using, the type of slingshot and shooting style, your experience and skill and what works best for you.

You can buy bands pre-made, or you can make your own. All bands have a limited life depending on the type of material and how they are used, and we always recommend carrying spare bands (and fixing strips if needed) when your out shooting.

If you are not sure where to start, we recommend Thera-Band Gold or Precise 0.6mm/0.7mm band sets to start with, both are similar and work well with 9mm, 10mm or similar sized steel BBs.

We recommend steel ball bearings, or ammo made for slingshots such as clay ammo or plastic practice ammo. Common sizes range from 8mm to 16mm but most shooters using our flat band catapults tend to use 9mm, 9.5mm or 10mm steel BBs.

We don’t recommend using stones or any other small jagged objects because they are unpredictable and you may damage your bands and/or your catapult, or cause injury to yourself or somebody else.

Shooting Advice

Most of our slingshots come with a band set to get you started, and instructions on how to attach the bands. You can buy more bands pre-made, or you can make your own. See “Which bands do you recommend?” above if you’re not sure what bands to get.

You’ll also need ammo, see “What ammo should I use?”

All that’s left is finding somewhere safe to shoot, setting up a target to shoot at and we recommend wearing eye protection

We strongly recommend reading our Safety Advice page so you understand the risks precautions needed to enjoy shooting safely without risking injury to you or others!

Facing approximately 90° to your target, keep your feet shoulder-width apart and aim the slingshot towards the target, pinch some ammo in the ammo pouch and pull horizontally to your anchor point (usually your cheek or ear for most shooting styles). Keep focused on the target and fire the shot by releasing your grip on the ammo pouch.

We recommend starting off about 6m or 7m (20ft-23ft) away from a target such as our printable target, a spinner target or even just a playing card, then try and make it harder by moving further away or making your targets smaller.

It helps to set up something like an old sheet behind the target (or use a catch box) to catch the ammo so you find it and use it again!

Click here to download printable target

Gamekeeper John’s YouTube channel and SimpleShot’s Youtube channel both have lots of videos about how to set up your slingshot, how to shoot, different types of bands and ammo, adjusting bands to the right length, how to make your own bands, different shooting styles and different types of slingshots and loads more tutorials and tips.

Help and Contact Us

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If you’ve designed your own slingshot then we can cast it in high-grade aluminium or bronze, with a choice of different finishes including polishing, aqua-blasting and colour anodising (aluminium only), with detailed laser marking also available on all finishes.

If you’ve already made the slingshot out of wood, or any other material, or even if it’s just a 3D model you’ve created, we can cast it

If you’d like a quote for a custom casting please contact us for more info.

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