A bill being considered in both the Florida House and Senate would legalize 'slungshots.' 

HB 4023/SB 1000 would repeal state law that says it's illegal to make or sell slungshots and defines slungshots as a concealed weapon.

Slungshots are considered a type of weapon, and some people would like to use them as self-defense. The bill was originally sponsored by State Representative Neil Combee of Polk County.

Weapons expert and self-defense instructor Louis Krudo said slungshots can be used to protect yourself.

“The slungshot, which is a ball, can be marble or steel, is wrapped in para-cord or some sort of string, can fit on your key ring or pocket book, and be used as a self-defense tool,” said Krudo.

Slungshots were used early on by sailors, tossing them from ship to shore. They later became illegal in the 1860s.

“The sailors in a fight they would actually use this ball to defend themselves in a fight,” said Krudo.

These days, slungshots can be found for sale online in a variety of sizes and colors.

Representative Combee says he proposed the bill because there are people in his district who would like to use them.

“Ladies both young and old who have these as a self-defense item, not knowing that it is against the law today to carry without a concealed weapons permit,” said Combee, “I am certain that people with bad intentions will invariably choose a more modern and effective device if they intend to physically harm someone.”

If the bill becomes a law, it would go in to effect immediately.

Krudo said he's all for it, but he still thinks people should know how to use the old-time tool properly.

“It’s not just as simple as flinging this tool around. You want to be quick, you want to be effective, and you want to leave as soon as possible. So, some training would be required.”