Arizona Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Arizona. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in Arizona for civilians without felony convictions. No significant recent changes to the primary statute, A.R.S.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Arizona has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon ban. All NIJ levels are legal. No restrictions on public wear.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. Arizona law provides enhanced sentencing when body armor is worn during the commission of a dangerous offense — classified as a dangerous nature circumstance that can increase the presumptive sentence.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALArizona law (A.R.S. § 13-3102) classifies brass knuckles as prohibited weapons. Possession, sale, or manufacture is illegal except for law enforcement or military purposes.
Possession
Illegal to possess except for authorized personnel.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or transfer.
Penalties
Class 6 felony; up to 1.5 years imprisonment.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is illegal).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Arizona with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes since the major liberalization of knife laws in 2011.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
Arizona allows permitless concealed carry for anyone 21 or older who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. This is established under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3112.
Permitless Carry Rules
No permit required for concealed carry if 21+ and not prohibited.
Permit Availability
Firearm sales regulated under federal and state laws; no special restrictions for permitless carry.
Penalties
Illegal carry or possession can result in criminal penalties including misdemeanors or felonies.
Minimum Age
21 years or older
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Arizona with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
ILLEGALNunchucks are illegal to possess in Arizona under state weapons laws.
Possession
Illegal
Sale & Purchase
Illegal
Penalties
Misdemeanor or felony weapons charges.
Age Restriction
N/A
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Arizona without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. Arizona has not had major recent changes to its open carry laws, as it has long been a constitutional carry state.
Open Carry Rules
Legal without permit for eligible adults
Permit Requirements
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Prohibited in certain locations (schools, courthouses, etc.).
Minimum Age
18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDPepper spray possession is generally legal in Arizona, but misuse can lead to assault or weapons misconduct charges. Sale to minors is prohibited.
Carrying
Legal for self-defense; no permit required but misuse can lead to assault or felony charges
Purchase
Sale prohibited to persons under 18
Penalties
Penalties vary from assault charges to felony if used in a crime
Age Restriction
18+ to purchase.
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Arizona. Arizona state law does not impose additional restrictions or bans on suppressors beyond federal law.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal NFA compliance.
Dealer Availability
Allowed with federal compliance; no state restrictions.
Penalties
N/A if compliant with federal law.
Age Restriction
None beyond federal requirements.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
RESTRICTEDSwitchblades are legal to possess and carry in Arizona for adults 21 and older. Persons under 21 may not carry a concealed switchblade.
Possession
Legal for persons 21 years or older; prohibited concealed carry for persons under 21
Sale & Purchase
Legal without restriction
Penalties
Class 4 felony for possession by prohibited persons
Age Restriction
18+
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDPossession of Tasers and stun guns is generally legal in Arizona, but the sale of remote stun guns is regulated and dealers must maintain sales records. Unlawful use can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal with dealer record-keeping requirements
Penalties
Petty offense for dealers failing to maintain records; misdemeanor or felony charges for unlawful use depending on severity
Age Restriction
18+