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

RESTRICTED

Body 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+

Arizona 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 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 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

ILLEGAL

Nunchucks 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

RESTRICTED

Open 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 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 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 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+

Possession 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+