Colorado Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Colorado. 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 Colorado for civilians without felony convictions. There have been no significant state-level legislative changes concerning body armor in Colorado in recent years.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Colorado has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. All NIJ levels are legal for civilian purchase.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. Colorado does not have a specific state-level enhanced sentencing provision for body armor worn during crimes, though it may be considered an aggravating factor at sentencing.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
RESTRICTEDColorado law (C.R.S. § 18-12-105) prohibits possession of brass knuckles with intent to use unlawfully. Possession alone is not illegal, but carrying concealed without a permit is prohibited.
Possession
Legal to possess, but illegal to carry concealed without a permit.
Sale & Purchase
No specific prohibition on sale.
Penalties
Class 2 misdemeanor for unlawful use or carrying concealed.
Age Restriction
None specified.
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Colorado with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant state-level changes, but local ordinances are becoming more common.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
Colorado does not allow permitless concealed carry statewide. Concealed carry requires a permit issued under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-203. Some local jurisdictions have additional restrictions.
Permitless Carry Rules
Concealed carry without a permit is illegal; permit required for concealed carry.
Permit Availability
Firearm sales regulated under federal and state laws; background checks required.
Penalties
Unlawful concealed carry can result in criminal penalties including misdemeanors.
Minimum Age
21 years or older for concealed carry permit
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Colorado 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
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in Colorado with no specific restrictions. No significant changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen Carry is legal in Colorado. Colorado is an open carry state, meaning you can openly carry a firearm in most public places. However, the City and County of Denver has a local ordinance (Denver Revised Municipal Code Section 38-117.5) that prohibits open carry of firearms, and this local ban was upheld as valid. Other municipalities may also have local restrictions. Colorado does require a concealed carry permit (CHP) for concealed carry, issued by county sheriffs.
Open Carry Rules
Legal for adults 18 and older to openly carry firearms in most of Colorado. No permit required for open carry at the state level. Denver prohibits open carry within city limits. Private property owners may prohibit firearms.
Permit Requirements
Legal to purchase firearms from licensed dealers (FFL) and through private sales. Background checks required for all firearm transfers including private sales under Colorado law.
Penalties
Open carrying in Denver is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $999 fine and/or up to 300 days in jail. Carrying in prohibited locations (schools, government buildings) is a separate offense.
Minimum Age
Must be 18 or older to open carry. Must be 21 to purchase handguns from licensed dealers (federal law). Must be 21 for concealed carry permit.
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDPepper Spray Restrictions are legal with restrictions in Colorado. There are no state restrictions on container size or concentration. Persons under 18 may not purchase pepper spray.
Carrying
Legal without permit.
Purchase
Sale restricted to persons 18 and older.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Colorado. Colorado does not have any state laws banning or restricting suppressors beyond federal requirements.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal NFA registration and tax stamp.
Dealer Availability
Allowed with federal compliance; no state restrictions.
Penalties
N/A if federal laws are followed.
Age Restriction
None beyond federal requirements.
Colorado does not prohibit switchblades or automatic knives. Possession, sale, and carry are legal for persons 18 and older under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-201.
Possession
Legal for persons 18 years or older.
Sale & Purchase
Legal without restriction.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasors and stun guns are legal for those 18 and older in Colorado, but using them unlawfully or in the commission of a crime is prohibited and punishable by misdemeanor or felony charges.
Ownership
Legal for those 18 and older
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
Class 2 misdemeanor for illegal use; felony if used during commission of another crime
Age Restriction
18+