Connecticut Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)

Connecticut restricts body armor purchases to in-person transactions only. Under Connecticut General Statutes Section 53-341b, it is illegal to purchase body armor through remote means such as online, telephone, or mail order. All purchases must be made face-to-face. Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing body armor under both state and federal law.

Connecticut General Statutes § 53-206 prohibits possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles. They are classified as dangerous weapons and possession is a felony.

Butterfly knives with blades 4 inches or shorter are legal to carry in Connecticut. Carrying a butterfly knife with a blade longer than 4 inches is illegal and subject to felony charges.

Connecticut requires a permit to carry a concealed handgun under Connecticut General Statutes § 29-28. Permitless concealed carry is not allowed. Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria.

Flamethrowers are legal to own and use in Connecticut with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.

Nunchucks are legal to own and possess in Connecticut with no specific restrictions. No significant changes in recent years.

Open carry is legal in Connecticut but requires a valid permit or license. A significant change occurred on October 1, 2023, when a new law went into effect banning the open carrying of firearms in public.

Connecticut regulates pepper spray under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-3. Pepper spray devices must be purchased from licensed dealers and are restricted to persons 18 years or older. The maximum container size is limited, and use is restricted to self-defense only.

Suppressors are generally illegal for civilian possession in Connecticut under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-202c, which prohibits possession of silencers except for law enforcement and certain licensed individuals. Some limited exceptions exist for licensed manufacturers and dealers.

Connecticut prohibits switchblades under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-206d. Possession, sale, and manufacture are illegal except for law enforcement and military.

Tasers and stun guns are legal in Connecticut with restrictions such as permits, background checks, or age requirements. A 2021 law change allowed individuals 21 and older with a valid firearm credential to carry an electronic defense weapon.