Georgia Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)

Body armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in Georgia for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statute, § 16-11-160, have occurred in the 2023-2026 period.

Georgia Code § 16-11-121 prohibits possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles. They are classified as a weapon and illegal for civilians to possess.

Butterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Georgia with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.

Georgia allows permitless concealed carry for residents and non-residents 21 or older who are legally allowed to possess firearms. This is authorized under Georgia Code § 16-11-126.

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

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

Open carry is legal in Georgia but requires a valid permit or license. In 2022, Georgia enacted a permitless carry law, which significantly changed the state's open carry landscape by removing the permit requirement for lawful weapons carriers.

Pepper Spray Restrictions are legal with restrictions in Georgia. There are no state restrictions on container size or concentration. Persons under 18 may not purchase pepper spray.

Suppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Georgia. Georgia does not have any state laws banning or restricting suppressors beyond federal requirements.

Georgia prohibits switchblades under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-121. Possession, sale, and manufacture are illegal except for law enforcement and military personnel.

Tasers and stun guns are legal to carry in Georgia for those over 18, including on college campuses, but using them in the commission of a crime is a felony. Carrying on school property without a license is a misdemeanor.