Indiana Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Indiana. 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 Indiana for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statute, IC 35-47-5-13, have occurred in the 2023-2026 period.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Indiana has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. All types and 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. Indiana Code § 35-47-5-13 provides that wearing body armor while committing a felony is a separate Level 6 felony (6 months to 2.5 years).
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALIndiana law prohibits possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles under Indiana Code §35-47-5-2. Brass knuckles are classified as deadly weapons and are illegal for civilians.
Possession
Illegal to possess without lawful authority.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or transfer.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances.
Age Restriction
None (possession prohibited).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Indiana with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
Indiana allows permitless concealed carry for residents 18 and older who can legally possess a handgun. Indiana Code §35-47-2-1.1 permits carrying a handgun without a license.
Permitless Carry Rules
Permitless concealed carry allowed for legal possessors 18+.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated with background checks for licensed dealers.
Penalties
N/A for lawful carry; prohibited persons face penalties under Indiana Code §35-47-4-5.
Minimum Age
18 years old for permitless carry.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Indiana 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 Indiana with no specific restrictions. Indiana law does not restrict the possession or carry of nunchucks.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Indiana without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. In 2022, Indiana repealed its handgun permit requirement, making it a constitutional carry state for both open and concealed carry.
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
RESTRICTEDIndiana allows possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense without special restrictions under Indiana Code Title 35, Article 47. There are no state-imposed size or concentration limits.
Carrying
Legal for all adults; no restrictions on carrying or use for self-defense.
Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase without special licensing.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None specified.
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Indiana. Indiana Code does not prohibit silencers, and they may be used for hunting as per IC 14-22-9-3.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal NFA registration and tax stamp.
Dealer Availability
Legal to sell with federal compliance.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None beyond federal requirements.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
RESTRICTEDIndiana law (IC 35-47-5-2) prohibits the possession, sale, and manufacture of switchblade knives with blades over 3 inches. Switchblades with shorter blades may be legal. Exceptions exist for law enforcement.
Possession
Illegal to possess switchblades with blades longer than 3 inches.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell switchblades with blades longer than 3 inches.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor for violations.
Age Restriction
None specified.
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Indiana. No significant legislative changes since the current laws on stun gun possession and sale were enacted.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+