Kansas Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Kansas. 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 Kansas for civilians without felony convictions. No significant state-level legislative changes have occurred in recent years.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Kansas has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. All types and levels are legal.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. Kansas does not have specific state-level enhanced sentencing for body armor, though it may be considered at sentencing.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
RESTRICTEDKansas law prohibits possession of brass knuckles under K.S.A. 21-6301 as a dangerous weapon. However, possession in the home or on private property may be allowed. Carrying concealed brass knuckles is illegal.
Possession
Illegal to carry concealed; possession on private property generally allowed.
Sale & Purchase
Sale is legal with no specific restrictions.
Penalties
Misdemeanor charges for illegal carry.
Age Restriction
None specified
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Kansas with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes since the 2013 repeal of restrictions.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
Kansas allows permitless concealed carry for residents 21 and older. Kansas Statutes Annotated §75-7c10 permits carrying a concealed handgun without a license.
Permitless Carry Rules
Permitless concealed carry allowed for those 21+ legally allowed to possess firearms.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated with background checks for licensed dealers.
Penalties
N/A for lawful carry; penalties apply for prohibited persons under K.S.A. §21-6309.
Minimum Age
21 years old for permitless carry.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Kansas 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 Kansas 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 of firearms is legal with restrictions in Kansas without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. In 2021, Kansas expanded its permitless carry law to include individuals aged 18-20, lowering the age from 21.
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
RESTRICTEDKansas law permits possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense without restrictions under K.S.A. 21-6301. There are no size or concentration limits imposed by statute.
Carrying
Legal for adults; no restrictions on carrying or use.
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 Kansas. Possession and use are legal with federal NFA compliance. Kansas Statutes Annotated do not list silencers as prohibited weapons.
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.
Kansas law does not specifically prohibit switchblade knives. Under K.S.A. 21-6301, switchblades are not listed as prohibited weapons, so possession and sale are generally legal.
Possession
Legal to possess switchblades.
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase switchblades.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers and stun guns are legal to own and carry for self-defense by those 18 and older in Kansas. Concealed carry requires a license, and unlawful use or carrying concealed without a license is penalized.
Ownership
Legal with restrictions
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
Class A nonperson misdemeanor for unlawful use; severity level 8 nonperson felony for second or subsequent conviction
Age Restriction
18+