Maine Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)

Body armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in Maine for civilians without felony convictions. There have been no significant state-level legislative changes concerning body armor in Maine in recent years.

Maine law restricts brass knuckles under 17-A M.R.S. §2(9)(D) as a dangerous weapon. Possession is legal but carrying concealed without a permit is permitted.

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

Maine allows permitless concealed carry for residents 21 and older under 25 M.R.S. §2003-A. No permit is required to carry concealed firearms.

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

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

Open carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Maine without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. Maine became a constitutional carry state in 2015, which was the last major change to its carry laws.

Maine permits possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense without restrictions under 17-A M.R.S. §1051. There are no size or concentration limits specified by law.

Suppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Maine. Maine is one of 42 states that allow civilian ownership of suppressors. There are no state-level restrictions beyond federal requirements. Under federal law, suppressors are regulated as NFA (National Firearms Act) items and require a $200 tax stamp, ATF Form 4 approval, and a background check through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Maine also allows the use of suppressors while hunting, which is permitted under Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife regulations.

Maine law does not specifically prohibit switchblade knives. There are no state statutes banning possession or sale of switchblades, making them generally legal.

Tasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Maine. No significant legislative changes since the criminal use of an electronic weapon statute was enacted.