Mississippi Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)

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

Mississippi law prohibits the possession, sale, and manufacture of brass knuckles under Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1. They are considered a prohibited weapon and possession is unlawful except for law enforcement.

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

Mississippi allows permitless concealed carry for residents 21 and older under Mississippi Code § 45-9-101. No permit is required to carry a concealed handgun if the person is legally allowed to possess a firearm.

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

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

Open carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Mississippi without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. Mississippi became a full constitutional carry state in 2016, which was the last major change to its carry laws.

Mississippi law permits the possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense without restrictions on size or concentration. There are no special licensing or registration requirements under Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1.

Suppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Mississippi. Mississippi state law does not prohibit suppressors and does not impose additional restrictions.

Mississippi law does not specifically prohibit the possession, sale, or carry of switchblade or automatic knives. There are no state statutes restricting switchblades, making them generally legal to own and carry.

Tasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Mississippi. Recent legislative sessions have seen bills introduced to both restrict and regulate the use of tasers and stun guns by law enforcement, indicating an ongoing debate on the topic.