New Hampshire Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statute, RSA 650-B:2, have occurred in the 2023-2026 period.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. New Hampshire 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. New Hampshire does not have specific state-level enhanced sentencing for body armor.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALNew Hampshire prohibits the possession, sale, and manufacture of brass knuckles under RSA 159:3. They are classified as prohibited weapons except for law enforcement or military personnel.
Possession
Illegal to possess except for authorized persons.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture.
Penalties
Class B misdemeanor punishable by fines and/or imprisonment up to 6 months.
Age Restriction
None (possession is prohibited regardless of age).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in New Hampshire 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
New Hampshire allows permitless concealed carry for residents 18 and older under RSA 159:6. No permit is required to carry a concealed firearm if the person is legally allowed to possess one.
Permitless Carry Rules
Legal to carry concealed without a permit if 18 or older and not prohibited.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated under state and federal law; background checks required for licensed dealers.
Penalties
N/A for lawful permitless carry; penalties apply for prohibited persons carrying firearms.
Minimum Age
18 years old minimum for permitless carry.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. New Hampshire became a constitutional carry state in 2017, which was the last major change to its carry laws.
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
RESTRICTEDNew Hampshire allows possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense without restrictions on container size or concentration. No permit or registration is required under RSA 159:21.
Carrying
Legal for all adults; no permit required.
Purchase
No special restrictions on sale or purchase.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18 years old minimum.
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in New Hampshire. State law does not restrict suppressors beyond federal regulations.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal NFA registration and tax stamp.
Dealer Availability
Legal with federal compliance.
Penalties
N/A if federally compliant; felony charges for illegal possession.
Age Restriction
21 years or older federally required.
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
RESTRICTEDNew Hampshire RSA 159:3 prohibits the possession and sale of switchblade knives with blades longer than 1.5 inches. Automatic knives with blades shorter than 1.5 inches are legal. The law restricts larger switchblades but allows smaller automatic knives.
Possession
Illegal to possess switchblades with blades longer than 1.5 inches.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell switchblades with blades longer than 1.5 inches.
Penalties
Misdemeanor punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
Age Restriction
None specified.
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in New Hampshire. A recent bill, HB609, was introduced to further solidify the state's authority over the regulation of stun guns and other weapons.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+