Pennsylvania Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statute, 18 Pa.C.S.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required for non-felons. Pennsylvania 18 Pa.C.S. § 907.1 prohibits possession of body armor by anyone convicted of a crime of violence.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online to non-felons. No specific age restrictions.
Penalties
Felon possession of body armor: third-degree felony (up to 7 years). Wearing body armor during commission of a felony of the first or second degree: mandatory minimum additional sentence of 2 years, consecutive to the underlying offense.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALPennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 908 prohibits possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles. They are considered a prohibited offensive weapon.
Possession
Illegal to possess.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture.
Penalties
Misdemeanor punishable by fines and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Age Restriction
None (possession prohibited regardless of age).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Pennsylvania 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
Pennsylvania allows permitless concealed carry for residents 21 and older effective May 2023 under Act 192 of 2022. Non-residents still require a license. Certain locations remain off-limits.
Permitless Carry Rules
Residents 21+ may carry concealed without a license; non-residents must have a valid license.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated under federal and state law; no special restrictions related to constitutional carry.
Penalties
Violations of restricted areas or carrying by prohibited persons can lead to criminal charges.
Minimum Age
21 years old
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 is legal with restrictions in Pennsylvania without a permit in most of the state. Pennsylvania is an open carry state for adults 18 and older. However, a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) is required to open carry in Philadelphia — this is the only city in Pennsylvania with this restriction. Elsewhere in the state, open carry of a loaded firearm is legal without any permit.
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
RESTRICTEDPennsylvania restricts pepper spray to self-defense sprays containing no more than 10% oleoresin capsicum. Possession is legal for persons 18 years or older. Sale is regulated and only permitted by licensed dealers. Use of pepper spray for offensive purposes is prohibited under 18 Pa.C.S. § 908.
Carrying
Legal if spray contains no more than 10% OC and purchaser is 18+.
Purchase
Sale only by licensed dealers; purchaser must be 18 or older.
Penalties
Illegal use or possession can result in misdemeanor charges under 18 Pa.C.S. § 908.
Age Restriction
18 years old
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania law does not restrict suppressors beyond federal law.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal registration and tax stamp under the NFA.
Dealer Availability
Sales must comply with federal NFA requirements; no state restrictions.
Penalties
N/A if federal requirements are met; otherwise federal penalties apply.
Age Restriction
None beyond federal requirements (21+ for NFA items).
Pennsylvania repealed its ban on possession and carry of switchblades in 2023. Switchblades are legal to own and carry, openly or concealed. However, sale and repair of switchblades remain illegal.
Possession
Legal to possess and carry switchblades openly or concealed.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or repair switchblades.
Penalties
Misdemeanor of the first degree for sale or repair.
Age Restriction
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Pennsylvania. No significant legislative changes since the law was amended to allow for the possession of stun guns for self-defense.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+