South Dakota Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)

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

In South Dakota, brass knuckles are classified as a dangerous weapon and are illegal to possess or carry. Under SDCL § 22-14-9, possession or sale of brass knuckles is prohibited except for law enforcement or military use.

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

South Dakota allows permitless concealed carry for residents 21 years or older under SDCL § 23-7-7.5. 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 South Dakota with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.

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

Open carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in South Dakota without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. South Dakota became a constitutional carry state in 2019, which was the last major change to its carry laws.

In South Dakota, pepper spray is legal for self-defense purposes. There are no specific restrictions on concentration or container size under SDCL § 22-14-9, and no licensing is required to possess or carry pepper spray.

Suppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in South Dakota. South Dakota law does not prohibit suppressors, and there are no additional state restrictions beyond federal law (18 U.S.C. Chapter 53).

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

Stun guns are legal to possess and carry for self-defense by those 18 and older without a permit, but TASERs are classified as firearms and require a concealed carry permit to carry concealed. Use is governed by general self-defense laws.