Tennessee Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Tennessee. 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 Tennessee for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statute, T.C.A.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Tennessee has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. All types and levels are legal for civilian purchase.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. Tennessee Code § 39-17-1323 provides that wearing body armor during the commission of a dangerous felony is a Class E felony (1-6 years), consecutive to the underlying sentence.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALTennessee law prohibits the possession, sale, or carrying of brass knuckles. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1307, brass knuckles are considered a deadly weapon and are illegal to carry or possess except by law enforcement.
Possession
Illegal to possess or carry except law enforcement.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or purchase.
Penalties
Class E felony for possession or sale; punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is prohibited).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Tennessee 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
Tennessee permits permitless concealed carry for residents 21 and older as of July 1, 2021, under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351. Nonresidents must have a valid permit from their home state.
Permitless Carry Rules
Residents 21+ may carry concealed without a permit; must not be prohibited from possessing firearms.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated under Tenn. Code Ann. Title 39; private sales allowed without background checks.
Penalties
Unlawful carry is a Class A misdemeanor or felony if other crimes are involved.
Minimum Age
21 years or older for permitless concealed carry.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. Tennessee became a constitutional carry state in 2021, 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
RESTRICTEDTennessee law permits the possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1307, there are no restrictions on concentration or container size, and no permit is required to carry pepper spray.
Carrying
Legal to possess and carry without a permit.
Purchase
No restrictions on sale; available to the public.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Tennessee. Tennessee law does not restrict suppressors beyond federal law, and they may be possessed and sold legally with proper federal paperwork.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal NFA registration and tax stamp.
Dealer Availability
Legal with federal compliance; no additional state restrictions.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
RESTRICTEDTennessee law restricts switchblades under its knife laws. Switchblades with blades longer than 4 inches are illegal to carry, but possession and sale are generally allowed. The relevant statute is Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1307.
Possession
Possession is legal; carrying switchblades with blades over 4 inches is prohibited.
Sale & Purchase
Sale is generally legal; no specific restrictions on sale found.
Penalties
Carrying illegal knives can result in misdemeanor charges with fines and possible jail time.
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Tennessee. A 2024 law clarified that it is not a violation for a person over 18 to carry a self-defense weapon like a TASER on a college campus.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+