West Virginia Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of West Virginia. 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 West Virginia for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statute, W.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. West Virginia 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. West Virginia does not have specific state-level enhanced sentencing for body armor.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALWest Virginia prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles under W. Va. Code § 61-7-11. Brass knuckles are considered a deadly weapon and possession is illegal except for law enforcement.
Possession
Illegal to possess except law enforcement.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture.
Penalties
Misdemeanor; punishable by fines and imprisonment.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is prohibited).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in West Virginia 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
West Virginia allows permitless concealed carry for residents 21 and older under W. Va. Code § 61-7-4a. 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 W. Va. Code Chapter 61; private sales allowed without background checks.
Penalties
Unlawful carry is a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances.
Minimum Age
21 years or older for permitless concealed carry.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. West Virginia became a constitutional carry state in 2016, 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
RESTRICTEDWest Virginia permits possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense without restrictions on container size or concentration under W. Va. Code § 61-7-2. No permit or license is required to carry or possess pepper spray.
Carrying
Legal to possess and carry without a permit.
Purchase
No restrictions on sale.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in West Virginia. State law does not restrict suppressors beyond federal regulations, allowing possession and sale 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
RESTRICTEDWest Virginia law restricts switchblades under W. Va. Code § 61-7-11. Switchblades with blades longer than 3 inches are illegal to carry concealed but legal to possess and sell. Open carry is allowed.
Possession
Legal to possess switchblades.
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase switchblades.
Penalties
Concealed carry of illegal knives is a misdemeanor.
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers and stun guns are legal in West Virginia with restrictions such as permits, background checks, or age requirements. 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 with permit or restrictions
Purchase
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Violations may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18-21 depending on jurisdiction