Wisconsin Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statute, § 941.291, have occurred in the 2023-2026 period.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Wisconsin 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. Wisconsin Statute § 941.291 provides that wearing body armor during the commission of a felony is a Class H felony (up to 6 years), consecutive to the underlying sentence.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALWisconsin law prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles under Wis. Stat. § 941.24. Brass knuckles are classified as a dangerous weapon and possession is illegal except for law enforcement.
Possession
Illegal to possess except law enforcement.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor; punishable by fines and imprisonment up to 9 months.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is prohibited).
Butterfly Knives
RESTRICTEDButterfly knives are legal to possess in Wisconsin, but concealed carry is generally prohibited. The most significant recent change was the 2016 law that legalized the possession and carry of butterfly knives.
Possession
Legal to own at home
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell
Penalties
Carrying concealed may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18+
Wisconsin requires a concealed carry license under Wis. Stat. § 175.60. Permitless concealed carry is not legal, but open carry is allowed without a permit.
Permitless Carry Rules
Concealed carry requires a license; open carry allowed without a permit.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated under Wis. Stat. Chapter 175; private sales allowed without background checks.
Penalties
Carrying concealed without a license is a misdemeanor.
Minimum Age
21 years or older to obtain concealed carry license.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. There have been no major recent changes to Wisconsin's open 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
RESTRICTEDWisconsin allows possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense but limits container size to 2 ounces or less under Wis. Stat. § 941.26. Sale to minors under 18 is prohibited, and misuse can lead to criminal penalties.
Carrying
Legal if container is 2 ounces or less; no permit required.
Purchase
Sale to persons under 18 prohibited.
Penalties
Misuse or possession of larger containers can result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18+ to purchase
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Wisconsin. Wisconsin law does not impose additional restrictions on suppressors beyond federal requirements.
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
RESTRICTEDSwitchblades are legal to possess in Wisconsin. Stat. § 941.24. 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
Carrying illegal knives concealed is a misdemeanor.
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers and stun guns are legal in Wisconsin with restrictions such as permits, background checks, or age requirements. No significant legislative changes since the law requiring a concealed carry license for carrying stun guns was enacted.
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