Legal Self Defense Weapons in Alaska 2020

Alaska has many dangers from bears to bad people. It is becoming more and more necessary for good law-abiding citizens like you to protect yourself. That’s why I’ve written this article to help you know what’s legal and what’s not to protect yourself in Alaska.

Legal Self Defense Weapons in Alaska

Firearms
Pepperspray
Standard stun guns
Knives
Tactical Pens
Personal alarms

Is it Legal to Carry a Gun in Alaska?

Like Vermont, Alaska does not require a permit to carry a firearm either openly or concealed. You don’t need to register a firearm and there’s no assault weapons ban in Alaska so long as you’re over the age of 21.

Alaska Statute 11.61.220

Are Automatic Weapons Illegal in Alaska?

Yes, without a federal permit fully automatic rifles are illegal in the state of Alaska. In addition, sawed-off shotguns and rifles are banned.(source)

How to Protect Yourself from Bears in Alaska?

Bears are beautiful creates who just want to be left alone to their own concerns. Most bear attacks could’ve been prevented with some common sense tactics.

Never startle a bear. When you are walking make noise so it knows you’re coming.
Never approach a bear.
If you see a bear just stand still and avoid eye contact (this could be perceived as a challenge)
Be prepared. In the rare instance that you do need to defend yourself a fair fight wouldn’t turn out well for you. Having a can of bear spray with you as a last resort is always a good idea.

Alaska Law on Protecting Your Property

Alaska is a stand your ground and castle doctrine state.

This means that are you allowed to use up to deadly force to defend yourself, someone else, or your property and there is no duty to retreat. It’s important to note that you absolutely could not have started the altercation to be covered under this protection. In other words, you couldn’t have intentionally shoved someone and then shoot him when he shoves you back.

Some situations where deadly force is allowed:

If you believe someone is about to use unlawful deadly force;
If you believe that a burglar is about to use physical force;
If someone is about to rape, kidnap, assault, or rob you.
When a person attempts to unlawfully enter a home or vehicle, or attempts to remove a person from such in order to occupy it.
When someone attempts to injure another person

Alaska Stand Your Ground/Castle Doctrine Law

Alaska Trespassing Laws

You must have a sign that says no trespassing that is resonaibly visible.

Alaska state laws for no trespassing are laid out in Alaska Statute Title 11 Chapter 46 Section 350, or AS 11.46.350. The sign is considered reasonable if:

Legible in English
It is at least 144 square inches in size
Contains name and address of both the person whose authority is posting the sign and the one that can grant permission to enter
Is placed at all known access points to the property
If an island, posted at each cardinal point of the island
States specific prohibitions such as no digging, hunting, fishing, trespassing, etc.

Is Pepper Spray Legal in Alaska?

Pepper spray (also known as capsaicin spray) is a lachrymatory agent (a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause a burning sensation, pain, and temporary blindness) used in policing, riot control, crowd control, and self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears. Its inflammatory effects cause the eyes to close, taking away vision.

This temporary blindness allows officers to more easily restrain subjects and permits people in danger to use pepper spray in self-defense for an opportunity to escape. It also causes temporary discomfort and burning of the lungs which causes shortness of breath.

Pepper spray is legal to use in Alaska for self-defense. You can look up the law here.

Stun Guns are Legal in Alaska

A stun gun is an incapacitating weapon. It delivers an electric shock aimed at temporarily disrupting muscle functions and/or inflicting pain without causing significant injury.

Many types of these devices exist. Stun guns, batons (or prods), and belts administer an electric shock by direct contact, whereas Tasers (conducted electrical weapons) fire projectiles that administer the shock through thin flexible wires. Long-range electroshock projectiles, which can be fired from ordinary shotguns and do not need the wires, have also been developed.

Stun guns are tasers are considered legal to use in Alaska for self-defense purposes.(source)

Tactical Pens are Legal in Alaska

A tactical pen is essentially a hidden self-defense tool. What better way to hide a defense weapon other than in plain sight. It can be used for writing, stopping someone by causing a minor wound, breaking things and even breaking glass if you use it well.

The tactical pens were created for people who don’t want to use a gun for self-defense and wish to have some useful things that can potentially become a weapon. You can get the Ape Survival Multi-Use Tactical pen for free here. It’s a screw diver, hexa-wrench, flashlight, and glass breaker, and yes it actually writes. And of course, it’s legal in Alaska.