Many people want to know what are some legal self-defense weapons in California. These are the weapons that are legal and illegal for self-defense in the state.
Related: No, The Cops Don’t Have to Protect You-Sorry
What Self Defense Weapons are Legal in California?
In California, guns are technically legal but very hard to get a concealed permit for. Knives are legal, as are stun guns, tactical pens, and tasers. Batons and brass knuckles are illegal to possess in California.
California Law on Guns
California has very strict laws on gun control but the good news for the second amendment is that a federal court of appeals has ruled that open carrying of guns is protected under the 2nd amendment.
“We do not take lightly the problem of gun violence, which the State of Hawaii ‘has understandably sought to fight,'” Judge Diarmuid O’Scannlain wrote. “But, for better or for worse, the Second Amendment does protect a right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense.”
Related: California Gun Law Questions
Non-Lethal Legal Self Defense Weapons in California
Most non-lethal self-defense weapons are legal in California so long as they are used in good faith.
California Pepper Spray Laws
Pepper spray is absolutely legal to carry in California. Pepper spray is also useful as it can repel not just humans but vicious dogs or any other animal as well. The only time you’ll run into trouble in California with pepper spray is if it’s used offensively.
Pepper spray is also useful as it can repel not just humans but vicious dogs or any other animal as well. Pepper spray launcher (see below) is legal in California.
Pepperball Gun
Pepperball guns are just what they sound like, guns that launch pepper projectiles. They are increasing in popularity because you can neutralize an assailant from over 60 feet away. They’re also a good non-lethal way to neutralize an attacker. The major downside to them in that a single gun can run you over $200. However, when you compare that to the cost a good handle pistol it’s not that bad. You can check out the specs of the gun listed in the photo here.
Related: 10 Awesome Self Defense Gadgets
Here is the legal jargon on pepper spray:
“Penal Code Title 2: Control of Deadly Weapons Chapter 4: Tear Gas Weapons Article 1: General Provisions Section 12403.7
Notwithstanding any other law, any person may purchase, possess, or use tear gas and tear gas weapons for the projection or release of tear gas if the tear gas and tear gas weapons are used solely for self-defense purposes, subject to the following requirements:
(a) No person convicted of a felony or any crime involving an assault under the laws of the United States, the State of California, or any other state, government, or country or convicted of misuse of tear gas under subdivision (g) shall purchase, possess, or use tear gas or tear gas weapons.
(b) No person who is addicted to any narcotic drug shall purchase, possess, or use tear gas or tear gas weapons.
(c) No person shall sell or furnish any tear gas or tear gas weapon to a minor.
(d) No person who is a minor shall purchase, possess, or use tear gas or tear gas weapons.
(e) (1) No person shall purchase, possess, or use any tear gas weapon that expels a projectile, or that expels the tear gas by any method other than an aerosol spray, or that contains more than 2.5 ounces net weight of aerosol spray.”
Stun Guns Are Legal in California
Residents in California are allowed to carry stun guns so long as they don’t have a prior conviction for improper use of a stun gun. You also can’t be under 16 or have a felony conviction.
Stun guns are good self-defense weapons to have. I bought my mother one for Christmas last year and she takes it on her walks in the morning. The most important thing is to make sure you have a stun gun that is on your person and ready to go in a split second. There are pink keychains and pepper spray combos you can take a look at to see if they would be a good fit for you.
Check out my article on Best Tasers for Self Defense
Personal Alarms
When you think of a self-defense weapon an alarm may not be the first thing that comes to mind but believe me a personal alarm is one of the best self-defense weapons that you can have! This isn’t an ordinary alarm.
A personal alarm is more produces a sound of more than 100 decibels. That’s louder than a jackhammer! Trust me when I say it’s shrill and loud. You wouldn’t want this alarm sounding in your ear. Also, causing a scene by making a lot of noise is a great tool to defend yourself against any surprise attack whether it be a mugger or purse snatcher. You can buy a personal siren here.
And yes, of course, an alarm is perfectly legal in the State of California.
Batons Are Illegal in California
How about kubatons? Are kubatons legal in California? In general, batons are not legal for regular citizens to have in California.
Except as provided in Section 22215 and Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 17700) of Division 2 of Title 2, any person in this state who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, or possesses any leaded cane, or any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a billy, blackjack, sandbag, sandclub, sap, or slungshot, is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170.
California Penal Code22210
Related: Best Self Defense Weapons to Keep in Your Car
It would stand to reason that a kubaton would fall under that statute. Check out my article on the legality of kubatons in California. That’s why instead of a baton why not have a flashlight? T
hat’s why if you are interested in a baton you should use a flashlight baton as it is a flashlight first and foremost. People have used those big Maglites for years but modern flashlight batons are extremely more advanced. First, they are LED which gives out more light for less power and second they are extendable for easy storage.
California Knife Laws
The California penal code defines several different types of knives each having their own special rules, however, a general rule is that most ‘exotic’ knives are illegal for the average citizen to carry in California.
California defines folding knives as knives that “opens with one hand utilizing thumb pressure applied solely to the blade of the knife or a thumb stud attached to the blade, provided that the knife has a detent or other mechanism that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade, or that biases the blade back toward its closed position” .
In short, all folding knives are legal in California. California Penal Code Section 17235. As long as they are in the folded position they can be carried in a concealed manner. There is no blade length restriction per the penal code.
A great folding knife would be a rescue card knife. It fits into your wallet so you’ll always have it with you in case of an emergency.
The following knives are illegal in California (source):
- Ballistic knives
- Belt buckle knives
- Lipstick case knives
- Cane swords
- Air gauge knives
- Writing pen knives
Are Spears Legal in California?
Yes, there is no statewide ban on spears in California. There is a list of prohibited knives in California that I listed above. Spears are not on that list. However, spears are not allowed in state parks and neither are bows and arrows.
(a) No person shall carry, possess or discharge across, in or into any portion of any unit any weapon, firearm, spear, bow and arrow, trap, net, or device capable of injuring, or killing any person or animal, or capturing any animal, or damaging any public or private property, except in underwater parks or designated archery ranges where the Department of Parks and Recreation finds that it is in its best interests.
Are Tactical Pens Legal in California?
No, Penal Code 20910 PC explicitly prohibits writing pen knives. The punishment for owning one could be up to a year in jail.
A Tactical Flashlight
I’m sure we’ve all seen those huge mag lights that the cops use. Trust me, those are a really effective weapon and do a lot of damage. However, their size makes them impractical for most people to carry around with them. That’s why there’s a better alternative. A mini tactical flashlight.
A mini tactical flashlight has a strobe function to temporarily blind an attacker and a beveled edge to give you a leg up should you ever need to engage in hand-to-hand combat. Here’s my review of the EvaTac flashlight.
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