Crime has been increasing throughout America. That’s why it’s becoming more and more necessary law-abiding citizens like you to be able to defend yourself when the time comes.
Legal Self Defense Weapons
The following self-defense weapons are legal on Idaho:
- Firearms
- Pepperspray
- Standard stun guns
- Some knives
- Tactical Pens
- Personal alarms
Idaho Gun Laws
Idaho is a very gun-friendly state. Residents age 18 and older and active military members may carry concealed. Since July 1, 2019, the minimum age for permitless concealed carry within cities is 18. This was a decrease from the previous (July 1, 2016—July 1, 2019) restriction of permitless concealed carry to Idahoans age 21 and older and active military members. Permitless carry will also be expanded to any weapon. Nonresidents still need a permit to carry concealed within city limits.
Can you carry a gun in a bar in Idaho?
State law doesn’t say you can’t carry a gun in a bar. However, it is illegal to carry a weapon of any kind while intoxicated.
Idaho Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine Law
Idaho 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
Idaho Stand Your Ground/Castle Doctrine Law
Related: Best Gun Safes for The Money
Pepper Spray is Legal to Carry in Idaho
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.
You may use or carry pepper spray anywhere in Idaho. It is a crime to use pepper spray offensively. In fact, Idaho has a law against chemical weapons that explicitly exempts pepper spray.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the possession or use of any individual self-defense device, including devices which contain pepper spray or chemical mace.
Idaho Anto Chemical Weapons Law
Related: Best Stun Guns & Pepper Sprays for Self Defense
Idaho Knife Laws
Idaho doesn’t ban knives for those over the age of 18. You may not have a knife concealed without a concealed weapons permit.
No person shall carry concealed weapons on or about his person without a license to carry concealed weapons, except:(a) In the person’s place of abode or fixed place of business;(b) On property in which the person has any ownership or leasehold interest;(c) On private property where the person has permission to carry concealed weapons from any person with an ownership or leasehold interest;(d) Outside the limits of or confines of any city, if the person is eighteen (18) years of age or older and is not otherwise disqualified from being issued a license under subsection (11) of this section.(4) Subsection (3) of this section shall not apply to restrict or prohibit the carrying or possession of:(a) Any deadly weapon located in plain view;(b) Any lawfully possessed shotgun or rifle;(c) Any deadly weapon concealed in a motor vehicle;(d) A firearm that is not loaded and is secured in a case;(e) A firearm that is disassembled or permanently altered such that it is not readily operable; and(f) Any deadly weapon concealed by a person who is:(i) Over eighteen (18) years of age;(ii) A resident of Idaho or a current member of the armed forces of the United States; and(iii) Is not disqualified from being issued a license under paragraphs (b) through (n) of subsection (11) of this section. [(a)]
Personal Alarms are Legal in Idaho
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 get a good personal alarm here.
Tactical Pens are Legal in Idaho
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 the Gem State.
A 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 J5 (eva tac) flashlight.
Useful Resources:
Best Left-Handed Concealed Carry Holsters