Colorado Laws on Self-Defense Weapons: Know What's Legal

The violent crime rate in Colorado is way higher than national average, 493 per 100,000 vs the national average of 381.  The fact that it is 30% higher in Colorado is indeed concerning for its residents. It thus helps to know that, self-defense tools like stun guns, pepper spray, and certain knives are legal to own and carry—if used the right way.

This guide explains clearly which weapons you can legally use in Colorado, what laws apply, and how to stay within your rights. Read on to learn how you can defend yourself safely and legally.

Key Takeaways

• In Colorado, adults can legally own guns, stun guns, pepper spray, and certain knives for personal protection.

• "Stand Your Ground" law lets you protect yourself without needing to escape first.

• "Make My Day" law allows force against intruders entering your home.

• Regular training matters—attend classes, practice often, and get comfortable with your self-defense gear.

• Always match your level of force to the actual threat—going too far could land you in legal trouble.

What Self-Defense Weapons Are Legal in Colorado?

Colorado allows many options for self-defense. You need to know which weapons are legal before you carry or use them.

Firearms

Adults (at least 21 years of age) in Colorado can legally own and carry firearms for self-defense. Handguns, rifles, and shotguns are allowed—just get the right permit. The state uses a "shall issue" system for concealed carry: if you meet the requirements, officials must grant your permit.

Keeping guns at home or carrying openly usually doesn't need permits. Your Second Amendment right to bear arms is supported by the Supreme Court ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller .

The right of self-defense is the first law of nature. - St. George Tucker

Prior to purchasing a firearm from a licensed vendor , you will be required to undergo a background check. Some individuals are not legally permitted to own firearms — like convicted felons, domestic violence abusers , or those with certain mental illnesses .

Law-abiding gun owners generally attend safety courses and practice frequently at firing ranges. They also stay informed about deadly force laws and know exactly when using a weapon for protection is legal.

Stun Guns and Tasers

Stun guns and tasers are legal in Colorado for adults 18 years and older. These weapons release electric shocks— anywhere from 100,000 up to 4.5 million volts—to rapidly de-escalate threats.

Blingsting's high-voltage stun gun

You don't require a special permit or background check to buy one. But the law is clear, these aren't toys... misuse can bring serious charges. If someone uses a stun gun to commit a crime, it's a Class 5 felony in Colorado under CRS 18-12-106.5 .

People across the state freely buy, carry, and sell these devices as a safer alternative for personal protection. Colorado's "Stand Your Ground" law might cover you if you use one in real self-defense.

Still, courts expect you to apply reasonable force based on the actual threat. Smart folks take simple safety trainings—just to stay responsible and informed.

Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is legal to carry in Colorado—no license or background check required. You can even carry it hidden without needing a permit as long as you are at least 18 with no felony or assault convictions, which makes it a simple choice for safety. 

Many folks prefer pepper spray as a handy, non-lethal solution—it's easy to carry, quick to use, and effective in tricky moments.

The effects stick around for about 30 to 45 minutes, giving plenty of time to get out of danger.

Blingsting's pepper spray

Most stores, though, won't sell it to anyone under 18, or to people with felony or assault convictions.  Colorado's POWPO law (CRS 18-12-108) prohibits pepper spray use for those convicted of serious crimes like murder, robbery, or domestic violence. 

Next up, we'll check out knives and other sharp tools that Colorado lets you use for protection.

Knives and Bladed Tools

Now let's talk knives—Colorado has strict rules about blades. You can own and carry a folding pocket knife, as long as the blade stays under 3.5 inches. Hunting knives are fine too, just stick to actual hunting activities.

But be careful—switchblades, gravity knives, and ballistic knives are definitely off-limits in most situations. Colorado state laws ban these automatic knives pretty clearly. Fixed blades, like daggers, must stay visible—not hidden or tucked away.

Concealed blades cause bigger legal trouble than knives you carry openly. On top of that, city laws can be even tougher than state rules. Denver, for example , is more restrictive and has more stringent blade length limits .

Always verify local laws first, particularly if you want to carry a knife for defense purposes .

Key Self-Defense Laws in Colorado

Colorado has strong laws that protect your right to defend yourself, your loved ones, and your home from threats - learn the exact rules that could save your life and keep you on the right side of the law.

Stand Your Ground Law

The Stand Your Ground Law in Colorado lets you protect yourself without even attempting to get away . In essence , when someone threatens you , you 're allowed by law to use force—even lethal force—to defend yourself.

There is no need to attempt to escape first before defending yourself . And this isn't limited to the home—it's lawful to do so wherever you are permitted to be, such as parks, stores, sidewalks, and public areas.

This differs from the Make My Day Law, which only applies within your own home. But to use Stand Your Ground, you must clearly show you had actual fear of being harmed.

Good training on force use and identifying threats can really help ensure you stay on the right side of the law—while still keeping safe.

Make My Day Law

In contrast to Stand Your Ground laws, Colorado follows what's known as the "Make My Day Law". The name comes straight from Clint Eastwood's famous movie line. Basically, this gives homeowners strong protection to defend their homes.

If someone breaks in, and you think they might hurt you or someone else inside, you have the right to use force—even deadly force. Unlike some states, you don't need to escape first.

The important thing here is location. This rule only applies inside your actual home—not your yard or car.

To decide if this law is valid, courts ask two main questions. First, did the person enter your home without permission?

Second, did you feel threatened or believe they could harm someone inside? If yes for both, then the law supports your right to act.

It protects from criminal charges and civil lawsuits, even if the intruder dies or gets badly hurt.

It's a straightforward rule, giving Colorado residents a clear right to defend themselves at home.

Responsible Ownership and Usage

Owning self-defense tools means you must learn how to use them safely and know the exact laws that apply - read on to find out how proper training keeps you and others safe while staying on the right side of Colorado law.

Proper Training and Handling

Staying safe with your self-defense tool means getting trained right. Knowing how to handle it properly keeps you and others out of harm's way. Here are some quick, easy points to follow:

1. Sign up for a basic safety class matching your defense tool. Gun stores often have simple lessons on pepper sprays, stun guns, and handguns.

2. Practice regularly in a safe area before you actually need your tool—that helps your body remember what to do in stressful moments.

3. Know the correct grip and stance for your device; improper use can make it risky or useless.

4. Keep your tools locked up and away from kids, following Colorado's rules. A secure case or safe usually does the job.

5. Check and clean your device often; dirt or damage can cause it to fail in emergencies.

6. Know exactly how your tool functions and what it can't do. Pepper spray has a limited reach, and stun guns need to make close contact.

7. Always follow the safety basics for your chosen weapon. Never aim firearms at anything unless you're ready to shoot.

8. Obtain the right legal permit if your defense tool needs one; weapon rules in Colorado can vary a lot.

9. Study Colorado laws on lawful defense. The state's "Stand Your Ground" rules only let you respond to clear and present threats.

10. Join a local self-defense or weapons safety group. Members often swap helpful tips and news on law changes.

Understanding Legal Boundaries

Legal self-defense in Colorado has specific rules—knowing them keeps you safe and legal:

1. Match force with threat—you can only use enough force to protect yourself from immediate harm.

2. Use stun guns only if threatened physically right then and there—using one without a real threat gets you in trouble.

3. Misusing a stun gun during any crime violates Colorado law CRS 18-12-106.5. It counts as a Class 5 felony charge.

4. Illegal stun gun use means facing 1 to 3 years in prison, fines up to $100,000, plus 2 years mandatory parole.

5. The castle doctrine lets you defend your home—but you can't use deadly force against someone who poses no real threat.

6. Colorado has a "Stand Your Ground" rule—you aren't required to flee first. You can defend yourself wherever you're legally allowed.

7. Self-defense actions have to pass what's called the "reasonable person" test—meaning an average person in your shoes would view the action as fair.

8. Rules for carrying weapons differ on private and public property. Check your local regulations carefully before carrying any weapon.

9. Firearm purchases need background checks—non-lethal self-defense tools don't. But, using any weapon improperly is still illegal.

10. The Second Amendment protects your right to own weapons—but Colorado's laws set practical limits on where and how to carry them.

Conclusion

Colorado has plenty of lawful self-defense options—you just have to know what's allowed. Owning any weapon comes with clear rights and clear duties. Smart owners stay trained, informed, and aware of state laws.

Your safety counts—but so does using force only if it's really necessary. Keep your defense items stored safely, and know exactly what Colorado law says about protecting yourself and your property.

FAQs

1. Are stun guns legal in Colorado?

Yes, stun guns are legal across Colorado. Adults can buy and carry electric shock devices for personal protection—similar to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Caetano v. Massachusetts.

2. What are the pepper spray laws in Colorado?

Colorado does not limit pepper spray for self-defense. You don't require a permit to carry it, and you can employ it as a non-lethal tool if you are threatened by someone .

3. Can you legally own batons in Colorado?

Owning batons in Colorado is totally allowed. But carrying them hidden without a concealed carry permit can lead to weapon charges.

4.   Is it legal to possess brass knuckles in Colorado?

No, brass knuckles are not permissible in Colorado. They are dangerous weapons— carrying them is equivalent to a class 1 misdemeanor offense.

5. Is it legal to carry butterfly knives in Colorado?

Butterfly knives are illegal to possess or carry in Colorado. The same applies to switchblade knives, gravity knives, and ballistic knives—you can get charged with illegal weapon possession for carrying any of these.

6. What is Colorado's law regarding deadly force?

Colorado has a "no duty to retreat" law . This allows an individual to use deadly force legally if he or she is in imminent danger of serious injury — such as when someone is breaking into his or her house or home during a burglary .