Stay Informed: What Self-Defense Weapons Are Legal in Missouri?

Missouri’s violent crime rate at 488 per 100,000 is 28% higher than the national average, and this can be concerning for its residents. It helps to be proactive in protecting ourselves with self-defense weapons while being compliant with the law. 

This post explains the state's rules on legal non-lethal options—and shows you how to stay within Missouri self-defense laws.

Key Takeaways

• In Missouri, adults can carry pepper spray, stun guns, and tasers—no permit needed.

• Batons and blackjacks count as deadly weapons, just like firearms, so same rules apply.

• Self-defense items aren't allowed in schools, airports, government offices, or federal buildings—leave them behind.

• Brass knuckles are fully banned in Missouri, starting October 14, 2016.

• Carrying knives—switchblades, pocket knives, whatever—became legal in 2012, but what's key is your intent.

Overview of Legal Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons in Missouri

Missouri law lets you carry a few handy, non-lethal self-defense options—good tools to help keep you safe. You can pick from electric devices, or even chemical sprays, whichever suits your comfort and situation best.

Use of Tasers and Stun Guns

In Missouri, stun guns and Tasers offer legal, non-lethal ways to protect yourself with no permit required.  You must be at least 18 years old to carry a stunning device for self-defense, with no history of felony.

Blingsting's stun gun

These devices stop attackers by sending electric shocks that temporarily disable—but don't seriously injure—them.

Tasers shoot tiny probes, reaching threats from a safer distance, while stun guns require direct touch. Both kinds are legal to own and carry openly in most public spots throughout Missouri—no special permit needed.

For reliability, keep your device charged and easy to grab in an emergency. Many types come with smart safety features, helping you avoid accidental shocks. Missouri law allows adults to carry devices openly—but schools and government buildings usually say no.

Smart users spend a little time learning correct handling, making these tools truly helpful in a dangerous situation.

Pepper Spray and Pepper Gun

It's legal for an individual at least 18 years old to purchase and carry pepper spray in Missouri for self-defense, no permit is required. However, you cannot carry it in school grounds, government buildings, and private properties where the establishment dows not allow it.

As with most states, those with a history of felony are prohibited from carrying pepper spray.

Pepper spray is a great option to stay safe in risky situations.  causing short-term blindness and breathing issues for anyone attacking you. Most sprays shoot about 10 to 15 feet, letting you keep a safe distance.

Pepper guns are similar—but they can shoot even further, up to 20 feet, and usually give you better control and aim. Lots of pepper sprays contain a UV dye, marking attackers so police can easily find them later.

The best self-defense tool is one you can use correctly under stress. Practice with your pepper spray before you need it in real life.

It is helpful to practice using pepper spray, so you feel prepared if that situation arises. 

Blingsting has a practice canister (water-filled) so that one can practice using pepper spray.

As they’re small, sprays can fit snugly in your pocket or purse, so they’re easy to carry around from day to day.

They cost less than tasers or stun guns, but immobilize an attacker quickly. Pepper spray and pepper guns let you legally defend yourself in Missouri, without having to use deadly force.

Guide to Batons and Blackjacks

In Missouri, batons and blackjacks count as lethal weapons. They can cause serious injury if you use them on someone—even in self-defense. The state labels these tools as dangerous, unlike items such as pepper spray, which have fewer restrictions.

Since October 14, 2016, following a change in state law, blackjacks and batons are also illegal anywhere firearms aren't permitted. Carrying a baton or blackjack in areas that ban guns is illegal. Most self-defense trainers recommend choosing non-lethal options first.

Proper baton use needs correct training to avoid hurting others badly. If you misuse one, Missouri courts might label it excessive force—even if you felt threatened. Gun laws dictate where batons or blackjacks can legally go, placing identical location restrictions as firearms.

Many folks overlook the responsibility that comes with just owning these weapons: secure storage, careful handling, and cautious use are legally necessary.

Important Legal Considerations When Carrying Self-Defense Weapons

Missouri has laws on who may carry self-defense weapons and where they may be used.

You need to know these laws before you buy or carry any weapon for protection.

Age and Permit Requirements for Ownership

Owning self-defense tools in Missouri means following a few clear, simple rules. These vary, depending on your age and the type of weapon:

• You need to be 18 or older to purchase or carry most non-lethal self-defense items.

• Pepper spray is legal for individuals at least 18 years old—no permits are required to buy or keep it handy

• Adults can legally own Tasers and stun guns without special permits.

• Convicted felons have strict limits on owning many weapons, even some non-lethal tools. If you are under 18, you may possess some self-defense items, but only with parental consent. Most non-lethal tools don’t require special training or paperwork, unlike firearms.

• College students should double-check campus policies—many schools ban weapons, even legal ones.

• Visitors from other states must follow Missouri's weapon laws while here.

• If stopped by police, it's up to you to show legal ownership of your self-defense tools.

• Firearms have stricter rules than non-lethal protection items.

• Also, be aware of location limits—some areas in Missouri won't let you carry certain self-defense devices.

Three key points on where these tools are prohibited:

Government buildings — courthouses, city halls, police stations — will not let you bring in self-defense gear of any kind. 

Private businesses may place conspicuous signs forbidding weapons. They can legally deny you entry if you’re carrying.

Airports ban self-defense items, such as pepper spray or batons, or stun guns, beyond TSA security checkpoints.

Sports arenas and stadiums typically prohibit all weapons at the events — always review the specific venue’s rules first.

Location Restrictions for Carrying Weapons

Missouri lets you carry many self-defense items—but there are specific spots you absolutely can't. Here are some of the most important points to remember:

• Schools—K-12, colleges, school buses—prohibit all forms of weapons, including pepper spray, tasers, and batons.

• Government buildings — courthouses, city halls, police stations — will not let you bring in self-defense gear of any kind.  

• Private businesses may place conspicuous signs forbidding weapons. They can legally deny you entry if you’re carrying.

• Airports ban self-defense items, such as pepper spray or batons, or stun guns, beyond TSA security checkpoints.

• Sports arenas and stadiums typically prohibit all weapons at the events — always review the specific venue’s rules first.

• Bars or other places serving alcohol sometimes restrict self-defense items, as Missouri laws limit what you can carry in drinking establishments.

• Public transportation—buses, trains—might restrict weapons onboard, so always verify local transit policies beforehand.

• Federal buildings—post offices, federal courts, government offices—strictly forbid any kind of weapon or self-defense tools.

• State parks have their own specific rules—some permit pepper spray but restrict most other defense items.

List of Illegal Self-Defense Weapons in Missouri

Missouri prohibits various weapons that you may not carry for self-defense. The state has very rigid rules when it comes to these items, and you have to know them to stay on the legal side.

Regulation of Brass Knuckles

As of Oct. 14, 2016, brass knuckles are considered illegal weapons in Missouri. These metal hand guards — even in self-defense — are strictly prohibited by state law.

This restriction stays firm under Missouri's self-defense standards, without exceptions.

If authorities charge you with having brass knuckles, the legal burden sits with you. You'll need proof—a good reason for having them—to avoid trouble. Missouri courts consider brass knuckles strictly as weapons, meant mostly for causing injury.

Next up, we'll briefly cover knives in Missouri—what blade styles you can legally carry, and which ones to steer clear of.

Legal Status of Certain Types of Knives

In Missouri, carrying knives is pretty straightforward, with just a few exceptions. Since 2012, state law allows to own and open-carry switchblades, automatic knives, and spring-assisted blades. 

Pocket knives and common utility knives are also fine almost anywhere, with no state-imposed limit on blade length—but local ordinances might differ, so it's useful to check your city's rules.

Yet some places, including schools, government buildings, and some public places, have an absolute knife ban, regardless of type or size. If you are carrying a knife in order to use it as a weapon, you can be charged with a crime, according to law.

Here, intent matters more than what you’re actually carrying. 

Conclusion

Knowing the laws surrounding self-defense tools in Missouri is a wise move — protecting yourself and staying out of mischief. Like pepper spray, tasers and some knives that you can carry in Missouri, as long as you follow the rules.

That means meeting age requirements, getting needed permits, and knowing places you can't take these items. Making informed choices about what's legal helps you protect yourself safely, without risking issues with the law.

Stay updated on local rules—they often change because of new laws or recent court decisions.

FAQs

1. Can I have stun guns and tasers in Missouri?

Yes, stun guns and tasers are legal in Missouri. Adults can purchase, possess and use the weapons for self-defense, no license is required.

2. Is it legal to carry pepper spray in Missouri?

Pepper spray is legal in Missouri. You may carry any size or strength you choose for personal protection—no special restriction applies to the weapon.

3. What knives are prohibited in Missouri?

You can own and open carry most knives with the blade not longer than 4 inches. The restriction is when it comes to concealed carry

4. Are brass knuckles legal in Missouri?

No, brass knuckles are illegal in Missouri, whether to manufacture, carry or sell. A violation is a Class D felony charge, which means imprisonment of up to four years for the first offense and up to seven years for succeeding violations.

5. Is there a stand your ground law in Missouri?

Yes, Missouri has a stand your ground law. In sum, you don’t have to retreat and can use reasonable force to protect yourself if you’re where you have the right to be.

6. Can I shoot a person in Missouri on my land?

Under Missouri’s castle doctrine, you can use deadly force when someone enters your home unlawfully if you have reason to believe that person is a threat to your safety. Prosecutors have to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that your actions were not justified.