7 Self Defense Items You Can Legally Own But Not Carry in Connecticut

Connecticut is home to some of the strictest weapons laws in the United States, as far as guns go anyway.

To lawfully purchase a handgun or rifle, you have to go through NRA-certified courses, get fingerprinted, and subject yourself to a higher standard of scrutiny than the average person. I've always been fascinated with weapons: guns, switchblade knives, martial arts weapons, chemical defense sprays, etc. I inherited my grandfather's Blackjack after he passed, he was an Auxiliary Connecticut State Trooper back in the day, and he always carried his trusty Sap on his belt when he was on duty.

Did you know that it's perfectly legal to own most common self defense weapons here in Connecticut? According to Connecticut General Statute 53a-3, by definition, a "Deadly Weapon" in Connecticut is any weapon, whether loaded or unloaded, from which a shot may be discharged, or a switchblade knife, gravity knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, or metal knuckles. Where you get into trouble owning any of these items, is if you are caught carrying them outside of your home.

Connecticut Statute 53-206 - Carrying of Dangerous Weapons - makes it illegal to carry any Connecticut-defined "Dangerous Weapon" - on your person. Connecticut's laws do not prohibit mere possession of these weapons and it does not address sales and purchases. I did some research, and here are some common self-defense items that you can legally own, but not carry here in Connecticut.

The most common self-defense product that is perfectly legal to carry anywhere in the state of Connecticut?

Pepper Spray is legal to purchase, ship, own, and carry here in Connecticut. it is also important to point out that there are other exceptions to Connecticut's ban on carrying dangerous weapons:

• Peace Officers pursuing their Official duties
• Armed Forces members, while on, or going to Duty
• Members of the Military on Parade
• Anyone transporting them to an authorized gun or knife show
• Anyone lawfully transporting household effects from one place to another
• Anyone lawfully transporting items for repairs
• Hunting, Fishing, or Trapping licensees
• Authorized Historical Reenactment participants