What Weapons Can You Use In Self Defense In Arizona?

Self defense is a tricky thing to navigate. While you may be inclined to take any force necessary to protect yourself, there are certain stipulations you just follow.

Every state has different rules, and while Arizona is much more lenient than most, you should still know exactly what you're legally allowed to use.

Arizona's Self Defense Laws

As I mentioned before, Arizona is very lax on their self defense laws. There are three in particular that give you the freedom to defend yourself. The first is the Castle Doctrine, which allows you to stand your ground if someone breaks into your home.

Speaking of, the Stand Your Ground Law allows you to take force against an attacker as long as you are allowed in the place and aren't currently breaking any laws. The last is the Reasonable Person Standard, which states that you are allowed to defend yourself, but are prohibited from taking unnecessary force, such as shooting someone for smacking you in the face.

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What Weapons Can You Use?

There are four classes of weapons you are allowed to use for self defense in Arizona. The first is handguns, which are permitted as long as you are at least 21 years of age and following all proper guidelines. Stun Guns and Tasers (an Arizona invention) are also allowed, given that you are in immediate physical danger.

Mace and Pepper Spray are a more common approach, but also only allowed in the threat of physical violence. Lastly, knives are allowed to be carried on your person, as long as they are not restricted, like Butterfly Knives are, within the state of Arizona.

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