Are Nunchucks Legal in Arizona?
Last checked Nov 13, 2026: Yes. Arizona took nunchucks off its prohibited-weapons list in 2019, so owning them is no longer a state prohibited-weapon crime.
State ban repealed 2019
Last updated: · By Mason Martinez
The statutes
Owning and carrying: the short version
- For decades Arizona listed nunchaku in its definition of prohibited weapons, and possessing them was a felony.
- Senate Bill 1291 (Laws 2019, chapter 207), signed in May 2019, struck nunchaku from that definition.
- Arizona is also a permitless-carry state for adults 21 and over (since 2010), and A.R.S. § 13-405 sets no duty to retreat for a person who is lawfully present. General weapons-misconduct rules in A.R.S. § 13-3102 still apply to how and where you carry anything.
Local rules
Cities and counties can have their own weapons rules. Check your local code before you buy or carry.
Buying and shipping
FAQ
When did Arizona make nunchucks legal?
Arizona repealed its nunchaku ban in 2019. Senate Bill 1291 (Laws 2019, chapter 207) removed nunchaku from the state's prohibited-weapons definition.
Was owning nunchucks in Arizona ever a crime?
Yes. Before the 2019 repeal, nunchaku were listed as prohibited weapons in Arizona and possessing them was a felony.
Can I carry nunchucks in public in Arizona?
The 2019 repeal removed the state ban, but general weapons-misconduct laws (A.R.S. § 13-3102) and rules for restricted places still apply. Check the statute and local rules before you carry.
Not legal advice. This page is general educational information, not legal advice. I'm not an attorney. City, county, tribal, federal, and private-property rules can be stricter than state law, and laws change. Check the current statute and talk to a licensed attorney in your area if you have questions.
Every state, in one book
This page is a short summary. For all 50 states, D.C., and the U.S. territories, see Nunchaku Laws.
Book 2 in the Nunchaku Mastery series
Nunchaku LawsA 50-State Guide to Possession, Carry, and Self-Defense Law, Plus D.C. and U.S. Territories
Paperback, 204 pages. A Kindle ebook version is also available.
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