Illegal & Legal Weapons You Can Carry in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh weapon laws are broad. Knowing your local regulations is the best defense against the justice system. The type of weapon, its status, and your location all factor in when deciding whether you were lawfully or unlawfully possessing a weapon.
Weapons That Are Legal and Illegal to Carry in Pittsburgh
Knowing the difference between legal and illegal weapons in Pittsburgh is crucial for self-defense planning and legal compliance. Pennsylvania law, specifically 18 Pa.C.S. § 908, defines prohibited offensive weapons, but understanding local enforcement patterns adds another layer of complexity.
Legal weapons in Pennsylvania include pocket knives, pepper spray (for adults 18+), and stun guns and Tasers for personal defense. Illegal offensive weapons include brass knuckles, blackjacks, sawed-off shotguns, bombs, and explosives. A first-degree misdemeanor conviction under § 908 carries up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Pittsburgh follows state law on weapons classification, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office prosecutes violations in the Court of Common Pleas. The critical distinction is whether the weapon has a lawful purpose. Self-defense tools with a clear non-lethal use are generally permitted, while weapons designed solely to inflict injury without lawful use are prohibited. If you have been charged, our team handles Pittsburgh firearms and weapons charges across Allegheny County.
Weapons & PA Law
Before you carry in public, you must know relevant laws that apply to firearms and other weapons. For example, in Pennsylvania, you do not need a license to purchase or open carry a firearm.
However, you do need a license for a concealed gun. Understanding how these laws apply to you can make the difference between being arrested and abiding by the law.
Penalties for Violation of Pittsburgh Weapon Laws
If a person violates a Pittsburgh weapon law, they may be fined up to $1,000 and court costs for each offense charged. If the charge involves violations over multiple days, then each day constitutes a separate and distinct offense.
What Weapons Are Legal to Carry in Pittsburgh
Certain weapons are permitted within the city limits of Pittsburgh.
Is It Legal to Carry a Gun in Pittsburgh?
It is legal to carry a standard firearm in the open in Pittsburgh. However, to conceal carry, you must have a license and be at least 21 years of age. You may not carry an assault rifle or other large magazine weapon in Pittsburgh.
Non-Lethal Weapons for Self Defense
Non-lethal weapons carried for self-defense are allowed in Pittsburgh. That includes things like pepper spray, mace, and Tasers. However, these items may only be carried for self-defense. You must be at least 18 years of age to possess a stun gun in Pittsburgh.
Knives
The sale, possession, and carrying of knives are not as heavily regulated as firearms. However, there are still rules that must be followed. Most knives with everyday uses are not prohibited. That includes pocket knives, machetes, hunting knives, razors, butterfly or balisong knives, daggers, and buck or bowie knives.
Pennsylvania code prohibits gravity knives, ballistic knives, and any other knife used for the infliction of severe bodily injury and having no lawful purpose. You can read more about Pennsylvania knife laws and what qualifies as a prohibited blade.
What Weapons Are Illegal to Carry in Pittsburgh
Illegal weapons generally have no non-lethal purpose.
Offensive Weapons
Pennsylvania’s criminal code makes it illegal to carry what is considered an “offensive weapon.” An offensive weapon includes items like brass knuckles, blackjacks, and certain types of knives.
Expressly, switchblades are prohibited by state and federal law, including the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958. These knives are prohibited from being transported, sold, or distributed in Pittsburgh and throughout the United States.
Assault Rifles
According to Pittsburgh City Ordinance No. 696A.02, owning, possessing, transferring, or transporting an assault weapon within the City of Pittsburgh is illegal. Additionally, the use of an assault weapon is specifically prohibited. Use of an assault weapon includes, but is not limited to:
- Discharging or attempting to discharge the assault weapon
- Loading it with ammunition
- Brandishing the assault weapon
- Displaying a loaded assault weapon
- Pointing an assault weapon at any person
- Using the assault weapon for any purpose prohibited by state or federal laws
Brandishing means displaying all or part of the firearm to intimidate a person, regardless of whether the firearm is visible to the other person.
An assault weapon is presumed to be loaded if a magazine is fitted in the receiver.
Prohibited Accessories to Firearms
The use of the following firearm accessories is prohibited in any public place within the City of Pittsburgh:
- Large capacity magazines
- Armor penetrating ammunition
- Rapid fire devices
Prohibited Weapons that Are Not Firearms
When determining whether it is legal to carry certain types of weapons in Pittsburgh, City Ordinance No. 695.02 distinguishes between those that are designed or intended to cause injury or death or damage to property for which no common lawful purpose exists. Those types of weapons are prohibited and include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Anti-tank guns
- Bazookas
- Bombs
- Booby traps
- Flamethrowers
- Grenades
- Mines
- Mortar shells
Fake Firearms are Prohibited in Certain Circumstances
Pittsburgh also prohibits carrying a fake firearm in a vehicle or on a person, whether it is concealed or unconcealed, with the intent to alarm, intimidate, terrify, or threaten any person. This applies to carrying facsimile firearms on private and public locations.
How Does a Weapon’s Status Impact Its Legality?
Sometimes the status of a weapon or where it is used determines whether it is legal in Pittsburgh.
Legal Discharge of a Weapon in Pittsburgh
In most circumstances, it is illegal to discharge a weapon, including ammunition or arrows, in any public place within the City of Pittsburgh.
However, you can discharge a weapon in the following circumstances:
- Under appropriate supervision at established target ranges
- When permitted by other laws
- When an air gun is discharged on private property or the property of a consenting individual
A public place may include streets, parks, public buildings, public accommodations, businesses, and other open spaces available to the general public.
Lawful Use of Weapons for Hunting
Individuals are permitted to lawfully possess a firearm on their own property or another consenting individual’s property for lawful hunting purposes.
License to Carry a Concealed Firearm in Pittsburgh
While you can open carry a firearm without a license in Pittsburgh, you must have a permit to concealed carry.
If you are carrying a gun in your car, it must be unloaded, and the ammunition must be stored in a different location than the firearm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weapons in Pittsburgh
Are brass knuckles legal in PA?
No. Brass knuckles are classified as prohibited offensive weapons under 18 Pa.C.S. § 908. Possession is a first-degree misdemeanor carrying up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Even carrying them concealed for self-defense does not provide legal protection in Pennsylvania.
Are stun guns legal in Pittsburgh?
Yes, but with restrictions. Stun guns and Tasers are legal for adults 18+ in Pennsylvania. No permit is required for home use, but carrying concealed may require a License to Carry Firearm (LTCF) in certain contexts, particularly if used in conjunction with firearms-related activities.
Can you carry pepper spray in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pepper spray (OC spray) is legal for self-defense for anyone 18+. No permit is required. Minors cannot purchase pepper spray, but adults may carry it for lawful self-defense purposes without special licensing.
Is a baton legal to carry in PA?
Expandable batons and nightsticks are legal to own in Pennsylvania but could be considered prohibited offensive weapons if carried with intent to use for criminal purposes under § 908. Intent is a key factor. Lawful possession for occupational purposes, such as security or law enforcement work, may be protected, but carrying a baton with criminal intent is illegal.
Are throwing stars legal in PA?
Throwing stars (shuriken) fall under prohibited offensive weapons in Pennsylvania under 18 Pa.C.S. § 908. Possession alone can result in misdemeanor charges. These weapons have no recognized lawful purpose in Pennsylvania and are strictly prohibited.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney If You Need to Protect Your Rights
You have a constitutional right to have a firearm. However, that right can legally be limited by federal, state, and city laws. Pittsburgh does have many city ordinances that restrict what type of weapons you can carry, when, and where.
You should immediately contact a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer if you are arrested and charged with a weapons crime. Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC is here for you. Call us at (412) 281-2146 or contact us online for a case consultation.
Written & Reviewed By
Michael Worgul, Esq.
Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney
Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC
Pennsylvania Bar · Admitted 2004 · U.S. District Court, Western District of PA
Michael Worgul has practiced criminal defense in Pittsburgh for over 20 years, handling cases across the full criminal spectrum, from misdemeanor traffic charges to federal racketeering. After graduating from Duquesne University School of Law (J.D., 2004), he spent two years representing indigent defendants at the Allegheny County Office of Conflict Counsel before founding his firm in 2008. He has completed 30+ jury trials, compared to a career average of 7 for most attorneys.
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Content reviewed for legal accuracy. This is not legal advice.