What Kind of Self-Defense Weapons Can Be Carried in Vegas?

With all the issues going on downtown and on the Strip lately, what type of “protection” is a person allowed to legally carry in the two areas? Thinking along the lines of stun gun, pepper spray, brass knuckles, kubotan, switchblade, etc. I know not a handgun, legally, as it’s a tad harder to get through airport security, but figuring if things go south by a random attack (for no reason other than being there), one should be able to defend themselves and not just stand there and be a victim. Most of the things mentioned can be in checked luggage, and even the handgun can be, but not carry on. Asking for a friend, of course.

We forwarded your friend’s query to Las Vegas Metro and their answer broke down along three points.

First, as far as what you can check in your luggage, you have to take that up with the Transportation Safety Administration.

Second, Nevada is an open-carry state, so you can carry your handgun or stun gun/taser in plain view. Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states (with some limits).

Nunchakus (batons attached to a rope or chain used in martial arts, also called nunchucks), trefoils (a metal plate with sharp edges), brass knuckles, blackjacks (small bags filled with lead), billies (wooden clubs), and their ilk are all illegal to carry in Nevada.

Clark County law prohibits concealed carry of knives that are three inches in length or longer; all other knives must be open carried. The exception is if the person has a valid and current knife-specific CCW permit issued by a sheriff. However, there seems to some disagreement about the length of the blade. Metro says three, Nevada Revised Statutes say two. To play it safe, it's probably best to open carry any knives longer than two inches.

Third, even if you’re bringing a legal weapon onto hotel property, because it's private turf, some resorts are now running bags through metal detectors — partly in response to the recent crime wave to which you refer. Best is to check with your hotel before you book your room.

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Comments

O2bnVegas Nov-12-2020

Run..er, walk away

Avoid eye contact, turn away, maintain normal pace, keep walking.  Like when confronted by a barking dog.

I was told by animal control that I am fine legally to pepper spray or taser, or whatever, the animal as long as I am being threatened.  I am not fine if I just go about aiming and spraying dogs unless I am being threatened. 

I'll assume it is similar in regard to taking action against a human threat.

My husband has purchased mace and pepper spray device for me to carry on my walks in the neighborhood.  They remain un-carried ever.  I'd probably hurt myself instead of the attacker.

PackerBackerAZ Nov-12-2020

confrontation

If a person is sooooo worried about their safety on the strip and downtown, why the hell would they go to Las Vegas? Are they hoping to enter into a lethal confrontation? I fear the Covid and will stay away from Vegas because of that. I will never return if I feel the need to arm myself to the teeth in order to feel secure.

Bob Nelson Nov-12-2020

eye contact

Avoiding eye contact marks you as a victim.  Making at least brief eye contact lets the other person know you are aware of them and they are not going to sneak up on you, also that you could potentially identify the person.

As Anthony has mentioned before, being aware of your surroundings and ready to react is one of the most important factors in avoiding situations.  Has worked for me in many cities and countries.  Walking around with your eyes on the sidewalk or nose in a phone screen is asking for trouble.

Kevin Lewis Nov-12-2020

Ludicrous

So you can carry a gun (or guns, I presume) anywhere you go, but not a wooden club? You can carry the means to kill a dozen or so people at a distance but not the means to bonk someone who is a foot away over the head?

This is yet another idiocy that is the result of our foolish American culture of gun love.

WAHeckelny Nov-12-2020

Another wacky law

On the Nevada government website concerning pistol permits if you want to carry a concealed handgun you have to jump through a bunch of hoops to get it. BUT if you want to open carry a handgun its legal, UNLESS say you are wearing the gun on your belt and wearing a windbreaker and it covers the handgun you will be charged with carrying a concealed weapon unless you have a concealed weapon permit.

Question of the Day - 12 November 2020

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