Wondering if you can carry a Byrna gun in New York? New York has some of the strictest weapon laws in the U.S., and Byrna "guns" (aka Byrna launchers) fall into a legal gray area. While the ATF does not classify Byrna launchers as firearms, New York law treats them differently than federal law does—and that difference could get you arrested.
So you don’t accidentally get fined or arrested, in this guide, we'll break down:
The legalities of carrying or owning a Byrna launcher
Best self-defense weapon alternatives you can legally carry
The penalties of carrying a Byrna launcher in New York
Can You Carry a Byrna Gun in New York?
🚫 No, you cannot legally carry a Byrna in public, whether concealed or openly. Despite being non-lethal, New York prohibits carrying a Byrna Launcher outside your home, including in a vehicle, on your person, or in public spaces.
✅ However, yes, you can legally buy, own, and use a Byrna Launcher inside your home for personal protection.
Even though Byrna "guns" are not actually real guns, and are marketed as non-lethal personal defense weapons, they are classified as firearms under federal law.
Even though they do not have bullets, but are loaded with projectiles like pepper balls or kinetic rounds, New York law doesn’t make a distinction between a firearm and a CO₂-powered launcher that fires projectiles.
If a weapon can shoot a projectile and cause injury, it can fall under New York’s broad weapons laws—even if it’s not technically a firearm under federal law.
New York Penal Law § 265 bans the possession of air guns, BB guns, and any device that shoots a projectile capable of causing injury.
Byrna launchers use CO₂-powered projectiles, which can incapacitate an attacker—making them restricted under New York law.
Carrying a Byrna gun in public (concealed or open) is not allowed, even for self-defense.
Possession at home for self-defense is legal, but taking it outside can lead to criminal charges.
New York City Has Even Stricter Laws
Even if state laws are vague, New York City has no gray areas when it comes to non-lethal weapons.
NYC law bans the possession of any air-powered gun or launcher in public.
Carrying a Byrna gun could lead to serious legal consequences, including confiscation, fines, or even criminal charges.
If you live in New York and are thinking about buying a Byrna gun for self-defense, remember owning one for home protection might be legal, but carrying it outside your home is not.
Best Non-Lethal Self-Defense Tools Legal in New York
If Byrna launchers are illegal to carry, what CAN you use for self-defense in New York?
✅ Legal Self-Defense Options in New York
Pepper Spray – Legal, but must be purchased in-state from a licensed dealer.
Personal Safety Alarms – Allowed as an alert system to deter attackers.
Tactical Flashlights – Legal, as long as they do not contain any weapon modifications.
Kubotans (Self-Defense Keychains) – Generally legal, but using them as a weapon could lead to charges.
Stun Guns & Tasers (Legal, But Restricted) – You can own one, but carrying it in public is illegal.
Pepper spray instantly incapacitates attackers with intense burning. It's compact and easy to carry on a keychain or in a pocket and available in gel formulas to reduce blowback.
⚠️ Legal Note:
U.S: Pepper spray is legal in most states, but some have restrictions on size and strength.
Canada: Pepper spray for self-defense is illegal, but bear spray is allowed in certain areas (just don’t tell the police you’re carrying it for humans - it's for "wildlife" protection).
Where To Buy:
Tactical flashlights blind and disorient attackers with high-lumen brightness and doubles as an impact weapon in close combat.
They're also never illegal because they're flashlights!
Where To Buy:
Personal safety alarms emit a loud, attention-grabbing siren. They're ideal for deterring threats in public areas.
⚠️ Legal Note: Legal everywhere and great for places where carrying weapons is restricted.
Where To Buy:
4. Self-Defense Keychains (Kubotans & Sharp-Edge Variants) 🔑
A self-defense keychain is a myriad of different tools on one keychain. Depending on what you buy, some of them have bear spray/pepper spray on them, or in the US, often they have knuckle dusters on them. Some versions include hidden blades or blunt force ends.
Where To Buy:
5. Stun Guns & Tasers ⚡
Stun guns are for close quarters encounters and deliver an electric shock to disable attackers. To use it, you’ve got to get up close, press the prongs against the attacker, and deliver the charge.
Where To Buy:
❌ Illegal Self-Defense Weapons in New York
Byrna guns (Illegal to carry in public)
Any CO₂-powered launchers
Brass knuckles
Batons & nightsticks
Switchblades or gravity knives
New York law is extremely strict on what you can legally carry for self-defense. Always check local regulations before purchasing any self-defense tool.
What Are the Penalties for Carrying a Byrna Gun in New York?
If you’re caught carrying a Byrna gun in public, you could face:
Potential Charges
Criminal Possession of a Weapon (NY Penal Law 265.01)
Carrying a Byrna launcher in public could result in a Class A misdemeanor.
Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and thousands in fines.
Confiscation & Civil Penalties
Even without criminal charges, law enforcement can seize your Byrna launcher.
Fines or warnings may be issued for possession violations.
Felony Charges (If Used in an Altercation)
If a Byrna launcher is used in a threatening manner, charges could be elevated to a felony, leading to serious prison time.
Even if you think you’re justified in using it for self-defense, New York’s laws do not allow self-defense claims for illegal weapons.
Final Verdict: Can You Carry a Byrna Gun in New York?
🚫 No, you cannot legally carry a Byrna gun in New York—whether open or concealed.
✅ Yes, you can own one for home defense, but taking it outside is illegal.
Common Questions: Byrna Guns & New York Laws
1. Can I carry a Byrna gun for self-defense in New York?
🚫 No. Byrna guns are illegal to carry in public, even for self-defense.
2. Is a Byrna gun considered a firearm in New York?
No, it’s not a firearm under federal law, but it is still restricted under New York state law.
3. What happens if I’m caught with a Byrna gun in public?
You could face criminal charges, fines, and confiscation of your Byrna launcher.
4. Are there legal self-defense alternatives in New York?
✅ Yes—pepper spray, tactical flashlights, and personal safety alarms are legal options.
Final Thoughts
If you live in New York and want a Byrna gun for protection, keep it at home. Carrying it in public is illegal and could lead to serious consequences.
When it comes to self-defense in New York, know the law, follow the rules, and choose legal alternatives—or risk facing fines, confiscation, or worse.
💬 Still have questions? Drop them in the comments below!
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