Yes, nunchucks are legal to possess and carry in Colorado without a permit, provided they are not used in a threatening manner. Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-202 does not classify nunchucks as prohibited weapons, unlike some states. Local ordinances, however, may impose additional restrictions, particularly in urban jurisdictions like Denver or Boulder.
Key Regulations for Nunchucks in Colorado
- State-Level Legality: Nunchucks are not explicitly banned under Colorado’s weapons statutes, but their use in public altercations may trigger assault or disorderly conduct charges.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities such as Denver prohibit the open carry of nunchucks in public spaces, classifying them as “dangerous weapons” under municipal code 38-116.
- School Zones & Government Buildings: Federal and state laws prohibit nunchucks in K-12 schools (C.R.S. § 22-32-109.1) and secured government facilities, with violations punishable by misdemeanor charges.
Recent legislative shifts in 2026 introduced stricter penalties for weapons deemed “improvised” in public disturbances, though nunchucks remain exempt from statewide prohibition. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has not issued advisories targeting nunchuck possession, but law enforcement may confiscate them if used in a crime. Retailers must verify buyer age (18+) under C.R.S. § 18-12-106, which regulates sales of “non-firearm weapons.” Always check municipal updates, as jurisdictions like Aurora have debated further restrictions.