571.020. Possession–manufacture–transport–repair–sale of certain weapons a crime–exceptions–penalties
It’s against the law to have or sell some dangerous weapons unless there’s a legal reason
You can get in trouble for owning, making, selling, or carrying certain weapons—like bombs or silencers—unless the law gives you a clear reason why it’s okay, like for military or museum use.
1. A person breaks the law if they knowingly have, make, move, fix, or sell any of the following:
- (1) A weapon that explodes (explosive weapon);
- (2) Dangerous materials meant to make an explosive weapon;
- (3) A gas gun (a gun that sprays gas or chemicals);
- (4) A bullet that explodes when it hits something because it has its own mini explosive inside;
- (5) Brass knuckles or other metal knuckles;
- (6) Any of the following items if having them breaks federal law:
- (a) A machine gun;
- (b) A short-barreled rifle or shotgun;
- (c) A silencer for a gun;
- (d) A switchblade knife.
2. You’re not breaking the law if the weapon is one of the items listed in parts (1) to (5), you followed federal law, and:
- (1) You were doing official work for the military, police, or a prison;
- (2) You were doing legal business with one of those groups;
- (3) You were using an explosive weapon for a legal business purpose (like construction);
- (4) You were showing the weapon in a public museum or exhibit;
- (5) You were using the weapon as part of a legal play or movie performance.
3. If you break the law under parts (1), (2), (3), or (6) above, it’s a class D felony. If it’s part (4) or (5), it’s a class A misdemeanor.
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