Is It Permissible to Carry a Weapon on Shabbat?

Greetings, A weapon located in a place where its use is for the purpose of pikuach nefesh (saving life), such as in areas where enemies are frequent, is considered an object whose usual function is permitted. Therefore, it is allowed to carry it for any needed purpose, but it is forbidden to carry it without any need whatsoever. If the weapon is in a place where there is no danger, and it is used to deter enemies or criminals, there is a dispute whether it is considered an object whose usual function is permitted or an object whose usual function is forbidden. In any case, all opinions agree that it is permitted to carry it for the sake of its body or place, so it is permitted to carry it for deterrence, as this is considered carrying for the sake of its body. All opinions agree it is forbidden to carry it without any need at all. However, a weapon located in a place without danger, which is not used for deterrence but is concealed in a closet, is considered muktzeh due to 'lack of domain' and it is forbidden to carry it even for the sake of its body or place (see Sh"ut Divrei Yatziv, Part 1, Orach Chayim chapter 145, paragraph 3, and Aruchat Shabbat, Part 2, chapter 19, paragraph 62). All the above applies where there is an eruv (allowance to carry in public domain). However, where there is no eruv, it is forbidden to carry the weapon in the public domain, unless the matter is necessary due to danger that overrides Shabbat (see Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim, chapter 34, paragraph 7, and Aruchat Shabbat, Part 3, chapter 28, paragraph 195). Blessings, Hillel Meirs