Legality of buying and carrying an extenable baton

[huesmann]

It got me out of a fairly sticky situation at Veterans Stadium in Philly some 12 years ago.

Were you being hassled by some sh!thead Eagles fans?

 

[DraKhen99]

Were you being hassled by some sh!thead Eagles fans?

Probably a drunk Redskins fan ... they're usually more problematic than an Eagles fan.

-John

 

[bigjoegood1]

I bought my 26" truck baton from these guys on the cheap.

http://www.budk.com/category/Self-Defense/Batons/pc/2973/2975.uts

 

[Dahoopd]

Anyone have an update on the laws regarding these. Of course as most threads on forums they go to the wayside of Eagles fans and other conversations not associated with the subject. Thanks for the help.

 

[TheBert]

I thought ASP batons were for police only... good question!

Why are the police the only ones who can own these types of arms?

 

[Biggfoot44]

ASP Inc , and most of their distributors as a matter of policy, market to the LE/ corrections/ security market. Most of their brick and mortar sellers are LE supply companies, rather than those primarily dealing with the public. This stance is not uncommon, and not unique to ASP Inc. Notwithstanding the mass marketing of some brands of OC lots of the "good stuff" of LE equipment is similar. There are online sources, and some LE supply stores will sometimes sell to "civillians" on case by case.

ASP is both top quality and comparitively expensive. There are more widely available knockoffs, of varying quality, and usually less expensive.

 

[outrider58]

Comes down to the ol' "better to be judged by twelve than carried by six" argument, sounds like. Not suggesting breaking the law though.

 

[psycosteve]

ASP Inc , and most of their distributors as a matter of policy, market to the LE/ corrections/ security market. Most of their brick and mortar sellers are LE supply companies, rather than those primarily dealing with the public. This stance is not uncommon, and not unique to ASP Inc. Notwithstanding the mass marketing of some brands of OC lots of the "good stuff" of LE equipment is similar. There are online sources, and some LE supply stores will sometimes sell to "civillians" on case by case.

ASP is both top quality and comparitively expensive. There are more widely available knockoffs, of varying quality, and usually less expensive.

Having broken 3 ASP ( actual brand name ) batons doing security I have come to the conclusion that an extendable baton is a one time use item. I would rather have a cocobolo straight stick if I was expecting to use it. The only area the extendable batons excel at is that they are small enough to be on your belt with out it being noticed. I will say that at a minimal an extendable baton should be lightly oiled monthly. A light corn oil or your favorite gun lube should be sufficient to keep it opening nicely.

Comes down to the ol' "better to be judged by twelve than carried by six" argument, sounds like. Not suggesting breaking the law though.

When it comes to carrying a baton there is no legal restriction between open and concealed carry in the laws. But there is a possession charge if it is on you if you are in the commission of a crime. Depending on how anal the officer is if it is on you during speeding ticket you could face the additional charge for possession of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime. The best way to describe it would be that having the baton is not a crime but a multiplier of sorts when it comes to charges being brought. But this should not be a surprise when it comes to the scattershot method of the MD legal system. Keep throwing up charges something until something sticks.

 

[Biggfoot44]

The topic started out with collaspable batons on purpose, I didn't adress the relative merits of collaspable vs old school straight stick.

To my person thinking, I see an ASP as a major upgrade to a blackjack, instead of obsessing over the shortcomings vs a good wood or fg straight stick. Make your personal decisions regarding ease of carry ( hopefully implying always at hand ) vs max effectiveness ( that probably isn't at hand unless trouble was telegraphed well in advance).

To roughly translate impact weapons into firearms terms, an ASP would be analog to a 380 or Airweight J Frame. Easy to carry, somewhat decent eeffectiveness, better than the alternatives that really suck. PR-24, full size sticks would be equiv to .40 or .45 , but uncomfortable and always getting in the way.

 

[jasonk1229]

they dont build them like they used to 25 + years old

 

[Rack&Roll]

Probably a drunk Redskins fan ... they're usually more problematic than an Eagles fan.

-John

Oh don't be an asp.

 

[Armati]

My personal observation sitting in a court room a few times, is that you can carry anything not otherwise prohibited. However, if you use your tool, it must be in self defense. In MD, using pepper spray offensively can get you 3 years. Apparently, the homegirls seem to do this a lot.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[foxtrapper]

How about using one to bop foxes to dispatch them on the trapline? I walk in a lot and I don't like shooting foxes due to all the blood soiling their delicate fur. It's hard to get blood out of it. Raccoons are no issue, so I get to legally open carry for them.

 

[kgain673]

IIRC, an expandable baton is not considered a weapon if it is not used in an offensive manner and cannot be carried concealed. After asking several officers from various jurisdictions the answers varied as to if it was legal to carry one. After our "incident" with another dog attacking our dog (and its owner being a total @$$ hole), I do carry one when I walk my dog.

NOTE: I last read up on the expandable baton almost 2 years ago, so my information may be flawed. I am NOT a lawyer.

Perfectly said. If your intention is not to inflict harm then your good. Its all in the articulation.

 

[Naptown34]

I use this in my car. Blinding light.

Just a flashlight for late night emergencies.

 

[Biff_N]

I use this in my car. Blinding light.

Just a flashlight for late night emergencies.

Is that the 8 D cell model?

 

[Biggfoot44]

With flashlights there is a point of diminishing returns on reach vs balance/ weight. The longest practical lengths are 5 D cell, and 7 C cell. And at those lengths you need to experement with alkaline and old school "heavy duty" batteries for balance.

 

[traveller]

I use this in my car. Blinding light.

Just a flashlight for late night emergencies.

I have bent one of these years ago......on someones head.

It worked

 

[KevinK]

I have bent one of these years ago......on someones head.

It worked

Al Neri approves of this post.

 

[sgt23preston]

I have several, one in my truck, several strategically place around my home...

I also have a 22" fiber-glass Policeman's "Night Stick" in my truck, under my seat...

I keep a pocket knife in my center console of my truck & a sharp "rapid deployment knife" in my front right pocket at all times...

I've never had any trouble in my life, but I'm prepared for any unwanted encounters...

Marines, even old ones, don't make good or easy victims...