Sidearms & Scatterguns Baton question

[prairiefire]

I think I asked two questions in a previous post that sidelined my real question. For those of you who have carried or used a collapsible baton which one did you use/like? It appears that the ASP is certainly a top contender. Also curious as to your experience , if you have actually ever had to use the baton. I will add one to my self defense carry - and I've checked my state regs to determine when it is appropriate to have it on my person. Lastly, does anyone have a favorite site for ordering these type of weapons?

 

[Unknown]

The asp baton can be considered a deadly weapon depending on how it is used. For that reason, it would be very wise for anyone considering carrying an asp to be familiar with laws regarding possession and use of such a weapon. Studying the use of force continuum would also be advised. Breaking bones is a piece of cake with a focused asp strike.

If I were going to consider Carrying/using a tool that can quickly rise to the level of a deadly weapon, I would give much thought and/or study to laws, and the use of force continuum. Most people who carry a pistol realize that it is a deadly weapon and act appropriately with it's use. In other words, they usually show restraint in deploying a firearm. Thinking that an asp is not a deadly weapon, and deploying one can be fraught with problems if the situation escalates faster than expected.

 

[Roddd]

All I use my Asp expandable baton for at work is to retrieve my keys if they fall under my patrol car. Other than that, it's useless.

 

[Unknown]

Mine always seemed to be magnetic as it was always getting caught on stuff, and snagging something.

 

[pmclaine]

Comes in handy to jam the self locking door so I can get back into the barracks without a key.

Its an ASP by the way, Im sure other models would work as well.

If you want a baton actually worth a crap get a PR-24 than figure how to carry it.

 

[LawnMM]

I think I asked two questions in a previous post that sidelined my real question. For those of you who have carried or used a collapsible baton which one did you use/like? It appears that the ASP is certainly a top contender. Also curious as to your experience , if you have actually ever had to use the baton. I will add one to my self defense carry - and I've checked my state regs to determine when it is appropriate to have it on my person. Lastly, does anyone have a favorite site for ordering these type of weapons?

I don't think its going to be useful or appropriate for self defense. A citizen with a CCW and their head on a swivel should be equipped to avoid just about everything and deal with the unavoidable if necessary. Batons are impact weapons, in other words, you smack people with them. Its for finding yourself in a situation where you need to strike somebody, but you've already figured out that using your hand always hurts your hand and sometimes worse. That's why Cops have batons, smack bad guy with stick and you don't hurt your hand. Cops are expected to deal with lowlife people and situations an average citizen would do better to avoid than confront. Since we can't just shoot somebody that doesn't listen, you have to have other options.

As others have said, actual uses of force even in busy cities happen, but its not a nightly occurrence and I fail to see what a citizen would gain by carrying one. If you want to carry a weapon to defend yourself, take some classes, get a CCW, and exercise your second amendment rights. By the time you are done with the class you will have learned more than enough to avoid most problems and you will then be prepared to deal with the ones you can't avoid, and where a baton wouldn't help you anyway.

 

[rw496]

Batons, like Asp, are pretty inconvenient to carry around without a duty belt...more so than a gun. Unless there is some reason you can't carry a gun, like you're a felon, which would be strange to be on a gun website in the first place. But don't bring a baton to a gun fight.

 

[prairiefire]

I do have my concealed carry permit and carry on a regular basis - based upon the advice rendered here, I will forgo the baton. Thanks all!!

 

[Unknown]

I have long found a convenient and useful item to carry on walks (in addition to a handgun) is a walking stick, or weighted cane. Once you learn how to use a 3-4 foot walking stick, or a weighted bent top cane, they are extremely effective, and don't bring unnecessary attention to what I have. So damned few people really know how to use them that almost everyone just presumes it is a walking stick or cane. However, a gun is always best.

 

[sgtkeebler]

I've carried an ASP and the RCB on duty. RCB is way better, but it's also a great deal bigger and it weighs more. But I would never carry a baton over a firearm off duty or for personal protection. Batons are an on duty tool as far as I'm concerned.