ASP Tactical Batons

S

smith_6288

New member
I have two ASP Tactical Batons, a 16" and a 21". I have considered carrying one of them in addition to my G19. My question to all of you is this: If you have an ASP Tactical Baton, do you carry it, and if so, how do you carry it? What are your thoughts about the benefits of carrying a baton versus the drawbacks? Any insight would help. I am leaning toward carrying it, but your input could push me over the top. Thanks in advance for your help.

Also, does anybody know if it is legal to carry an ASP Baton in my carry-on bag when I travel by air? What about carry in California?
 
I know that in my state (Texas) it is not legal to carry an ASP, but it's only like a class C misdemeanor (not sure on that, but it wasn't too big a deal). Even with my CHL, I don't carry the ASP, though I would like to, because I think it might just cause more trouble than it's worth. I seriously doubt that if it's illegal here that it would be legal in Kalifornia. I see the benefits of an ASP as providing more levels of escalation of force - I can imagine situations where I would draw and extend the ASP as a deterrent that I don't feel would warrant deadly force. I will note however that when I worked as a consultant in New York city a year or so ago I carried my 26" ASP every day in the pocket of my trenchcoat. I'm sure it was illegal (didn't check - didn't want to know just how much I was risking) but I figured I rather be caught by the cops with it than by someone else without. No idea about flying, but I doubt they'd let you carry it on if they noticed it. When I flew I simply packed it.
 
ZACH, I believe the Texas Penal Code, Sec. 46.02, says carrying a handgun, illegal knife, or club (ASP) is a Class A misdemeanor.
 
Greetings To All, I would recommend carrying
the ASP, only if you are a LEO or work in
"protective service's" as a bodyguard. Laws
vary from state to state; so it's best to
know the law, before arming yourself with
an ASP. Most offical protective service's
divisions are "bonded" and made up of qualified persons. :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

PS: Forgot to mention, when carrying an ASP;
carry on your belt, in the proper ASP baton
holder. :)
 
Batons like the ASP are not legal for carry in Kali; heck, nothing is legal there. I'd check your local laws and/or LE to be sure; can vary from state to state, city to city.

The ASP is a nice little baton, it's not as light as rattan, but it's much more compact and a good weapon if you know how to use it properly. If you're carrying the G19, I'd forgo the ASP in place of a good folding knife or small fixed-blade knife.

The knife would work better in a close-up situation while the G19 would work for the farther situations. The ASP would fall somewhere in between and I think you can do without it if it gets up close and personal.
 
A long tubular piece of steel is definitely something airport security would detect and want to check out. The question is whether you want to risk losing it if they don't allow you to carry it on. However, I have the ASP lithium flashlight screwed on to the end of my baton. You think I could bluff my way through by saying it's just a flashlight?
 
I have occasionally carried my 16" on our permit, which is ccW, not ccH. It fits nicely next to my wallet in the back pocket. I prefer ASP's excellent OC key ring as my intermediate force tool. It's quite light and unobtrusive tucked into my waistband, with the keys draped over the belt. It can also be used as a flail, if needed.

I've seen BG's take many baton/nightstick hits w/o immediate decisive results. This is a given when they're intoxicated/high to any extent. OC doesn't care what the BG might be on. It blinds him and restricts his breathing, affording you room to escape.

I believe that either should only be used when you are physically assaulted, and lethal force is not yet warranted. My .02
 
Smith or anyone else interested.

I just won an auction for a Ted Blocker Holster and the seller is throwing in an asp holster it is leather and anyone who wants it can have it for $5.00 + shipping. You can view it at ebay.com Item# 292698875

Thanks, Sod
 
Texas Lawman,

Would a Mini-Asp that fits on a keyring count? I have a female cousin that was given one by a fellow employee (I assume a LEO) at a major West TX city's police department while she was a data entry clerk (she's now a dispatcher).

[This message has been edited by 6forsure (edited April 04, 2000).]
 
While I'm not familiar with the mini-ASP, if it resembles a club it probably is one.

The thing is that in TEXAS, the spouses of most cops carry a handgun, with or without a license, and most older cops and a lot of the new guys just won't arrest a person for UCW (unlawful carrying a weapon) unless said person is drunk, on dope, or gives the officer a hard time. This falls under the "officer discretion" concept. Woe be to the person who is carrying (without a CHL) and is impolite.
 
If legal for you to carry concealed - an ASP makes a great weapon. 1. Its less than leathal - meaning you could use it in situations that do not warrent leathal force - such as a good old brawl. 2. Its usefull for taking down noncompliant and hostile persons.

I think they should be mandatory for Public Educators. Of course - an ASP Armed teach get near my kid with the intend of striking - they best be ready upgrade to a bat or better - because I will be all over them like (insert metaphor here).

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"I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." -Nixon
 
Is the ASP the telescoping type baton? I have one of those, but am unfamiliar with the name.

Cullen

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Those who say Science disproves the existence of God understand neither Science nor God.

We scoff at honor and then are surprised to discover traitors in our midst - Edmund Burke
 
Cullen, the ASP is collapsable baton, it comes in different lengths and finishes. A cheaper version is made by CASCO. I have found a new version that I like better than the ASP, it is from Monadnock the maker of the PR-24.
 
Tx Lawman, I am encouraged to hear that officers there are inclined to use 'discretion' in the case of 'not quite legal' CCW. I posted some questions on exactly this on Calibre Press' 'Newsline' some time back when some eager state trooper came up with some clever ideas as to how to do a weapons search without probable cause or a warrant. I asked how many LEOs carried when they went cross-country on vacation, or how many allowed their spouses or daughters to do so as a matter of simple common sense--and how they justified that but not for John Q. Public. Unfortunately no one bit, but I suspect it is very common practice. I am an ex-LEO, and fortunately where I live common sense seems to prevail. We certainly don't need another Prohibition. Cops are already thin on the ground, and if millions of otherwise 'good guys' become leery it bodes no good for any of us.

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Jeff OTMG,

When you say "collapsible" is this a stiff baton or one formed of a tightly coiled spring? The latter is what I have; it is formed of two heavy, tightly wound springs with a solid knob for striking on the end of one of the springs. The entire affair collapses into a hollow handle about 6-7 inches long.

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We scoff at honor and then are surprised to discover traitors in our midst - Edmund Burke
 
Carrying an ASP baton in CA is a felony. However, first time offense for carry a firearm is a misdemeanor.
 
Horrah' for Project Exile! ENFORCE those existing gun laws!.....Good grief... :rolleyes:

I like collapsable battons and think that it makes a far better non-lethal weapon of choice over sprays for those who are trained in FMAs. Unfortuneately, some of the elite decision makers at the capital have labeled those of us decent, law abiding citizens as "criminals" for carrying one to protect our loved ones with one. Horray for Project Exile.........Please excuse me while I upchuck.
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"Reasonable gun law?........There's No such critter!" --EQ
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"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." -Jesus Christ (Luke 22:36, see John 3:15-18)



[This message has been edited by EQUALIZER (edited April 05, 2000).]
 
Cullen, what you have is a sipo (pronounced see-po). The higher quality sipo was made in West Germany and is usually found with a leather thong on the end. There may be a 'seal' or 'stamp' on the end cap identifying where it was made. The cheaper copies are made in Asia. It is similar to an ASP only made of nested coil springs, there are references to their use back to WWII. The ASP uses the same operating principle only instead of springs it uses interlocking (friction fit) tappered metal tubes to form the baton. The procedure to close is the same. That is why I like the new Monadnock, you can punch with the baton open and have no fear of it collapsing due to the push button release.
 
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