csddwk,
In some states, the gvt agency gives you the permission to defend yourself with a gun, but if you carry a baton which can be employed in a less than lethal manner, you might end up w/a big fine and spending years alone in a room w/Bubba the pervert in the state prison. Some states won't give you permission to carry the means of defending yourself and loved ones against criminals unless its a gun. A blade is considered "evil" and is a no-no, as is an expandable baton. Only gvt employees are allowed to carry those around here.
Personally, I wouldn't trust a State trooper to know what the laws say. If you ask half a dozen, you might get as many different answers. If you have a university nearby or law library, you might be able to find out what the books say on the subject. Other than finding an attorney who speciallizes in this area, I don't know how to get a straight answer. There is a gun rights site that has the state by state citizen disarmament laws listed and maybe someone who knows the address can give you the link. Best wishes.
robert
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"Reasonable gun law?.......There's No such critter!"
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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)