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September 24th, 2021, 04:50 PM #1Senior Member
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ASPs, Expandable and Collapsible Batons - Legality of Purchase and Ownership
I've been giving some thought about investing in an ASP, but wasn't sure what the legality of owning such a device is as a PA resident.
1) Does PA allow its residents to purchase and own an ASP or collapsible baton by a civilian?
2) Are PA residents allowed to conceal carry an ASP or collapsible baton as a civilian?
3) Does PA have restrictions for the purchase and ownership of an ASP or collapsible baton by a civilian?
4) Does anyone own an ASP or collapsible baton, and if so, which brand/model did you go with and why?
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September 24th, 2021, 05:24 PM #2Grand Member
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Re: ASPs, Expandable and Collapsible Batons - Legality of Purchase and Ownership
Because the PA crimes code section that may cover that is so vague who knows if they are legal. Check out 908. Prohibited offensive weapons. Especially the definitions:
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs...tn=8&subsctn=0
"Offensive weapons." Any bomb, grenade, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, firearm specially made or specially adapted for concealment or silent discharge, any blackjack, sandbag, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, razor or cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise, any stun gun, stun baton, taser or other electronic or electric weapon or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose.Last edited by eagleclaw; September 24th, 2021 at 08:54 PM.
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September 24th, 2021, 05:53 PM #3
Re: ASPs, Expandable and Collapsible Batons - Legality of Purchase and Ownership
I think that self defense would be a valid lawful purpose.
However the key would be to get some formal training. Otherwise a prosecutor will say you were just swinging a metal pipe. Our training emphasized what areas of the body not to strike.
We are issued ASP 21 and 26 inch friction loc expandable batons. I like them. Very simple to use. They have shorter and lightweight ones that are easier to conceal and carry.
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September 24th, 2021, 06:47 PM #4
Re: ASPs, Expandable and Collapsible Batons - Legality of Purchase and Ownership
would you get in shit for just having it, probably not.
if you are in shit and have it, you will be charged with prohibited offensive weapon at discretion of the prosecutor.
they are not considered entirely less-than-lethal. as a matter of fact, i'd shoot someone if they came at me with a baton or bat. a single good strike can kill or cripple.
you'd probably be in safer legal territory if you carried a stick or a bat, which serve common lawful purposes.
it will be seized at a court and you may be charged under sec913, or it'll just be surrendered.
i prefer the asp sentry 16" balance is weird on longer models.
imo, ianalThere is no way to make it out alive...
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September 24th, 2021, 07:01 PM #5
Re: ASPs, Expandable and Collapsible Batons - Legality of Purchase and Ownership
Just get pepper spray.
I'm a Rep Virgin
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September 25th, 2021, 08:24 AM #6
Re: ASPs, Expandable and Collapsible Batons - Legality of Purchase and Ownership
I've had an ASP baton since 1989. Have never carried it. Was originally planning to buy two and carry them both after studying Kali for a bit. Then a couple of cop friends advised against it because of the legal gray area they represented. They pretty much echoed what Carson said about training and self defense being a lawful purpose, but that I'd probably be arrested and would have to prove it in court. I figured it wasn't worth the hassle. Kinda like carrying an assisted knife. I don't carry one because state law is not specific enough and local municipalities can make whatever law they please, so why risk it?
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