Retractable Baton

posted on March 16, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
201231614583-ctdbaton_m.jpg

My recent discussions on Unarmed Defense and Pepper Spray got me to thinking about other useful items that can be carried for self-defense in lieu of, or in conjunction with, a handgun. One that seems particularly useful is a retractable baton.

Over the last dozen years or so, many police departments have swapped from nightsticks to retractable batons because of their size, weight and versatility. A baton is smaller and lighter than a nightstick, which allows officers to always have a baton on their belts for quick userather than having to remove it every time they climb into their cruisers.

This same lightweight and versatility makes a baton an excellent self-defense tool for civilians, where legal to carry. With a quick flick of the wrist, a baton can be expanded for either striking or blocking, or even just warning off a potential attacker, as most seek easy targets. Even in the hands of an untrained individual, a baton can be used to ward off both two- and four-legged attackers, without the need of lethal force

The problem with batons is that not every state allows their use by civilians. Surprisingly, more states allow concealed handguns than allow a person to carry a baton, and even in states where they’re legal, some cities restrict their use.

The ASP Baton from Cheaper Than Dirt is made of 4140 steel tubing, which is stronger than 4130 steel tubing, making the ASP Baton stronger, straighter and more flexible. It’s locks via friction and comes with a foam handle for user comfort. A baton is a handy tool for those wishing to supplement their self-defense plans with a non-lethal option, or for those who are uncomfortable carrying a handgun. Just make sure you check your local laws.

Latest

Hearing Healthy
Hearing Healthy

Summer Suppressor Deals On Now

Whether it is a BOGO deal from SIG or free tax stamps from Guns.com and Silencer Central, there's plenty of hearing-safe savings to be had this summer.

Rifleman Report: Defending Freedom For 250 Years

"Anyone who claims not to understand the plain and simple intent of the Second Amendment—especially if that person happens to be a constitutional law professor, Supreme Court justice, congressman, senator or president—is likely hiding nefarious intent: to strip individual liberty from American citizens for the express purpose of making them susceptible to a tyrannical government."

Book Review: 2025 Traveler’s Guide To The Firearms Laws Of The Fifty States

Newly updated for 2025, the 29th edition of the Traveler’s Guide To The Firearm Laws Of The Fifty States is packed with all the need-to-know information for cross-country trekkers seeking to bring their arms along with them and remain legal in all localities.

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

The Armed Citizen® June 30, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.