ASP batons legal in Texas

[HarryB]

Will be in Houston this summer working on a masters. Can I bring and carry my ASP legally? If it matters I have an AZ CCW. Just want to have a non lethal alternative...

 

[cola8d8]

I am pretty sure they are not legal here (TX). IIRC in the CHL classes here they tell you "you can carry a gun but not a club, thats just how it is..."

 

[Smoke]

Yep, any type of club is illegal.

I have a Winchester expandable baton. Several of the local LEO know I have it but they don't care, I wouldn't carry it to Dallas or Austin. Then the axe handle goes along.

Smoke

 

[LeonCarr]

In Texas an ASP can be legally carried only if you are a peace officer or a security guard, with the required training completed.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[TarpleyG]

Even an LEO that hasn't gotten the training cert cannot carry one. Stupid rule/law IMO.

Greg

 

[HarryB]

Thanks guys, the ASP stays home.

 

[FedDC]

The ASP is overrated INHO when it is used for anything outside LE. There are much more user friendly alternatives for self defense that allow stand off distance and are often more effective. Every time I have seen an ASP used in real life, it hit just as many good guys as bad because of the proximity. They are heavy, cumbersome when carried, and unless you have the foresight to see a problem coming and extend it, do little that a trained person couldn't do with their hands up close. If I can't have my Sig, give me a big can of real OC any day...plus, you can beat the crap out of somebody with a set of hinged cuffs much better than you can with an ASP

 

[LeonCarr]

Honestly, anything you can do with an ASP, you can do with a 4 cell Mag-Lite, and they are completely legal in Texas .

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[carpettbaggerr]

6C cell maglight even better. Just remember not to hit anyone in the head with one -- unless you want them to die.

 

[McKnife]

ASP is completly legal to carry in your vehicle in Texas!!!


Thanks to recent modifications in the penal code, which took effect Sept. 1, 2007. you may carry the once "illegal knives & clubs" but "Prohibited Weapons" are still off-limits.

PC §46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun, illegal knife, or club if the person is not:
(1) on the person's own premises or premises under the person's control; or
(2) inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under the person's control.

However, something like a butterfly knife is not an "illegal knife"; it is a "prohibited weapon", and would still be illegal to carry.

PC 46.01(11)(B) is the definition of a "switchblade knife", and is written so that butterfly knives fall into the definition. PC 46.05(a)(5) classifies "switchblade knives" as prohibited weapons.

The change will make it legal to carry the ASP in your car, as well as an "illegal knife" (more than 5.5 inches long; bowie knife; dirk; dagger; stilleto, etc.). But not prohibited weapons.