16" baton effectiveness

[1911JMB]

Using my 31" ASP I recently walloped a large dog that charged me and my dog while we were walking. This was a 100 lb+ dog and 2 hits of 50% effort sent it packing. It got me thinking I should possibly consider carrying a short ASP while running. Typicaly I carry a knife while running because my batons are too big to run with, but thinking about the incident after the fact and how much differently things could have been if I had a knife instead of my ASP got me thinking maybe I should carry a short baton instead. The only thing is, I have handled 16 inchers, and they give me no confidence holding them. Yes I tried hitting myself right on the nerve of my leg with it and it hurt like hell, but I just don't have confidence that it would do the job against a bad guy or dog if the midden hits the oscilator again.

What I would like to know is if anybody out there has "field tested" a 16" baton and can tell me of the results.

 

[hso]

Works just fine and will have much more use than just a knife.

 

[ChristopherG]

More use than a knife? Do you mean as a SD implement or in general? I mean, the only thing I use more than my knife is my HAND, fer cryin' out loud.

I'm not trying to be obtuse (don't have to try), just trying to get your drift, hso. I'd rather have a baton than a knife in most fights, but I don't know if that's what you're saying.

 

[1911JMB]

I'm sure they work hso, if they were unreliable garbage nobody would buy them and they would be unavailable. My only thing is that I take the issue of self defense very seriously (not that you don't) and I would very much like to hear some testemonials before I go and trust my safety to a piece of equipment. Scientificaly speaking, it can't possibly pack the same kenetic energy as a larger club, and I very much want to hear the opinions of someone who has used both.

If nothing else, there are more than a few cops lurking around this site, and at least a couple of you cop guys and gals should have at least heard of a 16 incher having been used. I know a few cops and would have talked to them, but they all carry 26" batons, which is normal through out michigan it seems.

 

[warriorsociologist]

My recollection is that they (18-inchers) are only 1-2 inches (max) shorter when collapsed, so I have always opted for 26" or 31 "ASPs". The 21" (I think?) might be a good compromise...

 

[1911JMB]

The thing is, I have handled every size of ASP, and when running I want a weapon that I can hold in my hand the whole time so it doesn't bounce around in my pocket. Only problem with 21"+ batons is that nothing bigger than a 16" is concealable in my hand

 

[ChristopherG]

That's a helpful consideration for the runner.

 

[BrennanKG]

Sorry to intrude, but does anyone know where collapsable batons fall in Texas laws?

We've moving from CA to TX and I'm trying to get a feel for my self-defense options.



Thanks,
B.

 

[creampuff]

I can't believe a collapsible baton is a felony in this state . At night, I just carry my streamlight ultrastinger as a defensive "stick".

 

[1911JMB]

Are you sure about that Creampuff? I have a relative in Kali that I was considering sending one to, and I certainly won't be if its a felony (or even misdemeanor for that matter). Do you have a link to such a law?

 

[Waywardmonk]

1911..

I would imagine that the 16" is effective but instead of full power swings relying on the length and weight as with the longer batons, you would use short, snapping hits, more wrist than arm. A lanyard would also be a good idea so that you can even swing the whole baton if needed and practicing for accuracy so that you can more effectively target eyes, nose, knees, elbows, clavicle would be a good idea. If you adjust your thinking a little bit and approach the 16" as a tool unto itself then you will probably begin to see it's place in your arsenal of weapons.

 

[LAK]

Can't carry one in TX, even with a concealed handgun permit. Only peace officers - and commissioned security officers (on duty etc).

I would feel very confident with a 16" - especially the Monadnocks which weigh a few ounces more.

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