Modern Tactical Batons – The PR24 and ASP
The Monadnock PR24 Side Handle and the ASP Expandable Batons
Jul 5, 2009
With its emphasis on non-lethal force and its defensive capability in close quarter confrontations, the modern tactical baton is a popular security accessory with military and police forces worldwide, as well as with private citizens with an interest in personal security.
Tactical batons come in a diverse range of designs, but the two most commonly utilized are the side handle baton and the expandable baton. Of these types of baton, the most popular models are the Monadnock PR24 side handle, and the Armament Procedures and Systems (ASP) expandable baton.
The Monadnock PR24 Side Handle Baton
The Monadnock PR24 side handle baton, commonly called a “T-baton” due to its distinctive shape, closely resembles a traditional tonfa. A long main shaft is bisected at a right angle by a shorter shaft that serves as the baton handle. In trained hands, the PR24 offers a wider range of defensive and aggressive techniques than straight handled batons, though this advantage is considered by most security experts to be offset by the bulk and weight of the side handle baton.
The PR24 baton has largely been made obsolete by the introduction of the ASP tactical baton, which has replaced the PR24 as the baton of choice in modern military and police forces worldwide, with such exceptions as the Greater Manchester police force in England, which has equipped its officers with the Monadnock Autolock baton in place of the PR24.
However, despite its fall from favor, the PR24 is still readily available to private individuals, and tends to be priced between $50 and $70, dependent on the accessories provided with the baton.
The ASP Expandable Baton
The expandable baton, also known as the telescopic, telescoping or collapsible baton, consists of two or three inner shafts seated within a thicker outer shaft that serves as the baton grip. Extending the baton causes the inner shafts to extend and autolock in place, effectively doubling or tripling the reach of the baton. The innermost shaft has a solid tip, to maximize striking impact force when the baton is deployed.
While a variety of expandable tactical batons are available, the ASP is the most popular with law enforcement agencies, due to its light weight, portability in its collapsed state, low profile when carrying the baton in public and its ease of deployment in close quarter confrontations.
Pricing for the ASP expandable baton starts at around $70, and due to its popularity, is stocked by all good tactical baton retailers.
Legal Tactical Batons for Self Defense
Before purchasing any tactical baton, it is recommended that the buyer refer to local laws concerning the legality of private ownership of such a weapon. Reputable dealers in tactical batons will not ship to states, cities or countries that restrict baton ownership, and are the best source of information and advice concerning any queries regarding the legal provisions of buying a tactical baton.
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