Question for LEO members.

I recently read a post about a long flashlight made by Cold Steel called the Brute. It stated that it was taken off the market because it was classified as a baton. I have made a long flashlight with a wand that is about the length of a 6C Maglite flashlight before the wand is added. It uses 6 AA batteries. Started with a D3 and added all the extra extensions I have. Uses a KL3 bezel. Is this something that could get me in trouble for carrying. I use it for evening walks. It has alkalines in it now but I was considering getting NiMH batteries and a charger. Please let me know if this would be considered illegal. I'll take it apart if it is.
Thanks,
oldgrandpajack

[in a sarcastic tone]

If they don't allow that, they might as well make it illegal to use canes, hiking sticks, trekking poles, and umbrellas.

I think it depends on state law really...

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hawkhkg11 said:
I think it depends on state law really...

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I live in New York State.

"...the manner in which it is used..." will have a lot to do with it in most states, as most states base their sets of criminal law on the Model Penal Code.

I wouldn't worry about it...

--dan

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MR Bulk said:
"...the manner in which it is used..." will have a lot to do with it in most states, as most states base their sets of criminal law on the Model Penal Code.

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Well, I don't use Viagra. Would that make a difference?

Seriously, I would not think this would make a very effective weapon. I think it would probably bend before it did any damage. Besides, it's too expensive to waste this on some miscreant! It would have to be a matter of life or death before I would use it defensively! After the first hit it probably would be U shaped and useless.

I'd have to see it...in california, carrying a prohibited weapon (12020 PC) would be considered a felony...but carrying a loaded handgun concealed is a misdemeanor...go figure /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/twak.gif

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Ducati said:
I'd have to see it...in california, carrying a prohibited weapon (12020 PC) would be considered a felony...but carrying a loaded handgun concealed is a misdemeanor...go figure /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/twak.gif

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I've decided to shorten it to 4 AA cells (minimum voltage for KL3) and play it safe. I never wanted it as a weapon. Just wanted to run it efficiently (9 volts). That would make it about the size of a 4C Maglite plus the traffic wand. Can't see where that would be a problem. Let me know if that could still be considered a prohibited weapon.

Slightly off topic, but a pet peeve of mine. When you ask an internet froum for legal advice, remember to put where you are located. Every state, county, and city has it's own set of laws. However firmly a person states something is legal or not, no matter how right they might be, doesn't really help you when you are 2,000 miles from them. Unless they know the law in your city, or are referencing federal law.

AS A QUICK AND A SAFE RULE OF THUMB...

IF THEY SELL 5 AND 6 C OR D MAGLIGHTS IN YOUR AREA, THEN IT SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM.

LEFTY

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LEFTY870 said:
AS A QUICK AND A SAFE RULE OF THUMB...

IF THEY SELL 5 AND 6 C OR D MAGLIGHTS IN YOUR AREA, THEN IT SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM.

LEFTY

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I haven't seen anything longer than the 4D cell Maglite in this area. Thanks for that suggestion!

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oldgrandpajack said:
I've decided to shorten it to 4 AA cells (minimum voltage for KL3) and play it safe. I never wanted it as a weapon. Just wanted to run it efficiently (9 volts). That would make it about the size of a 4C Maglite plus the traffic wand. Can't see where that would be a problem. Let me know if that could still be considered a prohibited weapon.

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are you from california? i don't think having a traffic wand is a problem...

I'm in New York. I've shortened it to be safe. I don't need it to be a 6 cell light if there is the slightest chance it could be considered a baton. The Brute, by Cold Steel was a seven cell flashlight. It was discontinued because it was classified as a baton. I got the impression that BATF made the call. Not sure of that though.
oldgrandpajack

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oldgrandpajack said:
I'm in New York. I've shortened it to be safe. I don't need it to be a 6 cell light if there is the slightest chance it could be considered a baton. The Brute, by Cold Steel was a seven cell flashlight. It was discontinued because it was classified as a baton. I got the impression that BATF made the call. Not sure of that though.
oldgrandpajack

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I have an ASP expandable baton which I no longer carry. As a man of some years and less than perfect health I believe I am better off with a highly rated OC spray than with an assault object, unless it was a handgun which I can't carry in my gun-hating city.

I chose Fox labs 5,300,000 SHU 2oz spray canister since it is the most respected OC spray on the market. I believe that with most if not all assailants it will buy me enough time to escape, but I'm under no illusions about it being any kind of guarantee against physical harm.

Brightnorm

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brightnorm said:

I have an ASP expandable baton which I no longer carry. As a man of some years and less than perfect health I believe I am better off with a highly rated OC spray than with an assault object, unless it was a handgun which I can't carry in my gun-hating city.

I chose Fox labs 5,300,000 SHU 2oz spray canister since it is the most respected OC spray on the market. I believe that with most if not all assailants it will buy me enough time to escape, but I'm under no illusions about it being any kind of guarantee against physical harm.

Brightnorm



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I am not in the best of health either. The way I see it, if I carried any weapon, it would be turned on me by the assailant. The defensive sprays and tasers are illegal in New York. Probably a large dog would be best, except I couldn't properly exersise the larger breeds. Maybe my cat (large tom with attitude) could be trained to watch my back? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
oldgrandpajack

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oldgrandpajack said:
[I am not in the best of health either. The way I see it, if I carried any weapon, it would be turned on me by the assailant. The defensive sprays and tasers are illegal in New York. Probably a large dog would be best, except I couldn't properly exersise the larger breeds. Maybe my cat (large tom with attitude) could be trained to watch my back? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
oldgrandpajack

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The advantage of OC is that it requires no physical contact with an assailant, and illegal or not is carried by millions of people. Your dog could cause severe damage or death and leave you open to possible legal action. OC, even in the potent Fox formula has an excellent safety record.

My only criticism of the Fox product is that the new spray container is not nearly as user friendly as other less effective sprays like "PEPPERGARD" for example. Also, I don't see an expiration date on the canister and I will be making some enqueries about that.

Good luck.
Brightnorm

I know now why the defensive sprays are illegal. If someone with certain health problems (heart disease, ashma, lung disease, etc.) were to be exposed to them, it could be fatal. I know I would be at risk, even using it defensively. If the wind blew it back at me or the assailant were too close, I'd be in trouble. Heck, in the dark and under attack, I might spay it in my own face. I hope that LEO's are trained about the potential problems with these sprays. Especially with the old and sick.
oldgrandpajack

Most OC sprays have an expiration date. Most have a "life" of two years.

--dan

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oldgrandpajack said:
I know now why the defensive sprays are illegal. If someone with certain health problems (heart disease, ashma, lung disease, etc.) were to be exposed to them, it could be fatal. I know I would be at risk, even using it defensively. If the wind blew it back at me or the assailant were too close, I'd be in trouble. Heck, in the dark and under attack, I might spay it in my own face. I hope that LEO's are trained about the potential problems with these sprays. Especially with the old and sick.
oldgrandpajack

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I don't think that is going to be too much a problem. How many older, or people with heart or lung disease are going to be attacking anyone?