View Full Version : Baton on which side of Holster????
What side of your holster do you carry your baton....
Weapon side or Reaction side
Reservoir Dog
01-29-2004, 19:34
In my opinion it would depend on what type of baton you have. When I started with the US Border Patrol, we were issued the collapsable PR-24 which I carried on my left side (right side is weapon side for me). The design and size of PR-24 made it impossible to carry on my weapon side. When I transitioned to the ASP collapsable baton, I carried that on my right side, directly behind my firearm. A few other agents carried their ASP on the side opposite their weapon (their preference). Today, as a plain clothes SA, I continue to carry my ASP on the weapon side.
To clear things up...I am talking about the asp. I was just wondering why people carried it on their reaction and why people carry it on their weapon...I personally like it on my weapon side but many people from the department I work for carry it on their reaction side...Just curious to see if anyone knows of studies or reasons as to why they carry it on either side.
Pray for the best, train for the worst
I carry mine on my reaction side. Basically, that's where I first put it in the academy, so that's where it's comfortable for me now. For info, I carry the Winchester Expandable Baton. The way the baton is designed and the way it fits into the holder, I think it's easier to deploy from the reaction side.
Sigy:destroy:
kenoshacop
01-29-2004, 21:17
I also carry my baton on my reaction side. When I went to the academy, I used the old wooden style baton, so it was most comfortable and fit the best on my reaction side. We now carry ASP expandables, and it just feels the most comfortable on my reaction side.
On another note, Sigy, what do you think of the Winchester's? Our department is allowing us to carry those if we purchase them ourselves. Our current ASP's are only 21 inches, and I'd like to go to the 29" Winchester for the length, and just because it is a thicker baton.
-Kenoshacop
ArLawman
01-29-2004, 23:45
Reaction side, with it slanted forward. I can deploy it with either hand. Thanks to Calibre Press Street Survival!!!!
ArkLawman
kenoshacop, I really like the Wichester's. For info, I believe they are changing the name of them. As far as the baton itself, it has a much thicker gauge of metal which really packs a punch compared to the toothpick asp. I've carried it for about a year and a half and deployed it dozens of times. The only negative thing I can find is the fact that the baton can sometimes deploy in its holder while you are running. I had this happen a couple times, and it was quite annoying. Also, the holder itself needs to really get broken in. When new, it's sometimes difficult to remove the baton. I've heard that they have a new model that is less prone to do this. I'm not positive however. I carry the 26' but have a 29' on order. I've carried both and would definitely recommend the Wincehster's.
Sigy:destroy:
In the CG we carried the ASP strong side just to front of holster.
There are advantages to each. ASP used to teach that if you carried it on the reaction side, you drew it with the reaction hand then transferred to the weapon hand. With the newer adjustable baton holders, it is easier to cross draw.
Having the baton on the weapon side allows you to protect the baton (and handgun) from grabs. A disadvantage to cross drawing is that your weapon arm can be "trapped" against the body.
Some people find drawing the baton from behind the weapon is awkward. Practice with it on both sides and see what you prefer.
DJOHNSON954
01-30-2004, 08:29
I carry the monadnock collapsable baton. I carry it on my reactionary side canted forward to deploy with either hand as someone else posted.
ASP, reaction side, trained that way in the academy. I have been using the Blackhawk Industries, crossdraw baton pouch for over a year and like it.
When I carry my ASP, it is on the "reaction" side. Personal experience has been that many of the agents who carry a baton behind their weapon have it places in such a way that it can easily interfere with drawing their weapon, esp. under pressure. Not the case for everyone of course, but I have seen agents attempt to draw their weapon in a stress course and had trouble getting a good draw because of their baton placement. Good reason why you should always qualify and train with all of the gear you carry (including vest, radio, etc.), because if you don't, you might not know until its too late how that gear affects your weapon, magazines, ability to use cover, etc.
TANKMGA8
02-01-2004, 16:22
Reaction side canted forward, and have tried to carry it behind my weapon and cannot get to it with my off hand. I don't have room for it in front of the holster, but we have a deputy that carries his there. I just prefer it on the left and canted forward, I can access it with both hands and deploy it with both hands, same as my weapon.
1890to1811
02-12-2004, 13:57
I agree with a few of the other posts, that it is what ever you are most comfortable with. Which everside you start to wear it on make sure you keep it there, because of muscle memorywill force you to go back to the original area you trained with.
As a Monadnock Instructor I have to teach, support side also known as reaction side, carry. The reason for this is the smooth fluid motion of the cross draw, and extension of the baton.
Just my 2 cents.
I have always kept it behind my weapon. It gives me a little more advantage on weapon and baton retention. At first I had trouble with it interfering with my quick draw but fixed the problem by wearing two keepers in between weapon and baton. Train like you fight and fight like you train.
kennethm3
02-13-2004, 13:17
If anyone carrys in front of their holster I'd be curious as to how they sit down.
TANKMGA8
02-14-2004, 13:56
Originally posted by kennethm3
If anyone carrys in front of their holster I'd be curious as to how they sit down.
Very Carefully!!!!:D
The deputy that we have that carries it in front of his holster has a cant on the carrier, you know that ones that Galls sells that rotate. It does look uncomfortable, but that is where he prefers it and it has been there for going on ten years, according to him.
ASP, reaction side. I've played around over the years, and this is where I'm most comfortable with it.
From my buckle heading left:
Mag pouches.
ASP
Pepper spray
Radio
Leatherman
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