I have been asked whether expandable batons are legal at gun shows, because some people are under the impression that they are illegal in this state.
An ‘expandable baton’, is a series of nested metal rods that can be extended manually, usually with the flick of a wrist. They have no mechanical assistance in expanding.
Virginia’s legal definition of a spring stick is “a spring-loaded metal stick activated by pushing a button that rapidly and forcefully telescopes the weapon to several times its original length.” “Pushing a button” is the key phrase here. There is no Virginia law that prohibits the sale or purchase of expandable batons, according to statute 18.2-311.
Now, may one carry such a baton? Some believe Virginia has a Concealed Weapons Permit. This was true once, but it is not any longer. The state issues a Concealed Handgun Permit, which is not germane to this issue.
So, it is legal to carry one in Virginia. If you are in another state, you may want to check to see what your state says. I believe they will be legal most everywhere, but some states or localities can be funny.
If you would like to read an article by a Virginia lawyer, click here.