The CLAW!!!

[SwissFluCase]

Here is a question that I could not find any info regarding:

How was the Argus Claw (AKA nippers) employed? I have seen these mysterious devices when perusing old Smith & Wesson revolver info, and my curiosity got the better of me. There is a lot of info about their design, but not much about how they were used.

So far I have the following info:

1) They were extremely nasty, and
2) They were deemed unconstitutional

Here is what I am talking about:

http://www.handcuffs.org/gallery_nippers/index.html

Thanks!

Regards,


SwissFluCase

[tyrist]

Goes on the wrist of the inmate. You hold it so it forms a T in your palm with the part going towards the claw is between your fingers. If the inmate gives you problem you twist which causes it to tighten and results in pain to gain compliance.

[SixPointEight]

I was thinking a titty twister, but that makes sense.

[SwissFluCase]

I was thinking a titty twister, but that makes sense.

That's funny, I came to the same conclusion... They must have been tougher to twist back then!

Regards,


SwissFluCase

[cacop]

Goes on the wrist of the inmate. You hold it so it forms a T in your palm with the part going towards the claw is between your fingers. If the inmate gives you problem you twist which causes it to tighten and results in pain to gain compliance.

What he said. Plus I have heard stories of coppers grabbing people by the mouth with those things like they were a bass.

Something for the "militarization of the police" crowd to think about when they long for a police department of the 1950s. Things used back in then at my PD that would get you fired for possessing and charged for using now: brass knuckles, double edged boot knives, saps, swithcblades, short billy clubs, blackjacks, sawed off no tax stamp shotguns, M2 Carbine bringbacks.

[Notorious]

What he said. Plus I have heard stories of coppers grabbing people by the mouth with those things like they were a bass.

Something for the "militarization of the police" crowd to think about when they long for a police department of the 1950s. Things used back in then at my PD that would get you fired for possessing and charged for using now: brass knuckles, double edged boot knives, saps, swithcblades, short billy clubs, blackjacks, sawed off no tax stamp shotguns, M2 Carbine bringbacks.

Here's the funny thing... would you prefer the 8 oz. lead sap or the full boat aluminum PR-24 bearing down on your body, especially on a wrist bone or clavicle?

How do you tell the difference between being hit with a short 14" billy club or truncheon (felony to possess) versus being hit with a legal miniature baseball bat or lead pipe of the same dimensions?

What makes my 26" hardwood straight stick so dangerous that it's a felony to possess by civilians, as compared to any other hardwood stick of the same diameter that anyone can buy and have cut to the same length at Home Depot? The rubber grommet? The black tactical paintjob?

[tyrist]

What he said. Plus I have heard stories of coppers grabbing people by the mouth with those things like they were a bass.

Something for the "militarization of the police" crowd to think about when they long for a police department of the 1950s. Things used back in then at my PD that would get you fired for possessing and charged for using now: brass knuckles, double edged boot knives, saps, swithcblades, short billy clubs, blackjacks, sawed off no tax stamp shotguns, M2 Carbine bringbacks.

Agreed. The 1950s were the days of "when in doubt choke them out" and "do you wanna go to jail or get your *** kicked". Police today are Mr. Rodgers compared to those days.

[SwissFluCase]

Things used back in then at my PD that would get you fired for possessing and charged for using now: brass knuckles, double edged boot knives, saps, swithcblades, short billy clubs, blackjacks, sawed off no tax stamp shotguns, M2 Carbine bringbacks.

Pick axe handles, electric cattle prods...

Thanks! That piece of equipment was a puzzler.

Regards,


SwissFluCase