What does the term 'impact weapon' refer to?

The term 'impact weapon' refers specifically to weapons that are designed to cause harm through blunt force impact rather than cutting or stabbing. This includes items such as batons, nightsticks, and other blunt instruments that deliver a striking force to an assailant. The primary function of these weapons is to incapacitate or subdue a person through trauma caused by the impact, rather than piercing the skin.

In contrast, weapons designed strictly for stabbing focus on penetrating rather than blunt trauma, and firearms operate on the principle of projectile impact, making them distinct from the category of impact weapons. Additionally, any weapons intended not to cause injury are fundamentally different from impact weapons, as the latter are explicitly designed for the purpose of inflicting harm or control in various enforcement scenarios. Therefore, the precise definition of 'impact weapon' aligns squarely with options that characterize blunt force causing harm, validating the correct choice.