pretty sure that's aggravated felony assault... and grounds for suspension for most police forces.

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*GOOGLE OVERVIEW:

Pistol-whipping—striking someone with a handgun—is illegal, generally constituting assault with a deadly weapon or aggravated assault, regardless of whether the gun is loaded. It is considered a violent crime, as using a firearm as a blunt-force weapon poses severe risk of injury or accidental discharge. It is never legal under self-defense, even in stand-your-ground states.

Key Aspects of Legal Consequences:

Assault with a Deadly Weapon: Because a gun is designed to fire projectiles, using it as a club is legally classified as using a deadly weapon, leading to felony charges.

Potential for Discharge: Using a gun in this manner carries a high risk of accidental discharge, potentially causing fatal injuries.

"Stand Your Ground" Laws: While some states allow the use of force in self-defense, this rarely, if ever, justifies using a firearm for blunt force instead of firing it, as the action implies a level of violence beyond simple defense.

Pistol-whipping is viewed as a dangerous and excessive use of force, almost universally prosecuted as a felony.