Nice lime Mag Icarus. I spotted a 2C Vari-Beam on the other site, dang, a 2C Vari is my dream light.
Surprised to see this old thread re-surface. The update around here is, yes, the Malkoff is built like a tank, and it’s still going strong in my 4D. I used it for something in the basement earlier. I never did try one of those 3 stage bulbs in the original post.
Since last year, I’ve taken a big liking to the 2C, and I’ve gotten several of these Cree SP-G2-S4 LEDs for the 2C / 2D Mag. They go for around $14 - 16, and are rated at just under 300 lumens, and have decent tint. Definitely will melt the plastic reflector & lens. While not as bomb proof as the Malkoff, it makes my 2C almost as bright as my 4D Malkoff, for around 1/4 the price.
I have one more on order now, along with a vintage 2C that I’m going to use it in. I had ordered several of the OP aluminum reflectors and glass lenses last year, and had one set left to use. This will make 4 modded 2Cs I’ve done since last year, and I keep them in the vehicles and around the house, along with various modern lights. I can slide a 2C in my back or front pocket, and have an instant self defense mechanism that I can take practically anywhere.
+1 on the switch comment above! Mag got it right the first time on the switch. I have no other light that is as easy to find the switch, even with gloves, no matter how I pick it up, as well as the silent / momentary capabilities, durability, reliability, etc. If I pick it up by the head, I can feel the switch instantly with my 1st or 2nd finger. If I pick it up by the barrel, a slight roll left or right puts my thumb on the switch in 1 second, without looking.
I still use my expensive Fenix and Malkoff lights, but I haven’t bought more of them like I have with some cool Mags in the last year. There’s something about grabbing the 2C out of your back pocket, turning it on, and putting it under your arm if necessary, that is very quick and convenient for certain repetitive tasks.
I figure I have about $50 into a 2C. $20 for a good used vintage Maglite, $15 for the LED, $10 for the reflector, $4 for the lens. I know it’s old-hat for most light junkies, but I think it’s a pretty good value for a light that will last a lifetime, can be used as a hammer or a blackjack, and is all around convenient. By the time I decide to sell my super clean 7D and 7C “paten pending” examples in 25 years, I expect they’ll be worth 4 to 6 hundred each, maybe more ;).
Will get back with pics later.
~zen