20130311

12V rechargeable flashlight

Blegging for recommendations for a metal bodied flashlight:
  • impressive, maybe even intimidating, light output
  • replaceable bulb or LED assembly
  • rechargeable
  •  . . . by 12V via a cradle
  • available replacement battery pack
  • suitable for mounting in an automobile, constantly on charge by permanent wiring into the vehicle's electrical system
  • body stout enough to use as a bludgeon, at least twice
  • low enough price to put on an Amazon wish list without sheepish grin
  • lanyard, or place to attach one
Please post in comments if you can suggest a make and model. 

20130310

if I had an Oscar Meyer weiner . . .

if I got my hands on a 3-D printer, the first thing I'd like to try is a replacement barrel bushing for a Star PD.  The 3-D printer would make a plastic version of it, but then I'd try using the plastic version as a mould for an investment casting.  Somebody around here can investment cast carbon steel, no?

But the real cool thing I'd like to try is a stretched double-stack 1911 frame.  Imagine slicing down through the frame along the magazine well, and making that magazine well about 2mm longer, front to rear. That ought to be just enough so a double-stack magazine of 7.62x25mm Tokarev would fit.  That cartridge is too long for a standard or doublewide 1911.

3-D print that frame, with gaps for hardened steel slide rails to be pressed into the plastic.  Finish with standard or double-wide 1911 parts as needed, and a .38 Super slide.  3-D print a barrel for the Tokarev, and have that buddy investment cast that for you too (update:  or use J&G Sales's Tok barrel).  A 3-D printed magazine will be needed too.  It would probably have capacity for 15 or 16 rounds. 

Update:  is there any way to mix graphite fiber flakes into the plastic line that feeds into the 3-D printer?