Okay, I'm going to lay down my issue now. Thanks everyone for all the replies... I think I've learned more about flashlights than I thought was possible, and you've seen how much MORE there is for me to learn!

Keeping/kept the red A2. John found a better deal than I was offering and the dealer definitely wasn't too keen on doing a six-hundred mile swap of flashlights. I'm not displeased at all... granted it's still an incandescent bulb, but it's bright, rugged, and is riding with me every moment it can. Definitely love Surefire.... no doubt where I'll turn first to look for a next lamp (L2 or equivalent would be my guess).

Thanks again. I'll be around every so often, but seeing as I'm not a camper or survival guy, doubt I'll post too often. So until next time, take care and enjoy the holidays.