need help with minimag search

[arioch]

hello, all:
Quite some time ago, in the late 80's and early 90's, I recall Brigade Quartermasters, among others, offering a minimag 2aa conversion kit which consisted of a tube that could be screwed onto the tail end of a minimag 2aa, adding 2 additional aa cells to the light and extending its overall length by several inches, and presumably increasing light output(although I did not recall a different bulb being part of the kit). Does anyone out there remember this item from the past, and if so, might it still be available on the retail market? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Xrunner]

I remember them, but haven't seen them up for sale recently. I checked with Brigade Quartermasters a few years back because they still had a picture of one on their website, but it turns out that they didn't sell them and didn't know who did. Sorry I could be of more help.

-Mike

 

[Gene]

arioch,
I just posted about these recently. They were called the "Maximizer", (which claimed a 50% increase in brightness over the stock Mini Mag), and "Super Maximizer", (which claimed a 250% increase). As with most claims, they were wildly optimistic as I had both and was not impressed with the light output. They were both a one cell add on. They came with a threaded extention that attached to the AA Mini Mag and the only difference were the bulbs. There wasn't a TWO cell extension. You are correct in that BQ and others sold them about 10 years ago. They were made by an innovative company named TacStar that was fairly well known for their small lazer sights and accessories for shotguns. TacStar was purchased several years ago by Lyman Products. The Maximizer extensions have passed on into collectible history.

As an interesting side note, I managed to hang on to one of the extensions over the years. Even though the Mini Mag is a little longer with the extension added, to me, it really transforms it into a much easier to handle light, (makes a nice little defensive club also if the need ever arose!). I added a NewBeam LED conversion from Opalec and with the three AA's, it's really a nice setup with a SUPER LONG runtime. Too bad they're gone because I would love to have a couple more.

 

[CNC Dan]

I won't be able to make these for a while but I do plan on making some more.

pic one
pic two

 

[EMPOWERTORCH]

This extension also makes the minimag moddable to accept InGaN LED's such as cyan and white without the need for booster circuits.

 

[Gene]

Dan,
My one cell Maximizer extension has a separate hard plastic, (+), connection that is added to the regular Mini Mag barrel when the Maximizer is used. Is this just window dressing and unneeded?

 

[Gene]

Also Dan, please put me down for a TWO cell AA Mini Mag extension.

 

[CNC Dan]

Gene,

Sounds like it might keep the extra battery in the extention when not on the light. Does it use the same tailcap?

 

[Gene]

Dan,
Yes, the extension uses the Mini Mag tailcap. After furthur examination, I can see where the extra hard plastic connection is needed. The extension, of course, has threads that screw into the body of the Mini Mag. Without the extra connection, the batteries would not meet as the extension is the same diameter as the Mini Mag body.

 

[CNC Dan]

So the threads on your extention are black plastic?

I just don't get it. Can you post or send me a pic?

 

[Reaper]

OK, I'll take one or two also. This'll be a great Christmas if the extension tubes AND the ARC AAAA light becomes reality. Thank you CNC Dan.

 

[Gene]

Dan,
I'm sorry but all I have at this time is a very old flatbed scanner and it takes lousy pics. The complete extension is solid aluminum including the threads. It threads into the TAILCAP end of the Mini Mag. The PLASTIC connection is actually a "plug" with a molded in spring. You push it into the aluminum extension end that screws into the tailcap end of the Mini Mag so the spring makes contact with the other two AA cells in the original body. Then the original tailcap is screwed onto the other end of the extension. Hope that made sense to you! :>)

 

[CNC Dan]

OK I get it now. Seems silly. Mine is just a hollow tube, threaded male at one end a female at the other end. Adds one AA cell length to the body.

 

[lanterna]

Dan,
could you tell us de size of the tube? if so, i could get a piece of aluminium tube, get it threaded and go on (maybe even anodized in the same color)besides, is there a bi-pin xenon lamp that could fit minimag with 3 batteries?
Do you know wich size would be for a 4 batt? and the lamp, is there a bi-pin 4 batt.?
I love my minimags and it would became very nice with those!!!!!