The Turn-Key MD2 is a good way to start into Malkoffs, but I think it's worth it to get the Turn-Key with Hi/Lo switch model.
Not everybody agrees with me on that, but I like to have 2 brightness modes, with one for close-up work and the other for a little further out.
I agree that the M61 is not a big thrower at all, but it's a good general purpose beam.
It is possible to just assemble the light yourself, and get the parts you want. If you want more output and throw, there is no reason that you couldn't order the M61SHO with the XPG2 emitter, and have 400+ lumens with much better throw, and then also order the MD2 host and a Hi/Lo ring and a lens kit, and put it together. It will work fine with a pair of RCR123, or you could even get the MD3 body and use a pair of 18500, which would be my choice, or 3 CR123 primaries if you want. The 2 CR123 primaries in the MD2 might be a tad below the ideal voltage range for the SHO, so a pair of Li-ion rechargeables would be better for that particular hi-output drop-in. Preferably a pair of 18500 in an MD3, for better run time while not getting too long in the body.
It's easy to do, and you can get accustomed to doing the configurations, so that later on when you want to try a different drop-in, you'll be fully aware about how it all goes together. This stuff is made to "Lego" parts interchangeably, so it's not difficult to put one together.
There are a whole lot of options and tints to choose from, and flooders and throwers, and the same bodies and tails can even be used with the big Malkoff heads such as the Wildcat or Hound Dog, as long as you get batteries in there that are the correct voltage for the application. It's all a system that interchanges and gives great versatility.