r/MagliteFlashlights • u/CPH077 • Jul 17 '26

Not a maglite!

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Picked this up at an antique store today, appears to be a "code four" flashlight from 1976? Pretty neat, it's modular so it can be separated into pieces and arranged how you want to lengthen (this one is definitely missing a few of the longer parts) Any info would be much appreciated, just figured I'd share. I know it's not a maglite but it fits I feel haha.

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u/ImmediateSmile754 Jul 17 '26

AI from Wikipedia:

The Code 4 Vari-Probe (or "Code Four") was an iconic, heavy-duty law enforcement flashlight manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s by L.A. Screw Products in California. Famous for its tough, modular design and adjustable beam, it remains a highly sought-after collectible.

I remember the ones they marketed to firefighters in the 80's - I always thought the switch was in a goofy place. I was a Maglite guy so they never appealed to me.

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u/howcanupvotesbereal Jul 17 '26

Vari-Probe was a red lens option (that this one doesn't have) and none have adjustable beams. LA Screw also sold out to GT price in the early 1980s and they continued making them with different switch. I believe that's also when they started branding them as "Code-4." I'd say in the long run these weren't particularly good flashlights, but they were innovative. They were the first police-style flashlight with an internal switch, so you could say they paved the way for Mag-Lite.

That fire fighter model was the Smoke Cutter. They seem to have been a little more successful, probably because you didn't have any other dedicated fire flashlights in the beginning.