Leinads, Thanks for the info and the links.
I have been looking at all of the options out there since I started writing my book the first week in May. I found the new Johnpaul Trek eBay listings and the eCrater link.
I special ordered a built-up Rod.com P2 from "Federation Phaser" back in the early 2000s. (Which was right after I ordered my Master Replicas P2.) It had a rising site on the P1 and 9 sounds on the P2. He does excellent work. I had ordered a set of long P2 shells from "Sporak" because I was all set to order a JLong P1 kit - when I was laid off in 2011. I also had another order budgeted with Federation Phaser...
I worked hard to reach the height of my career/buying power at the time and I was lucky enough to be able to purchase whatever I wanted.
Before "life" struck me down - I was set to build or have built 4 P2 kits and 2 P1 kits. I had a crate of DS B&W P2s. (DS would not sell just one.) And one of every AA/DS P2 that was made. As well as several custom built P2s with rechargeable batteries in the power pack grip.
Looking back I am amazed what I was able to collect. Sadly I had to sell almost all of it. Fortunately the last items I purchased were two Wand Company P2s. I am seriously considering adding metal to my first WC P2 which took a spill from desktop hutch... If not I can at the very least place my WC P1 into my MR P2.
At the very least I will be ordering a metal P1 release pin for my DS all gray P2. The P1 lock is broken. I bought several of these because I liked the non-ratcheting (smooth) power setting dial and the silver paint is so vibrant I think some clear coat paint will make the silver parts look like real metal. (If not - they will be replaced.)
I looked at "Chrisisall" DS TOS P2 conversion thread last night.* My days of being able to special order builds from Federation Phaser are gone.
So I will have to muddle through with my limited model makings skills. Though I was pleasantly surprised with the way my Rod.com P1 turned out back in 2012. I had to have a P1 that was like the TMOST for my MR P2.
So now after a long struggle and Herculean trials I can finally get back to making (and when possible collecting) Star Trek TOS phasers.
*
Yes, another Diamond Select TOS phaser toy-to-prop-replica conversion.