Hi Snake Eyes. My post is based upon ownership and use of the following: Streamlight Scorpion and Ultrastinger (a rechargeable); SureFire 8x rechargeable and E2 Executive light; as well as various conventional MagLites and a bunch of others.
If you are truly limited to just the Scorpion and the 6P, I would recommend the Scorpion. It is the perfect "beginner's high-performance light," and should save you money. True, the beam quality is not as "perfect" as the 6P, but it is good enough for all but the perfectionists! It comes with a spare bulb and after that, spares are only about 5 bucks tops, compared with paying around $18 or more for a SureFire spare lamp assembly (which is NOT included in the original purchase). Light outputs and run times are about the same, based upon my comparison with a friend's 6Z, which uses the same lamp as the 6P. Use the money you save to buy more lithium batteries in bulk (I have bought several times from Arizona Gun Runners, which has the best prices I've seen and very good service).
However, for a gun toting cop, the SureFire 6Z combatlight may be a better choice (if you HAVE the choice), if you like the SureFire/Rogers "cigar hold" handgun-light coordination technique. Ask some fellow officers to show you. If I carried a gun as a security guard (I don't), I would definitely carry a 6Z or 9Z Combatlight (the 9Z uses 3 batteries for a brighter light and is a little longer to fit them). (BTW, all these lights can be used with the old Harries technique as well.)
As an (OC only armed) guard, I currently carry an 8X rechargeable and my newly purchased Ultrastinger. Both save me on battery costs, and are usually backed up with a spare MagLite in my backpack. If you get a rechargeable, the 8X is probably the best, and very cool looking in the hard anodized version (no extra cost at AGR). It now comes with a spare battery and a rapid charger for about $130. If you don't mind "plastic," get the Nitrolon model for just under a hundred.
The Ultrastinger (also just under $100, but without a spare battery, which you'll need for duty when your light starts going dim) is about the size of a 3C Mag, but a little thinner and lighter. I wear mine in a belt ring, as a pouch wouldn't work too well. This light is AWESOME!! Lots of power, and can double as a short billy, which gives it a one-up on anything SureFire has (size-wise). However, your dept regs may not permit it's use as an impact weapon, or allow it at all, so check first.
One drawback to the Ultrastinger is you can't use the rapid charger. From what I recall in comparing standard Stingers to the SureFire 8X, they are about the same brightness and runtime, although again, the SureFires will always have the best beam quality. Also the 8X is slightly more compact than the Stinger.
If I were a cop, I'd carry either the 8X or the 6Z (or 9Z) on my belt, with an Ultrastinger or possibly the new SureFire 10X Dominator rechargeable available for extended searches, backup, etc. in the cruiser or briefcase. I would also have a Mag around for backup duty, and have a smaller backup flashlight on my person (LED keychain light or SureFire E1).
When you order any of these, make sure to get spare lamps and plenty of lithiums in bulk (at least six to start), since you will use up the first two lithiums playing around with your new toy within about a week or so! As a security guard, I went through about a pair of lithiums per month when my Scorpion was my main hi-perf light, used in conjunction with standard MagLites in my belt holder.
Hope this helps.
Karl
