List of most of Surefire's Tailcap Switches - with IMAGES

[archimedes]

I don't know the exact year that SureFire changed the lettering, but some searching of CPF could probably narrow down the range considerably :shrug:

It was back in the era of the "smooth round" bezels, before the "hex-type" (anti-roll) bezels.

 

[thermal guy]

Thanks arch. Not real important just kinda cool

 

[archimedes]

Thanks arch. Not real important just kinda cool

Well, congrats. You did it, got me curious, so I'll link up the relevant threads for you below

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?52639-Vintage-Surefire-6P

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?246534-Surefire-3P-Tailcap-Question

Based on those two threads (and some other miscellaneous posts) , I would estimate date of manufacture between ~ 1988 and 1994, most likely around 1990 if I had to pick a year.

The smooth (non-checkered) button makes it earlier in the range. The lack of model number also probably suggests an earlier vintage.

 

[archimedes]

Hey TG, would you mind posting a companion photo of that torch in profile here, for reference / archival purposes ?

 

[thermal guy]

Absolutely arch. And thanks for the research !

 

[archimedes]

That's a classic right there, thank you

 

[thermal guy]

I Have /had a lot of 6P's but never and oldie. It may be blasphemy but think I'm going to put my M61WLL in it. Should be very similar to the P60 except a little bit better runtime😁

 

[archimedes]

Low power dropin is a good idea, since the lens is plastic (polycarbonate Lexan)

 

[thermal guy]

So just picked up this old guy. Round body 9P. It has a checkered boot. I thought all these old classics had smooth boots like my 6P. Did some come like this or has a new boot been installed?

 

[Kestrel]

Would help to show the 9P main body in profile as well; the 9P did have a few generations even back then.
FWIW, I have had a number of very old but original Z's, and they all came with the checkered pre-lockout boot - their best tailcap IMO.

 

[thermal guy]

God I'm horrible at taking pictures but think it will work. BTW 9P is the long one😁😁

 

[VZScorpion]

Wo what model is the tail cap of the Kroma and V2 Vampire?