My question is can the Surefire 6P be submersed(sp?) aka put under water, and be turned on and off
There are a number of factors here:
1) The 6P is a not a dive-rated flashlight. The 6PN (sometimes labelled 6P-N) is tested and certified by SureFire as waterproof to 100ft (33 metres).
2) There is no difference between the 6P and 6PN other than the o-ring seals have been more thoroughly lubricated.
3) The 6P does not come standard with double o-ring seals on the TailCap end of the body. As a result the TailCap should not be rotated underwater.
4) Even with double o-rings rotation of threaded components underwater should be avoided.
5) If TailCap is positioned such that the push button pressure switch can be used to activate the light, this switch can be actuated underwater.
Note that below a certain depth the water-pressure will cause this switch to be permanently actuated. SureFire have the ability to offer a stiffened pressure switch to those operators with specialist requirements for submersible SureFires.
6) On any device that is to be taken underwater the primary responsibility for the integrity and maintenance of user-serviceable seals is with the user. Careful inspection, cleaning and re-lubrication is required to ensure that o-ring seals can do their job.
And also, is taking it into the salt water bad for it even if i wash it afterwards?
SureFires are anodised on the outside and Chem-film coated on the inside. In the event that the SureFire is flooded it can be carefully washed out.
Any electronics feature a proprietary conformal coating that can handle being submerged.
An incandescent bulb may explode in contact with water. In the event that it doesn't then the reflector finish can be damaged by salt-water etc, and also be damaged by being dried out too fast (with too much heat).
In the event that water enters the flashlight it should be disassembled and left to dry slowly in a warm, dry location. This can take quite a long time to get rid of all moisture.
Bottom line:
I would look to see whether a dedicated divelight can meet my needs before turning to SureFire.
Al
