One of the items I discovered while researching various conversion kits for the 2AA Mini Maglite was a neat little tailcap switch retrofit from RAM Instrument. The Mini Maglite is a fine little light – inexpensive, easy to use, and just the right size for use as a pocket stick – but I’ve never liked twisting the focusable head for on-and-off operation. The tailcap switch lets you set the focus of your Maglite where you like it and keep it there even when switching it off.
The switch itself is a lightweight piece of red plastic that shifts freely in its housing. It is not very expensive and feels worth about what one pays for it. It feels "soft" when you press it (meaning it is not under much tension). Mine has never failed to activate, however, and does the job it is meant to do without difficulty.
The switch housing is apparently aluminum and is knurled after the fashion of the Maglite barrel. The knurling is not as fine as that on the Maglite. The finish on the RAM talicap is not as consistent as on the Maglite body. The switch fits almost, but not quite, flush with the barrel
This is not a momentary tailcap switch. Pushing the red button in deactivates the light, while pressing it and allowing it to snap outward switches the Maglite on. When the light is switched on you can press the button lightly to momentarily deactivate it without pressing all the way for positive off, but it is not designed for truly "tactical" use in this way. Twisting the Maglite head all the way down shuts off the light completely for storage. No amount of pressing the button will activate the lamp if the Maglite head is twisted to always-off.
Equipped with a TerraLux Diode Retrofit Kit or RAM’s own three-LED cluster for brighter light and longer battery life, a Minimag equipped with this tailcap switch becomes a much more functional utility torch. The light you see here is one I carry in a small survival pouch I carry in my work bag.
I’m very happy with this retrofit and I think you will be, too.