P60 501B upgrades, IR conversions and torch bodies/builds

[some bloke]

Many a shooter has bought a P60/501B torch of some kind in the past before consigning it to a cupboard because it wasn't up to shooting roles in its standard reflector and flat lens form - but would upgrade it if the parts are known about and available. I'm a fan of that torch because of its compact size and versatility in that different colour drop in modules can be dropped in it in seconds on a cold dark night. I find that it does all I need it to within air rifle and practical rimfire ranges.

Another of its blessings for many of us is that it is a simple point and shoot torch rather than one that gets to be messed about with sometimes. I also like point and shoot rifle-scopes with no focus or PX to faff about with getting it just so before I take a shot - and point and shoot cameras too. I even like sensible shoes but that's another story.

Nobody in the UK makes or supplies upgrade components for this torch and after having to source upgrades from around the world I decided to buy a lathe and make some upgrades for it myself, specifically designed for the lamping and night vision shooting community. Many night shooters undertake their NV shooting in a similar way that I mostly use NV: That is using the pocket size 501b visible red LED hand held torch for spotting suitable eyeshine, then turn on the NV to get within range, correctly I/D it then shoot it.

While most on here will know many of the aspects of different types of rig, newcomers to NV might benefit from quite basic points to note.

As dedicated digital rigs like the new Photon or the N550 don't have to throw extra light out front to compensate for light losses in passing the many lenses and small exit pupil of a day scope, we don't need to splash out as much light towards the quarry: So I can make them less powerful and more covert than the illuminators used for rear mounted add-on rigs. The 1 watt eBay IR pill can be used with the standard reflector just blacked out and a 28mm aspheric lens from Deal eXtreme for the Photon if you have one - or I can supply the 1 watt in a brass pill - or an even more covert .7 watt IR LED and driver in a brass pill.

The Ahorton lens sits closer to the LED than the Deal eXtreme lens and grabs more of the light cone being emitted - so it's more powerful if you decide you want it.


I'm a bit forgetful in my old age - so please post on here what you want and it will remain available for me to check rather than possibly lose track of PMs. I will also frequently modify this post as I get to grips with things and make more options available, such as Hi/Med/Low power mode options.

Please indicate the the type of NV you want illumination for, and/or if you want visible red LED with or in addition to IR as they can be swapped round in seconds.

I have just received a new batch of torch bodies.