Fulton Flashlights

Fulton Flashlight Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my Fulton MX-991/U flashlight turn on?

If a Fulton MX-991/U will not turn on, check that the batteries are installed correctly and are making good contact, then inspect the bulb and the contacts inside the flashlight for corrosion or dirt. Older MX-991/U flashlights can also develop problems with the switch or deteriorated gaskets and other internal components.

If the flashlight has been stored for years, corrosion around the battery contacts or switch is particularly worth checking. Fulton replacement parts are available for many common problems. The Fulton MIL-REPL replacement parts kit includes a PR6 bulb, replacement gaskets, lenses, filters, and other components for compatible military-specification flashlights.

What bulb does a Fulton MX-991/U flashlight use?

Current standard Fulton N47 MX-991/U flashlights use a PR6 incandescent bulb. The non-LED N47 includes a spare PR6 bulb in the base of the flashlight. The PR6 is also available separately as a replacement bulb. For owners who want to maintain the original incandescent configuration, BJL Outdoors carries Fulton PR6 replacement bulbs and other Fulton flashlight parts.

Can I replace the incandescent bulb in a Fulton MX-991/U with an LED?

Yes. Fulton N47/MX-991/U flashlights can be upgraded with a compatible PR-LED replacement bulb. An LED conversion can provide a brighter light and longer bulb life while retaining the original flashlight housing, switch, filters, and right-angle design.

BJL Outdoors carries the Fulton MIL-LED-REPL LED replacement parts kit, which includes the Fulton PR-LED bulb along with replacement filters, lenses, diffuser, O-ring, and gaskets. BJL also offers N47 MX-991/U flashlights with an LED bulb upgrade.

Can I use AA batteries instead of D batteries in a Fulton MX-991/U?

Yes. Standard Fulton N47 MX-991/U flashlights use two D batteries, but Fulton offers conversion components that allow compatible lights to use two AA batteries. This can significantly reduce the weight of the flashlight. .

BJL Outdoors carries the Fulton N47 MX-991/U rebuild kit, which includes an LED upgrade and D-to-AA battery adapters.

How do the three switch positions on a Fulton MX-991/U work?

The MX-991/U uses a three-position switch with Off, Signal, and On positions. In the Signal position, pressing the button above the switch operates the bulb momentarily. This allows the flashlight to be used for signaling, including Morse code. Moving the switch to the On position keeps the flashlight illuminated without holding the button.

The switch design is one of the features that distinguishes the MX-991/U from an ordinary consumer flashlight. Later military versions also incorporated raised switch guards to help prevent accidental activation.

What are the colored filters on a Fulton MX-991/U used for?

The colored filters allow the flashlight to produce different types of illumination and can be used for signaling and specialized field applications. Depending on the N47 configuration, filters may include red, blue, white, amber, or green, along with a diffuser.

For example, red light can be useful when preserving dark adaptation is important, while other filters can be useful for signaling or improving contrast in particular situations. Replacement filters are included in the Fulton MIL-REPL replacement parts kit.

Why is my Fulton MX-991/U flashlight so dim?

The traditional MX-991/U was designed around an incandescent PR6 bulb and is considerably less bright than most modern LED flashlights. Modern LED flashlights use a lot of energy to power a non-replaceable LED emitter.  The MX-991/U was designed to use less energy and also focused on military light-discipline.

If more light is desired, replacing the incandescent bulb with a Fulton PR-LED bulb is the simplest upgrade. An LED conversion can increase usable light output while retaining the classic MX-991/U body and controls.

Can an old Fulton MX-991/U flashlight be rebuilt or restored?

Yes. One of the advantages of the MX-991/U design is that many of its components can be replaced. Older lights commonly need new bulbs, filters, lenses, gaskets, or O-rings after years of storage or use.

The Fulton MIL-REPL replacement parts kit is designed specifically for Fulton military-specification flashlights including the MX-991/U and MX-993/U. For a more extensive restoration, the Fulton N47 MX-991/U rebuild kit adds an LED upgrade and D-to-AA battery adapters.

How do I clean the electrical contacts inside a Fulton MX-991/U?

If an older Fulton flashlight has fresh batteries and a good bulb but still does not work, dirty or corroded electrical contacts may be the problem. Inspect the battery contacts and other accessible metal contact points for corrosion, residue, or buildup. Clean them carefully and make sure the batteries can make firm electrical contact.  If corrosion has damaged a component rather than simply dirtying it, replacement parts may be a better solution than continued cleaning.

How do I know if my Fulton MX-991/U is an original military flashlight or a reproduction?

Several manufacturers have produced MX-991/U flashlights over the years, including Fulton, GT Price, Bright Star, and USALite. Consequently, an older MX-991/U without Fulton markings is not automatically a reproduction.  Collectors should consider the manufacturer's markings, construction, switch design, filters, fasteners, and other details when evaluating an older flashlight.

The current Fulton N47 MX-991/U is manufactured by Fulton Industries in the USA. Current Fulton production is designated N47.

What is the difference between an MX-991/U and an MX-991\U?

The different slash notation seen on some older flashlights can be confusing. Markings vary between manufacturers and production periods, so the slash placement by itself should not be used to determine whether a flashlight is genuine or represents a completely different model. When identifying an older flashlight, consider the complete set of markings and physical characteristics rather than relying on the punctuation in the model designation alone.

Does a Fulton N47 come with a spare bulb?

Standard non-LED Fulton N47 flashlights include a spare PR6 bulb in the spare-bulb holder in the base of the flashlight. Fulton LED models do not necessarily include a spare LED bulb. If you need a replacement, BJL Outdoors carries Fulton replacement bulbs and parts.

Are Fulton MX-991/U flashlights waterproof?

Current Fulton N47 MX-991/U flashlights are designed as waterproof military-specification flashlights and use gaskets and sealed components to protect the interior from water intrusion. On an older flashlight, however, deteriorated gaskets can compromise water resistance. Replacement gaskets and O-rings are available in the Fulton MIL-REPL parts kit.

Where can I find replacement parts for a Fulton MX-991/U?

Replacement parts are still available for the Fulton MX-991/U and N47. BJL Outdoors carries Fulton flashlight replacement parts, including PR6 incandescent bulbs, PR-LED bulbs, filters, lenses, gaskets, O-rings, and LED conversion kits.

For a convenient collection of common restoration components, the Fulton MIL-REPL replacement parts kit is designed for compatible military-specification Fulton flashlights.