the present invention is directed to an on / off switch for a flashlight having a reflector secured against axial motion . the reflector has a central opening . the flashlight includes a bulb with a base having an outer cylindrical electrical terminal . the bulb extends through the central opening of the reflector . the switch includes a bulb holder , with the bulb secured in and moving with the bulb holder . the switch also includes an electrical contact disposed in the flashlight so as to be adjacent and biased away from the cylindrical electrical terminal of the bulb . the switch also includes a ring rotatably disposed in the flashlight . the ring is mechanically linked to the bulb holder and includes an element disposed adjacent the electrical contact . rotation of the ring causes the bulb holder and thus the bulb to move axially relative to the reflector due to the mechanical link and simultaneously causes the element to force the electrical contact against the bias and into contact with the cylindrical electrical terminal of the bulb .