Abstract: An axial thrust bulb socket with bayonet removal of the bulb includes a flat bulb support member mounted in spaced relation to a pair of resilient socket end connectors and having a circular socket opening with a pair of pin retainer tabs extending therefrom toward the socket end connectors and having pin latch notches at ends thereof which open toward the socket end connectors. Pin clearance notches are formed at edges of the socket opening in alignment with guide edges of the tabs. The tabs have pin guide grooves which align with the pin latch notches. A bayonet style bulb can be inserted in the bulb support member by aligning the bayonet pins thereof with the pin notches of the tabs and then inserting the bulb base into the socket opening by axial movement alone until the pins snap into the latch notches. The bulb can be removed in a conventional bayonet manner and can, alternatively, be installed in a bayonet manner for manual replacement.