to remove the orange tip on mine, I screwed the silencer on real tight, then just pulled out the plug with it. Now, to put the silencer on, I simply slide the orange tip back into the barrel. it still fits tight enough to stay in on its own.
Mine says 1998 as well. It's also possible that they're from diffrent "runs" of the same pistol. Or did a "running change" in the paint applications. Sucks either way! :lol
I got it from here, along with a CYMA extended mag to see if it might work up inside the amazon one. :
http://www.khmountain.com/airsoft/product_info.php?products_id=924
Might want to double check but on that companies web site their policies state: Shipping 4) All guns shipped to United States will have muzzle painted bright orange and all trademarks permanently removed. :unsure