Bead Thread size?

[Cold_DeadHands]

I want to replace the Bead on my 870 but i'm not sure what size to get. I think it's 6-48...is that correct? below is a pic of my bead.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/3116352689_ae49feb061.jpg

[xm21]

CDH,I got out my Jerry K shop manual and it says the most common thread sizes are 3-56 and 6-48.I would just unscrew it and check the thread size,what type bead are you going to replace it with.

[rantingredneck]

Are you sure it's threaded and not press-fit? Some/most newer 870 express and tactical models have press-fit front beads. Not threaded, not supposed to be user-replaceable.

That being said I know someone who did not know this going in and managed to work his press-fit front bead out. He then epoxied a new threaded bead in place.

[Cold_DeadHands]

I hope it's threaded...i might take some pliers tomorrow and see if it unscrews. I'm looking at the meprolight beadsight

[xm21]

If it is a pressed bead it is no problem to drill and use a bottoming tap to install a screw in bead.Thats what I did on my Express.I put a brass bead on it because I hated the look of the aluminum bead.

[Cold_DeadHands]

well....it wasn't threaded :mad: the bead just snapped off. I guess I'll go to a local rifle smith tomorrow.

[olddrum1]

Knocked my center bead off 15 years ago, drilled out and super glued a new one in. Five years later knocked that one off and did the same. Gun rack was right at bead level. The new one has been in 10 years or so.

[xm21]

The stem of the bead left in the hole is soft and if you use a center punch to make a starting point it will easily drill out using a #31 drill bit.The hole will be the right size for a 6-48 bottoming tap.Make sure to mark the bit for depth so you dont get into the barrel.

[Cold_DeadHands]

is that a special drill size? i don't have any gunsmith tools...

[hogdogs]

CDH, Once below the nominal sizes or between them is a set called number drills. They are what the #31 comes from. Special... not really... Specialty... yep...
Brent

[zippy13]

If you have a steady hand, try using a Dremel type tool with a small "engraving" tip to hollow out the stump enough to accept a glued-in new sight. I have a glued in center bead in one of my shotguns' ribs. It's been there so long I can't remember which gun has the glue job.

[Cold_DeadHands]

well, i called a bunch of gunsmiths in my area and the cheapest one wants $55 to put a new bead in. Not to mention the long waiting time involved.
Instead I ordered this drill and tap set; https://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=WU1767&src=sim and a Meprolite 6-48 Front bead sight. cost including shipping was $57
Now i got to wait till the package arrives here and hope not to screw it up when i try to install it.