Changing bead on Rem. 870

W

walterrego

Inactive
I have a 1968 vintage Remington 870 police model. I would like to replace the standard front bead with something more visible. I don't think I need a tritium sight, but am thinking maybe a larger fiber optic type bead. Can I simply protect the area around the old bead with some tape, and grab the old bead with some pliers and twist it out? I see Brownell's has a special tool with a collet tip for plain round beads but I may be using a more oblong bead. Should I just screw in the new one with a little loctite? Any suggestions as to type and techniques would be appreciated.
 
These older beads are screwed in.
To remove, unscrew it, but be prepared for a chance it will break off.

If it unscrews, install the new sight with some Loctite, which will hold it in place without having to tighten it so tight you run the risk of breaking off the new sight.

If the old one breaks off, you'll need a gunsmith to drill out the stub and re-thread the hole.

If the bead is screwed directly into the barrel, the stud on the sight will likely protrude inside the bore.
This has to be carefully ground off after installation and polished flush with the bore, without scarring or marring the bore.

If the bead is in a small pedestal that's brazed on the barrel like newer guns, just screw the new bead in until it's properly positioned using Loctite..
 
I got a new 870 with the platform base and bead, so I can just unscrew the bead and replace it with something better. Any suggestions on which sight to switch to and what thread is the sight?
 
"so I can just unscrew the bead"

Not unless it's a Wingmaster or Police model.
The Express is pressed in, the Wingmaster and Police are threaded.

Be prepared for even the threaded versions to snap off.

Which sight is strictly a matter of your personal preference.
Brownell's carry just about every shotgun sight made:

http://www.brownells.com/

For the thread size on your specific gun, go to Remington's web sight and post the question on their support question area.
 
Hummmmm, last time I looked they were still screwing in the Police model beads, so looks like Remington has made a change.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top