[Abe]

I think I understand the basics of its use. I'd like some more insight into it. Can it be retrofit to most any shotgun (like a Winchester Super X2)? If so, what are some good sources for beads and more importantly, how is it properly fit and setup?

Thanks,

Abe

[BigG]

The center bead is smaller than the front bead but looks about the same size when viewed with gun mounted. The two together look like a figure 8 when aligned.

[JohnRov]

I was told by Mark, the gunsmith at Etchens, that it is really most important for horizontal alignment. I don't even check my beads unless I'm having problems and I want to use them as a troubleshooting device. If there's a vertical gap between your pins, your gun may shoot a bit high, which is fine, as long as you are aware of it and you look a bit high, so your gun is now shooting where you look. The figure eight thing is ok but shouldn't be taken as gospel.

[BigG]

I think you are right. It is just a diagnostic tool. You should not really be looking at the beads but at where the pattern is going to be.

[TrapperReady]

I like having a center bead, but only use it when shooting trap. Then, since I'm starting with a mounted gun, it just helps to verify that everything is lined up in a consistent fashion. Then, prior to calling for the bird, I stop paying any attention whatsoever to the beads.

[Dave McCracken]

Abe, why do you want one?

While it's good for checking alignment with a premounted gun, it's of limited use when not premounted.

Putting one on is a simple job for a smith.

[sm]

I like mid beads, I'm used to them.

As stated, designed to prevent canting with a premounted gun. But as Dave, myself and others state, we don't "see" the bead (s).

I have on occassion used the figure"8" when performance testing slugs. My natural deal is "just shoot the durn thing" as I've always done, the critter is down. Gun fit, proper mounting...etc, and the shotgun is/becomes a natural extension of oneself.

Well it does get people to ask, one gets used to them (maybe just psychological) or maybe I just like for my oily rag to hang up on the silly thing.:p

I still shoot with without sight and beads on all platforms(rifle, shotty, handgun)...oily rags don't get hung up...<grin>

[Abe]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm just getting started in trap. I can break some birds, sometimes consistently, sometimes not. I was interested in them as I've seen them on a number of Browning Citoris that alot of locals use for trap. I was also doing some reading here: http://www.powernet.net/~scrnplay/trapq&a1.html (specifically question 27B and others.) But, I can't deny there's some techno-geek attraction contributing to my interest.

It's ahwile before I'll get a Citori and I wondered if the addition of a center bead to my X2 would make any significant difference.

- Abe

[sm]

Well I put one on my SX1. Dunno where I got the idea-Brister, Misseldine...I forget. I did this in '76 or so.
Anyway- kinda surprised to see the Citori 3bbl set I used came with them.

[45auto]

I don't think they are needed if your stock fits and you are practised with your gun mount. You will/should not see them when you shoot.

However, they can't hurt to have them on, because many shooters will use them as alignment prior to calling for the bird.
Might be somewhat useful in dry mounting, but not needed.
I think most all target guns in the USA have them- no harm.

Many of the european O/U's I have seen do not have them, but they place much greater emphasis on stock fit than most of us see in the USA.

If you have one installed, just make sure it's put on straight and all that.

Interesting reading on the link provided with Jack Russell.
I have not read the book, but it seemed to "imply" sighted fire, almost "rifle like" for trap, particulary handicap. That was a quick read which I found interesting!! Contrary to what I was taught.

Some strong statements like if you don't have a fiqure 8, the gun does not fit you, if I read that correctly. That is not true by any stretch of the imagination.

[Red Label]

When I first got my Red Label it had the center bead. I had never had a shotgun with a center bead before so I thought it was cool. I realized after couple of weeks that I just was not shooting well. Figured I was just getting used to the new gun. Then I realized that the darn middle bead was a distraction to my eye.
I took it out and my shooting improved immediately. Throw gun to shoulder and fire. Smoke target. Problem solved.:D