[sandness]

I have a Remington 870 Express that I took out shooting for it's 2nd time a few days ago. During the outing, somehow the little brass ball managed to escape from the vent rib. I'm not sure what I should do. I assume the brass ball was simply pressed in, as the hole does not appear to be threaded. I think I would like to have some sort of sight on it as I plan to go pheasant hunting with my brother after he returns from Iraq. On that note, I've never been hunting. I've seen some cheap fiber optic sights that attach to the vent rib- should I get some of these? (I'm guessing not as they will likely fall off even easier) Should I find a small tap, thread the hole from the old pin, and make a replacement? Or would I even need to fix it? A majority of it's life will be spent hanging behind my headboard in case shtf. I prefer not to replace the barrel as I've checked some prices, and a 26" $175 barrel was too much for my gun I paid $180 for.

[Snarlingiron]

A factory replacement can be found at Brownell's for $6.04 (http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=10436&title=SIGHT,%20FRONT,%20VENT%20RIB&s=26855#26855).

It is indeed a "friction fit", and not threaded. However, I would think you could clean the hole and bead with degreaser, apply a judicious amount of loctite, and gently tap it into place with a light hammer and a piece of wood or plastic to protect it from peening.

There are many here that will say "don't worry about it, you don't need it", and they are probably right. But I personally would rather have a bead than a hole.

[ronto]

I've got a Hi-Viz magnetic on my rib...The only catch is that you need the factory front sight to stop it from creeping forward during recoil...other wise it stays put OK. Since your sight fell out and getting it out is half the battle, I'd just drill and tap a new hole for a more permanent installation...Either fiber optic or ivory bead...whatever you prefer and you can always change out sights until you find the one you like.

[kingjoey]

Tap the hole for 6-48 and install a threaded bead. Press in beads aren't very durable.