How to Mount a New Front Sight Bead

[Animal Mother]

I recently bought a Mossberg 500 at an online auction for HD. It is in excellent condition, as described, except for one thing- the front sight bead is missing.

Now I could go and get all bent out of shape over it, but so long as I get a new front sight bead mounted, I'll be happy.

It isn't broken off, but there is simply a hole in the barrel where the sight bead used to be. While I can see some outlines of the threads that held the original bead in place I think they were probably sheared off (mostly).

I've ordered a new sight bead from Mossberg, which should arrive in a couple of days.

I was thinking some sort of fast setting epoxy from Home Depot might work, but I didn't know if I'd be better off just having a gunsmith do it with silver solder ($30). I want it to hold up to serious use and not fly off, and I'm concerned that epoxy won't be up to the job.

What would you recommend I use to secure the new bead to the barrel?

 

[ugaarguy]

Most gunsmiths have a variety of beads on hand. I'd recommend you take it to a smith, let him or her re-tap the hole, and fit a slightly larger than original thread size bead which corresponds to the re-tapped hole.

 

[John828]

you gonna duct tape a flash light to the barrel? HD situations are typically low light. I'd recommend duct tape and a good mag lite flash light.

What do I know, Gecko45 taught me everything I know...

 

[WardenWolf]

I'd personally recommend a HiViz fiberoptic bead. These things really make a difference, especially in low light situations. Although for home defense, you might also consider tritium.

 

[Animal Mother]

Most gunsmiths have a variety of beads on hand. I'd recommend you take it to a smith, let him or her re-tap the hole, and fit a slightly larger than original thread size bead which corresponds to the re-tapped hole.

Ugaarguy was right on the money. I took it to a local gunsmith and he had me fitted with a new bead in about 10 minutes for ten bucks. Best $10 I've spent all week.


Now, trying to cancel my order from Mossberg...that is a whole new meaning of patience. I think their webserver is powered by a hamster on a wheel.

 

[PTK]

Most gunsmiths, as stated, will replace beads for CHEAP. All we do is screw a new one in, most of the time.

 

[Virginian]

I don't know you need a bead or anything for HD. But, if I wanted one, and since you have one on order from Mossy, screw it in with Red Loctite. It will be there when you die. Small tube about $4.