shotgun sight replacement question

[Griff56]

I have a Browning BSS sxs in 20 gauge that I bought many years ago. I would like to replace the front bead with a larger one that these tired old eyes can see. My question it this: I would assume that the existing bead is screwed into the rib. What is the best way to remove it and what size is the thread on the bead?

Or is this a task best done by a professional?

Thanks for looking.

 

[rcmodel]

Your guess is as good as mine on the exact thread they used on your gun.
(Until you take it out)
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/GunTech/CheatSheet.aspx?p=0&t=1&i=62

Here are some good sight choices:
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/catsearch.aspx?k=shotgun bead&ps=10&si=True

A three-jaw chuck can usually be used to grip the new bead without damaging it. There is a special tool made for them, but you can probably get by without it on one bead.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...51&title=ALL DIAMETER SHOTGUN SIGHT INSTALLER

If you go with a Hi-Vis Bradly or Calson's type sight, you can put on with your fingers. Use a dab of blue lock-tight under the base after you get it fitted to line up straight with the rib.

rcmodel

 

[moosehunt]

You do realize that the BEST bead for shotgun shooting is one you DON'T see--many top shooters even recommend no bead. Perhaps you may want to reconsider, as one is not supposed to look at the bead (sight?) on a shotgun. A big bead and your "older" eyes equals poorer shooting, not better.

 

[Cover Dog]

moosehunt is right on the money. Shotguns are pointed not aimed. If you gun is mounted correctly your barrel will go where ever you eyes go. If you are looking at your bead how do you also look at your target and determin lead.

All the top Pro's in the Sporting game shoot with someones sight on their gun. It's not there because they need it, it's because their getting $$$ to show it off. I'm sure they don't even know it's there.

 

[rcmodel]

There are a few folks who would disagree.

Like Vincent Hancock, who won Olympic Gold in Skeet in Beijing.

His Beretta skeet gun has both a center bead, and a Hi-Vis front sight!

In fact, everyone on the U.S.A. Olympic shooting team uses either bead or hi-vis sights on their shotguns!

Suppose they could have brought home more then the six medals they won if they hadn't have used those dang pesky shotgun sights?

rcmodel

 

[Griff56]

Thank you for your replies. I guess the thought here is I have a Rem 11-87 that I shoot trap. It has a bigger white bead and the Browning has a small silver bead. I like the larger one because I can see the end of the barrel with it.

However, perhaps I will just leave it alone and shoot it as it. Sure is a nice gun.

 

[moosehunt]

Mr. rcmodel, you are quite correct, yet we still are not in a state of disagreement. I'm referring basically to bird shooting (few, if any competitive trap or skeet shooters use a BSS, or any SxS). In the clay bird game of trap, front and middle beads are the norm. We use them to "line up" before calling for the bird, making certain mount, etc. is right, but then they become "nonexistant", as one must concentrate totally on the bird. Not all, but many top instructors say even that is incorrect. I don't say. I do know that I do as well, nay, better, in the field with no bead, but I have both a front and middle bead on my trap gun. In the field, the bead will work against success, as it will draw your attention away from the bird, at least for a second or two, and that is not good. Have a good day, shoot your gun the way YOU like it, not the way someone else says!!!