Help: Rem 870 barrel bead missing?

Scoutnhunt · Feb 6, 2010

Recently aquired a typical 870 12ga Wingmaster and the barrel front bead is missing with an open hole down thru the barrel. I'd like install another oem-style bead ........ does the bead have a threaded post or is it soldered on?

Where is the best place to aquire a new bead?

Thanks in advance for any help.

jw4570 · Feb 6, 2010

You should be able to see the threads if it's tapped.

Now, the bead could be several sizes. #2, #3, or #6. I think mine was a #2 from the factory. But yours could have been replaced before and a larger hole drilled and tapped.

Also, when you buy a replacement bead, it will be too long, you will have to shorten it, and then file/sand/polish it flush once installed.

Most people don't really charge that much to do this. Mike Orlen here does it reasonable, problem is shipping both ways will cost as much as the bead I bet.

Brownells has a good selection of beads.

rsm688 · Feb 6, 2010

Never taken a bead off the front of an 870 before but if there is an easy way too (ie if its threaded) I have a silver bead you are more than welcome to have. I just chopped off a barrel and have no use for it as I am installing ghost ring sights

-spencer-

Old Guard Dog · Feb 10, 2010

I believe you will find the bead on your 870 is not threaded, but is a taper fit. You can get a stock replacement, or drill and tap for a threaded one.

wpage · Feb 11, 2010

You could consider getting a replacement type that is magnetic or glue on types if you dont mind looking around.
There is quite abit out there to choose from.

Vette Jockey2 · Feb 11, 2010

Can't say about newer 870's but my 1968 Wingmaster had a threaded bead. It was 3-56 if I recall correctly.

GunDr · Feb 12, 2010

I believe the original poster as a plain bbl 870. So it wold be highly likely that the hole is threaded 3-56.

Now, some plain bbl guns had a base that the bead sat into. Those beads are held in place by inserting the bead up into the base and then the base is soldered on.

Most all of the ribbed guns that had a silver sight were crimped into the hole, not pressed.

The target guns had a screw in bradley white bead.

Help: Rem 870 barrel bead missing?

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