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odysseus

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have an inherited Browning A5 12 gauge. The bead on the barrel was gone when I got it, it's a 1/8" hole. I ordered a 1/8" brass bead from Brownell. The bead seems to fit in the hole ok, but the threads inside the hole are slightly smaller in diameter and I can't screw in the bead.

Anyone had a problem like this? Can the bead be filed down to try to fit into the threads or some other work around?
 
#2 ·
Are you sure you ordered the correct bead sight? When a brass bead is designated "1/8-inch", it refers to the diameter of the actual bead portion. The threaded portion of the sight is another subject. They are available in 3-56, 6-48, M3 x 5 thread sizes (and likely a few more as well). You must obtain a bead that mates with the female threads in the hole.
 
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Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thanks. It's very likely that the thread size is too large. I didn't know about that when I ordered.

As I look at the ordered part, it is labeled as 1/8 6-48 Gold (Plain Brass) Bead

I'll need to do some research to determine what the thread specs mean. But, evidently, I need to order a smaller thread than this.

Does the 6-48 refer to a 6/48" thread diameter (which would be 1/8 ")?
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Thanks.

As I think about it, the barrel was "Made in Belgium" (so inscribed on the barrel). It was made around 1958 based on the serial #. So, maybe I should be thinking about MM sizes? I see listings on Brownell as 2.5 or 3 MM. Based on my little micrometer, these threads look to be smaller than 3mm and more like 2.5 in diameter. But, yes, finding the right thread fit would be the best choice.

Just curious: Is the sight "piece" (the piece that the bead fits into) permanently on the barrel or can it be changed/replaced? There is an apparent slot on the barrel that the piece fits into, but I can't see how it would be fixed on the barrel unless there is a dovetail in the slot or something.
 
#6 ·
odysseus said:
Thanks.

As I think about it, the barrel was "Made in Belgium" (so inscribed on the barrel). It was made around 1958 based on the serial #. So, maybe I should be thinking about MM sizes? I see listings on Brownell as 2.5 or 3 MM. Based on my little micrometer, these threads look to be smaller than 3mm and more like 2.5 in diameter. But, yes, finding the right thread fit would be the best choice.

Just curious: Is the sight "piece" (the piece that the bead fits into) permanently on the barrel or can it be changed/replaced? There is an apparent slot on the barrel that the piece fits into, but I can't see how it would be fixed on the barrel unless there is a dovetail in the slot or something.
Click to expand...
I would need to see a picture of your barrel to know what you are referring to.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Image


Image


These are pics of the sight (without the bead) on the barrel. Don't know if it shows very well, but there is a flat spot on the barrel where the sight sits. Don't know if these are permanent on the barrel or if they can be changed.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
I happen to have a spare front sight screw for a Glock pistol. I tried that and it seemed to fit perfectly in the shotgun sight hole. Looking it up, the Glock screw is 2.5MM, so I "believe" that I've determined that the hole would use a 2.5Mx.5 bead thread.
 
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