Remington 870 Express bead removal

Mad_Mikee

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I just purchased a Truglo Fat Bead front sight for my 870 Express.

The sales person at WSS said all I had to do was grab the old front bead with a pair of pliers and turn it out and screw the new one in.

I gave it a try but it doesnt want to move.

Does anyone know if its pressed or welded in or if I should just grab some vice-grips and twist it more.

If it matters its a fairly new (couple years old), 870 Express in 12g.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mad_Mikee
 
try spraying on some penetrant wait a while then try again. use a pair of curved needle nose pliers if you have them. brownells has a bead sight remover or a trip to your local gunsmith
 
I ended up stripping a lot of metal off of the used 870 front bead sight that I removed and replaced just a week or so ago. It may just take a little extra effort and/or some penetrant (as 12magnum stated). If you're overly concerned, take it to a smith. I doubt they'll charge you for it even.
 
Thanks for the responses. I found on the Remington website that some models might have a pressed in front bead. I've sent them a quick message so I'm waiting on the response. If they say its pressed in, might have to take it to a smith to have it knocked out and the a hole drilled and tapped.
If I'm good to twist it out, I'll give it some penetrating lube, heat and some muscle.

Mad_Mikee
 
Here is the response I got from Remington. Thats pretty quick service.
Not the answer I wanted but at least they got back to me and now I know.


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Response (Pete) - 10/27/2007 07:13 AM
Dear Mike,

Thank you for contacting Remington Arms.

We apologize for the delayed response to your email sir.

The front bead on the model 870 Express is pressed in and will require a gunsmith for removal and tapping so a threaded sight can be installed.

Thanks,
Pete

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If it is the bead that is on a small base (18" and 20" barrels) the bead goes right through the base and it along with the base is silver soldered to the barrel. It would have to be cut off, drilled and tapped for a threaded sight.
 
Its a 28'' barrel. I'm going to try and find a gunsmith tommorow. I dont mind waiting until the hunting season is over before I take the barrel in.
I dont imagine it'll cost that much to have it drilled and tapped.
 
It is definitely pressed in and crimped. That was the first mod I made to mine way back in '87. I brought it to a smith and had it cut uff, drilled and tapped. I now have the skills and tools to do that job, but the shipping would not be worth it.
 
I was able to pull mine out (It was the pressed in version).. just go slow and straight out.. try to find something to support your pliers (or what ever you use to pull it out with)
 
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