Versa Max (Sportsman) White Bead removal~help! **SOLVED!**

It certainly does look like a hex head in there, but if none of your allen keys fit, it could be a metric half size. If you run to your local Canadian Tire or Princess Auto, you can buy a bolt/screw extractor and pull that out in less than a minute.
 
3macs1 said:
That is not brute force. It is not being scared TO SNAP IT OFF a versa max barrel, fit the new fiber site and re tap if required
If you were in a shop you don't have time to play with it. It either turns out or it doesn't
You think a smith would treat it differently
Yes it is special to you but that is where it stops on that barrel
Just my 2 cents
Cheers
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X2

If the Allan key is that small it may not turn any way.
 
JIMMY 808 said:
X2

If the Allan key is that small it may not turn any way.
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Yes~not going to mess with it unless I get a definitive answer from Gravel on how it's done, allen key size (if it applies), etc. 3Mac isn't wrong..it is just a barrel/don't over think it...but this may be only the 3rd new shotgun I've ever owned, and it ain't the cheapest gun out there either. If it gets damaged, I'd prefer it be from use in the field..not my fumblings at home, and CERTAINLY not because I was too cheap to hire a gunsmith. lol
 
.22LRGUY said:
Yes~not going to mess with it unless I get a definitive answer from Gravel on how it's done, allen key size (if it applies), etc. 3Mac isn't wrong..it is just a barrel/don't over think it...but this may be only the 3rd new shotgun I've ever owned, and it ain't the cheapest gun out there either. If it gets damaged, I'd prefer it be from use in the field..not my fumblings at home, and CERTAINLY not because I was too cheap to hire a gunsmith. lol
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You can always try one of the beads that attaches to the rib behind the factory bead, if you don't like it, it's easy to remove.
 
UPDATE~just got off the phone with Gravel, spoke to one of the techs. (I think) Turns out that there is no threaded hole at all, so removing this bead & base will help nothing if I'm wanting to screw-on an aftermarket/fiber-optic job. That white bead unscrews (though not threaded) and the base pictured that it fits into, is PRESS fit into the barrel. He said it can be removed, doesn't think there is any thread locker holding it there...but that most people won't have the correct tool for the job. He urged me to pay a visit to a gunsmith.

Mystery solved~thanks to everyone who chimed in!
 
.22LRGUY said:
Yes~not going to mess with it unless I get a definitive answer from Gravel on how it's done, allen key size (if it applies), etc. 3Mac isn't wrong..it is just a barrel/don't over think it...but this may be only the 3rd new shotgun I've ever owned, and it ain't the cheapest gun out there either. If it gets damaged, I'd prefer it be from use in the field..not my fumblings at home, and CERTAINLY not because I was too cheap to hire a gunsmith. lol
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Takes a certain amount of guts sometimes to be a gunsmith, I personally don’t like watching.

They sometimes treat your prized possessions like an amusement park.
 
.22LRGUY said:
UPDATE~just got off the phone with Gravel, spoke to one of the techs. (I think) Turns out that there is no threaded hole at all, so removing this bead & base will help nothing if I'm wanting to screw-on an aftermarket/fiber-optic job. That white bead unscrews (though not threaded) and the base pictured that it fits into, is PRESS fit into the barrel. He said it can be removed, doesn't think there is any thread locker holding it there...but that most people won't have the correct tool for the job. He urged me to pay a visit to a gunsmith.

Mystery solved~thanks to everyone who chimed in!
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You think
Should have asked this TECH why remington supplys a screw with the high viz site as a factory replacement part for your gun. Think about that for a minute
Like I said I had a new versa max when they came out and it was threaded not sure on the new ones
Pull the dam plug, fit your new site and live happily ever after
You are clearly not comfortable doing that so take it to a gun smith.
It is a quick job for them
Cheers
cXo2Fir.jpg


I love the correct tool part :)
 
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3macs1 said:
You think
Should have asked this TECH why remington supplys a screw with the high viz site as a factory replacement part for your gun. Think about that for a minute
Like I said I had a new versa max when they came out and it was threaded not sure on the new ones
Pull the dam plug, fit your new site and live happily ever after
You are clearly not comfortable doing that so take it to a gun smith.
It is a quick job for them
Cheers
cXo2Fir.jpg


I love the correct tool part :)
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I maintain (and have said openly) that I think you've probably forgotten more about Remington shotguns than most people will ever know..BUT..I'm not sure you're right on this one. I'm not saying Gravel is either 100%, but the barrel/sight set-up in that schematic isn't correct for the Sportsman model I have. What you've posted looks like the Waterfowl version (or comparable) that has a factory, fiber-optic sight in place already. Were that the case with my barrel, I wouldn't be trying to put a different fiber optic sight on..and even if I was, a screw is already visible on that set-up. I wouldn't have had to start this thread to begin with. lol

What Gravel has said is consistent with what I'm seeing on my gun, mostly because no Allen key I've tried engages in anything on that sight base. From what Gravel tells me, the vent rib will have to be drilled/tapped to accept this style of sight, and even if manage to remove (elbow grease and force) the sight base I posted a picture of...no threaded hole will be underneath solving this challenge.

The Sportsman is the econo version of this gun of course, but some of the cheapest shotguns I've owned still have drilled/tapped holes for mounting a bead sight. Sort of wish Remington wouldn't mess with that, but it started well before this gun. (ie, press-fit 870 Express beads)
 
.22LRGUY said:
I maintain (and have said openly) that I think you've probably forgotten more about Remington shotguns than most people will ever know..BUT..I'm not sure you're right on this one. I'm not saying Gravel is either 100%, but the barrel/sight set-up in that schematic isn't correct for the Sportsman model I have. What you've posted looks like the Waterfowl version (or comparable) that has a factory, fiber-optic sight in place already. Were that the case with my barrel, I wouldn't be trying to put a different fiber optic sight on..and even if I was, a screw is already visible on that set-up. I wouldn't have had to start this thread to begin with. lol

What Gravel has said is consistent with what I'm seeing on my gun, mostly because no Allen key I've tried engages in anything on that sight base. From what Gravel tells me, the vent rib will have to be drilled/tapped to accept this style of sight, and even if manage to remove (elbow grease and force) the sight base I posted a picture of...no threaded hole will be underneath solving this challenge.

The Sportsman is the econo version of this gun of course, but some of the cheapest shotguns I've owned still have drilled/tapped holes for mounting a bead sight. Sort of wish Remington wouldn't mess with that, but it started well before this gun. (ie, press-fit 870 Express beads)
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I replaced the front sight on my Versa Max with an aftermarket fiber optic/ghost ring setup, and it matched that drawing perfectly. Mine isn't the sportsman though, it's the standard model with the grey overmoulding on the stock/fore-end. The sportsman model has a few things that vary from the standard models, which justifies the lower price I suppose.
 
Scotty454 said:
I replaced the front sight on my Versa Max with an aftermarket fiber optic/ghost ring setup, and it matched that drawing perfectly. Mine isn't the sportsman though, it's the standard model with the grey overmoulding on the stock/fore-end. The sportsman model has a few things that vary from the standard models, which justifies the lower price I suppose.
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That's my understanding too Scotty. The overmoulded stock is the biggest visual giveaway to the higher end VM shotguns, so too is the front sight. From what I gather, the finish/coating on the parts making up the trigger group is also better on all other models and of course..you rich guys got a plastic case and all of your choke tubes. :) No complaints here though, my gun runs like a sewing machine....my only upgrades (beyond this conversation) is an improved bolt release button, charging handle (like yours) and shell carrier. The factory carrier is shaped/sized to trap your loading thumb perfectly. lol Casey @ Tac Ord did the work on mine...and may be looking at this bead situation too. And by "maybe"....I mean "probably".
 
.22LRGUY said:
I maintain (and have said openly) that I think you've probably forgotten more about Remington shotguns than most people will ever know..BUT..I'm not sure you're right on this one. I'm not saying Gravel is either 100%, but the barrel/sight set-up in that schematic isn't correct for the Sportsman model I have. What you've posted looks like the Waterfowl version (or comparable) that has a factory, fiber-optic sight in place already. Were that the case with my barrel, I wouldn't be trying to put a different fiber optic sight on..and even if I was, a screw is already visible on that set-up. I wouldn't have had to start this thread to begin with. lol

What Gravel has said is consistent with what I'm seeing on my gun, mostly because no Allen key I've tried engages in anything on that sight base. From what Gravel tells me, the vent rib will have to be drilled/tapped to accept this style of sight, and even if manage to remove (elbow grease and force) the sight base I posted a picture of...no threaded hole will be underneath solving this challenge.

The Sportsman is the econo version of this gun of course, but some of the cheapest shotguns I've owned still have drilled/tapped holes for mounting a bead sight. Sort of wish Remington wouldn't mess with that, but it started well before this gun. (ie, press-fit 870 Express beads)
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It it not about me being right. I am wrong 30 times a day just ask my wife :)
It is a bead on a shotgun barrel regardless of make etc
If not comfortable doing it regardless what ends up being required it is easy work for your favorite smith
Cheers
 
3macs1 said:
It it not about me being right. I am wrong 30 times a day just ask my wife :)
It is a bead on a shotgun barrel regardless of make etc
If not comfortable doing it regardless what ends up being required it is easy work for your favorite smith
Cheers
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Agreed. More just mentioning where I'm coming from, I only wish my barrel was drilled/tapped like it is in that drawing. lol Boy...when Remington wants to save money, they leave no stone unturned. :p (press-fit vs. drill/tap) I'm not even sure I'll be thrilled with the fiber optic btw, but I probably won't like it less than the white bead...so it's a step forward. :)
 
.22LRGUY said:
That's my understanding too Scotty. The overmoulded stock is the biggest visual giveaway to the higher end VM shotguns, so too is the front sight. From what I gather, the finish/coating on the parts making up the trigger group is also better on all other models and of course..you rich guys got a plastic case and all of your choke tubes. :) No complaints here though, my gun runs like a sewing machine....my only upgrades (beyond this conversation) is an improved bolt release button, charging handle (like yours) and shell carrier. The factory carrier is shaped/sized to trap your loading thumb perfectly. lol Casey @ Tac Ord did the work on mine...and may be looking at this bead situation too. And by "maybe"....I mean "probably".
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Ugh, the thumb shredder lifter. Lol. I welded a little tab in mine. Extended it a bit to make up some of the extra space from opening up the feed port. I also machined a new bolt release out of beryllium copper, cuz why not. Mine was also hanging up a little but trying to lift the shells into the chamber (Even before I welded the lifter, in case you're wondering, haha), so I put an extra power recoil spring from Wolff in it. It runs AWESOME now. I could out-run it before (same deal with my buddy's tactical) the XP spring, but can't now.

Now if either the american or UK companies would get on making an auto-load system for the VM, I'd be slightly closer to being completely happy with it. Haha
 
Scotty454 said:
Ugh, the thumb shredder lifter. Lol. I welded a little tab in mine. Extended it a bit to make up some of the extra space from opening up the feed port. I also machined a new bolt release out of beryllium copper, cuz why not. Mine was also hanging up a little but trying to lift the shells into the chamber (Even before I welded the lifter, in case you're wondering, haha), so I put an extra power recoil spring from Wolff in it. It runs AWESOME now. I could out-run it before (same deal with my buddy's tactical) the XP spring, but can't now.

Now if either the american or UK companies would get on making an auto-load system for the VM, I'd be slightly closer to being completely happy with it. Haha
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Nice work! I had Casey @ Tactical Ordnance give mine the once over, including one of the carriers he sells for it. He also did some internal polishing that helped feeding. When new, the sharp edges of the guns chamber actually caught the odd shell, some even had a ribbon of plastic (from the side of the shell) still visible...holding an un-chambered shell back. lol Forgot he did that work, but I was fortunate enough to watch him do it as well. If there is anyone on earth who knows Versa Max shotguns inside/out like Casey does...I'd be shocked. Talk about speed/efficiency!
 
.22LRGUY said:
Nice work! I had Casey @ Tactical Ordnance give mine the once over, including one of the carriers he sells for it. He also did some internal polishing that helped feeding. When new, the sharp edges of the guns chamber actually caught the odd shell, some even had a ribbon of plastic (from the side of the shell) still visible...holding an un-chambered shell back. lol Forgot he did that work, but I was fortunate enough to watch him do it as well. If there is anyone on earth who knows Versa Max shotguns inside/out like Casey does...I'd be shocked. Talk about speed/efficiency!
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The Tac-Ord VMs are definitely nice. I also smoothed the transition from the barrel to the receiver. It was scary razor sharp. I'm doing most/all of the things that they do to them at Tac-Ord, but... Slowly. Lol.
 
.22LRGUY said:
Hey guys~thought this would be easy/straight forward...I've replaced beads on my old 870s...but it ain't working out tonight with this gun. Wanting to try one of the Hi-Viz sights that require you use the supplied screw to go into the threaded hole on the barrel. I just spent 30 minutes on the old Googler...and even searched CGN, to no avail. https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...x-sportsman-Question?highlight=versa+max+bead

I heated things up with a hair dryer, attached a tool (like a bead removal tool) to the white bead portion, it felt like it unscrewed....but nope.

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BrURGtX.jpg


The white "ivory" part came out, but (what I think is) the sight base remained. I did try to see if any of my allen keys (metric or imperial) would fit, and none did. Only in looking at these photos can I see what appears to be a tiny grub screw, or spot you could fit an allen key deeper inside..but I now don't want to force things. I'm surprised I can't find anything to do with this online, but do know the sportsman is the entry level Versa Max...and most reference you find online is the fiber optic sights that already come on the higher end models like the "Waterfowl".

Anyhow, I figure I could keep tinkering until I luck into a solution..but like that saying "measure twice/cut once"...I'd rather check here to see if anyone can offer any guidance. Like most things gun related, the solutions usually aren't complicated..just don't want to mess up or damage anything.

Thanks for taking a moment to respond.
_______________________________________

UPDATE April.14/19~I drove up to see Casey @ Tac Ord and naturally (after a little time in his capable hands) all is right in the world. Turns out Gravel was incorrect, the base the white bead screws into is NOT press-fit into the barrel, it is screwed in there. Makes more sense, but I wasn't chancing it with vise grips! lol Casey had the correct tool for unscrewing it (gripped from the outside, not an allen key from the inside) and it was out in less than 30 seconds. He didn't use any heat to loosen it either. New sight is on, turkeys beware. :) Thanks Casey!
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You are most welcome!

Casey
 
3macs1 said:
No comment :) other than Miners have kept million dollar machinery running with just vice grips
Cheers
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Not surprised to read that I suppose, but as a person who runs a production/manufacturing shop myself..I'm always immensely impressed with how clean and organized (and seemingly well-equipped) Casey's shop is. I've seen restaurant kitchens that aren't half as clean! lol Great experience as always.
 
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