Need to replace the front sight bead on a remmy 1100 bbl that was cut down...

P

Paul Fielder

Guest
...I assume finding top dead center on the vent rib is the main concern, but is this something a novice can do, or should I just find a smith??

I'm sure they make quickie aftermarket alternatives but this is a later gun in good condition and would just like it to appear original.

thanks!!

pf
 
It's easy enough to do, even for a novice. However, if you do not have the drill and tap on hand it would be cheaper to have a gunsmith do it. I assume this will be a one time project?
 
This little tool ,WALKER RIB CENTER FINDER, costs fifteen bucks at Brownells and helps you find and mark the rib center for drilling and tapping.

t_080545000_1.jpg

Brownells has a large selection of tools for shotgun sight installation and you'll just have to figure what is the most economical path for you, DIY or pay a gunsmith. A drill and tap set runs around 11 to 12 dollars with a sight bead. You'll need a tap wrench, shotgun sight installer and something to drill with. So your total cost ought to be around 30 to 40 bucks. Not that hard to do if you take your time and think out each step as you go.
 
Last edited:
Paul,
If this is a "one time" project and you have a good gunsmith in your area, have him do it. The cost should be minimal and as simple as this task appears to be, things can go wrong!
 
I had a smith install a center bead using the Walker Rib Tool. He did it in a snap like he had done 100's and had a large selection or beads.
 
It's hard to get the walker jib to work close to the end of the barrel since one locating pin will be off the end of the barrel. Also the walker type jig is good on ribs that have no taper, but they won't center perfectly on tapered ribs.

For either of these situations, I turn up a cylinder of the same diameter as the rib (where the bead will be) and put a pilot hole in the center for the drill. The cylinder is then clamped on the rib using a machinist's clamp from the sides.

The bottom line is that unless you have a mill or a good drill press, pay someone to do it right. Nothing looks worse than an off center bead & you'll be paying more to fix it.
Regards, Ron
 
Appear original?? There's no choke left, if the barrel was cut down more than 1". And the rib end will not look right, no solid end anymore. Use a snap-on or clamp on glow sight, and call it done. If you're careful, you can fill in the rib end with a bit of black epoxy, and make it look somewhat original.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top