2nd Bead----Questions

[Go Navy]

I'm going to have a gunsmith install a 2nd bead on my Browning Silver Hunter 20. I know these are the kinds of questions that depend on personal preferences, but I'm asking for personal preferences and opinions.

(Yes, I know all the pros and cons of one vs. two beads but that's not the question I'm raising, so have mercy and let's not digress into that!)

1. How do I know what size bead to buy?

2. Should I replace the front bead at the same time if I want to try a different color/material? Or is it better to have a different look for each?

3. Is it best to have the sight rib tapped for a 2nd bead? Some beads are made for a "press fit".

4. Has anyone tried fiber optic versions, and if so, how do you like them, and what color seems best? For example, I've seen setups where there is a fiber optic on the front and a bead in the middle.

5. How do you determine where to locate the 2nd bead on the sight rib?

I use this shotgun for skeet, pheasant, upland game, sporting clays. It has a 28 inch barrel. It is not my self defense weapon and is not intended to play the G.I. Joe role. Also, I am not into competitive shotgunning. I really am happy with it, though.The Browning Silver is the successor/improved version of the Browning Gold. For me, it's a great all-around "smokepole". I have a couple of Trulock chokes on order for it, since I like it so much. (See attached picture)

[kmca]

1. Measure the front bead and make the second one a little smaller.
2. My guns have a white front bead and gold second bead, your choice.
3. Mine are tapped, less chance to fall out.
4. Didn't like the fiber optic sight, distracted from the target too much. Others I shoot with like them.
5. Shoulder the gun and place it so it forms a figure 8 with the front.

That said, you probably won't notice the second bead much, if your gun fits you properly.

[Go Navy]

Thanks, KMCA. Very helpful.

On my point #5 (where to place the 2nd bead), I didn't word that very well. What I'm asking is how to determine where to install it along the sight rib. 12 inches back from the muzzle? 18, 24? Is there some norm established for this based on 200 years of wisdom based on trial and error?

[kmca]

I understand #5. Mount the shotgun with the gunsmith and he'll put it on the rib where it forms a figure 8 with the front bead. It will vary depending on your shooting style. It should be at least a little different for each individual.

[Go Navy]

I understand #5. Mount the shotgun with the gunsmith and he'll put it on the rib where it forms a figure 8 with the front bead. It will vary depending on your shooting style. It should be at least a little different for each individual.

That makes a lot of sense, compared to some arbitrary measurement.

[xtra870]

On my 11-87 i have some kind of weird front sight that had a hole in the middle i filled in with neon orange paint and combined with my middle bead is very easy to pick up on.

[CGT80]

I don't even look at the fiber optic sight on my benelli super sport. I took a few skeet classes with Coach Don at BBB's and learned to point the gun without looking at the barrel. "Eye on the bird" is what he yelled at us

It seemed very odd to ignore the sights at first. As I practiced, I found that I forgot what the bead looked like. You can probably point your finger at an object without concentrating on your finger. You can do the same with a shotgun when it fits you well enough and you practice the technique.

Sorry I don't have any advice for which beads to use.

[ysr_racer]

GN, I'm just curious. What are you trying to accomplish with the second bead?

I personally shoot a gun without any beads because as cgt80 said, I'm looking at the birds, not the beads.

[Go Navy]

GN, I'm just curious. What are you trying to accomplish with the second bead?

I personally shoot a gun without any beads because as cgt80 said, I'm looking at the birds, not the beads.

Well, I don't want this thread to get hijacked into a discussion about beads vs. no beads, or one bead vs. two....as I said in the original post, have mercy and let's not head there, as I've heard/read all those arguments ad nauseum.

That said, just to answer your question, I think it will help me see better where I'm pointing, especially whether I'm aiming high or low. Now, hopefully everyone will not jump on that and run off on a debate about sights on shotguns, beads, etc.!!! Again, yes, I've seen all the arguments pro and con. Yes, I know you just point a shotgun, you don't aim it. Yes, I know about proper fit. I've been shotgunning for probably 30 years which does not mean I'm an expert because I'm not.....I'm a recreational shooter; it just means I know what I like. Some will like other approaches and that's great as far as I'm concerned.

[Thefeeder]

><

The aswers are quite simple.

Since you are having a smith install the mid bead...he will have a selection and know how to install it. Just choose one

As far as the front bead....do you like it? Ask what is avalable and simply choose.

Tapered rib......to expensive to change and you will not even notice it.

It comes down to what You like.

Personaly....I shoot guns with one and two beads,.....I don't notice a difference. I'm not a fan of wide ribs though. Here are some Browning sights at Midwest gun Works http://www.midwestgunworks.com/mm5/m...&view_perpage=

[Go Navy]

The aswers are quite simple.

Since you are having a smith install the mid bead...he will have a selection and know how to install it. Just choose one

As far as the front bead....do you like it? Ask what is avalable and simply choose.

Tapered rib......to expensive to change and you will not even notice it.

It comes down to what You like.

Personaly....I shoot guns with one and two beads,.....I don't notice a difference. I'm not a fan of wide ribs though. Here are some Browning sights at Midwest gun Works http://www.midwestgunworks.com/mm5/m...&view_perpage=

Thanks for the comments, research and link, TheFeeder.......very helpful. Tapered rib....nope, not going to change that.

[ysr_racer]

Well, I don't want this thread to get hijacked into a discussion about beads vs. no beads, or one bead vs. two....as I said in the original post, have mercy and let's not head there, as I've heard/read all those arguments ad nauseum.

That said, just to answer your question, I think it will help me see better where I'm pointing, especially whether I'm aiming high or low. Now, hopefully everyone will not jump on that and run off on a debate about sights on shotguns, beads, etc.!!! Again, yes, I've seen all the arguments pro and con. Yes, I know you just point a shotgun, you don't aim it. Yes, I know about proper fit. I've been shotgunning for probably 30 years which does not mean I'm an expert because I'm not.....I'm a recreational shooter; it just means I know what I like. Some will like other approaches and that's great as far as I'm concerned.

OK cool. I just wanted to know what you were after.

[Thefeeder]

Thanks for the comments, research and link, TheFeeder.......very helpful. Tapered rib....nope, not going to change that.

No sweat ....if you want, I'm in the Bay Area and have Brownings with different sights you can handle or shoot. I mostly shoot in San Francisco and just started teaching Skeet clinics in San Jose....come on by some time and give'em a test drive

[ysr_racer]

GN, can you give us an update after you've had it done?

Let us know if it worked out for you.

[Go Navy]

Sure thing......will be happy to. I want to proceed carefully, because I don't want to cheapen the looks or functioning of this nice shotgun!