On a cheap HD style shotgun, has anyone tried reinstalling a front sight? I bought some of those cheap FO fronts that are supposed to clamp onto the rib, but there is no rib. Can I still utilize one of those, or go a different route?

Drill and tap a bead, or spot weld a more substantial unit, or . . . ? ? ?

Ideas appreciated.

Thanks.

(Old smoothbore Rem 870 wingmaster retasked for the job if it matters)

I have a fiber optic clip on but its made for a barrel without a rib. Think I got it from Amazon. It does go around the bead sight. If your bead is gone im not sure how long it would stay on.

https://www.amazon.com/Hi-Viz-...shotgun+barrel+sight

There are some 'high-viz' clip on sights, as mentioned. If it moves to much you may have to secure it in some way. I'd be hesitant to drill any hole unless versed in the procedure, may just add a hole into the barrel.

I have a cheaper shotgun that has a metal clip from a larger(fatter) pen. It's the right size for this 16 ga barrel, clips tight, & has a nice silver 'bead'.

Some good ideas. Thanks!

If you have a goodly supply of beads, you can try drilling and epoxy. It doesn't work very well, but it keeps you busy trying.

Years ago when I tried, I found it actually worked on a double. My efforts on a single were kind of funny, and about what I think will work on an 870. You drill the hole, then glue the bead in. Then you fire it a few times and glue in the next one. Repeat until you get tired of it.

Its my guess the barrel pressure launches it toward orbit. If you go this route, make sure you use cheapo ones. And you can even make sure none of the epoxy extends down into the barrel. It won't do any good, but it'll make you feel better.

How about one of the super epoxies without drilling any holes, but just gluing the sight to the barrel? Loctite Black Max is reportedly good for the purpose if it’s used properly.

Brownells has it, and I recommend reading the reviews about how to prepare the surfaces.

I've just drilled and tapped the barrel and screwed the new bead in. You'll need a drill press and vise. I use a bead with a fairly large threaded post-they're less likely to break during installation. Midway USA sells them, as do Brownells. You may need to dremel off the part of the mounting post that sticks into the bore.

Yeah, I've drilled/threaded and done it, too. I wish I could show you the fixture I rigged up to get the hole on top of the barrel. It was comical but it worked!

I used a brass screw for a bead.

Found an el cheapo Tru Glo snap on front fiber optic. Wasn't expecting much, but honestly in 25 of birdshot, five rounds of slugs, and 10 of 00 buck - to my amazement - it hasn't so much as flinched.

I'd like to try drilling or epoxying a real front sight on at some point, but it's hard to complain about how well this unit has worked so far. (Plus it fits the motif, of cheap-ass guy trying to make a defensive shotgun. Balling on a budget, as usual.)

If anybody wants to try it, older 870s (from the time they were real guns) are dirt cheap at pawn shops in my area. I've got less than $250 in this set-up.

I know a person can buy a Savage 320 or Maverick 88 for less than that, but those (imho) aren't half the guns that these old 870s are.