Ivory sight shortage?

[Silvers]

Just for info..... over the past month or so I've read/contributed to several threads here and there on replacing ivory type front and mid rib shotgun sights with modern made retro style ones. Apparently there's a run on them, at Brownells at least. I ordered some taper fit mid-beads three weeks ago, turns out they were back ordered, still haven't been shipped. Then this week I ordered some ivory front sights (mammoth ivory) and another type of mid bead. You guessed it, another backorder. Coincidence, or power of the internet? Well at least it seems like some guns will be getting proper sights! Sooner or later...... Silvers

[Jay]

As a finishing touch to my custom stocked SW I asked Dan Rossiter to install an ivory front bead. This would have been about a month and half ago. I believe that the bead is mammoth ivory and that it came from Brownell's so I guess I am fortunate that it was ordered when it was. It looks way cool by the way!

[vaturkey]

Just for info..... over the past month or so I've read/contributed to several threads here and there on replacing ivory type front and mid rib shotgun sights with modern made retro style ones. Apparently there's a run on them, at Brownells at least. I ordered some taper fit mid-beads three weeks ago, turns out they were back ordered, still haven't been shipped. Then this week I ordered some ivory front sights (mammoth ivory) and another type of mid bead. You guessed it, another backorder. Coincidence, or power of the internet? Well at least it seems like some guns will be getting proper sights! Sooner or later...... Silvers

Evening,

What part number did you order from Brownells as they seem to have a few different ones available? Thanks

PS. I was able to located a few old Lyman mid-beads, but the front beads are few and far between it appears.

[Silvers]

Thanks guys for the replies. On the ivory front sights, I like the 4mm bead size with the undersize 6-48 thread, which I adapt to the original taper-fit collars which are often left in the ribs of Foxes when an original ivory sight is sheared off, or falls out. I've ordered them in the past and have never had them not ship the same day. Originally they were elephant ivory but lately they're marked mammoth ivory. Cool! Actually I try to keep 2-3 on hand at all times - so the recent order was just for inventory because I used one from my stock. On the mid beads, it's the Lyman taper fit-one which I know is made of white polymer (plastic) which is too white and not real ivory color. I also ordered a Marbles taper-fit substitute and those did ship after some delay. However they were ordered for modern guns, not Foxes, and the white color will be just fine. I don't have the part numbers handy as I write this, but they're easily found in Brownell's catalog. However anyone trying to use a MODERN Lyman or Marbles taper-fit mid bead in a vintage Fox is well advised that the polymer cannot be made to look ivory colored permamently. At least, I've tried that with various chemicals/solvents. Several prototypes looked promising but the color was on the surface and easily rubbed off. As I've suggested on another thread, those doing their own gun work might try to pick up some real ivory vintage sights as you find them at gun shows, old gun shops, etc. Silvers

[JakeFlyFish]

I have an entire display card of front & mid ivory sights from either Marbles or Lyman, I can't remember which because I cannot locate them!!!! I moved them to the storage shop when the Sporting Classics editor came to my shop to do an article on my bamboo rods, ( coming out in the next issue ) and I cannot for the life of me find them now. There must have been at least 300 packets of them or more. I'm really starting to think somehow they were tossed which is going to make me sick to think of losing them. I remember seeing them a month ago and now they are no where to be found. If I find them, I'll help those of you needing them. Jerry