Press-in Bead Install?

JasonR · Post by **JasonR** » Thu Mar 05, 2026 10:31 am

Any tips on getting a new press-in bead installed? Assuming the some sort of punch with a recess would be best, or possibly a wooden dowel rod? What do the experts do to install these?

-Jason

Silvers · Post by **Silvers** » Thu Mar 05, 2026 9:02 pm

Assuming the barrel rib had a Lyman or Marbles press-in bead that’s been lost or broken off ..... be sure its old metal ferrule is removed, clean out the hole and try the new bead with your fingers to insure it’s within about 1/16” of full seating. If not, you’ll need a bead reamer to VERY slightly deepen the hole. Then tap in and seat the new bead using a piece of soft wood like pine, hemlock, etc. One or two light taps should do it. It’s a taper fit; the bead’s metal ferrule matches the internal taper in the barrel rib. Caution: don't try to force in the new bead if not within that 1/16". You won't be able to do it and the new bead will sit high, look terrible and with no way to remove it without damage. frank

JasonR · Post by **JasonR** » Fri Mar 06, 2026 9:06 am

I believe that it's an original german/silver press fit, I have an early Sterlingworth pin gun that I'm refinishing the barrels so I pulled the bead off. Can anyone confirm that this would be original to the gun? I was surprised that it wasn't threaded in.

Silvers · Post by **Silvers** » Fri Mar 06, 2026 10:52 am

Jason, I assumed you were posting about a press-in Lyman or Marbles ivory bead as most Fox users don't know the original metal front bead was also a press fit. Yes if not damaged when removed you can just tap it back in using a piece of softwood. frank