Fox Collectors

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

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

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.

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

From a vintage Lyman Handbook/Catalog --

Thank you Dave. Just to clarify, what I referred to as the metal ferrule is the sleeve/holder mentioned in the text. One and the same. frank

FWIW, for folks, press in beads are still available from Lyman but they are made of plastic these days and IMO look like crap. Finding vintage ones can be hard and harder. Mid press in beads (number 11 I believe) in Ivory are more widely available and you will find them from time to time out there. I think the only thing harder then finding Press In Ivory Beads is finding a Jostam Anitflinch Pad. Hens teeth comes to mind.

I second what Tut is saying. I was extremely lucky to have been able to buy two original ivory beads from Frank (Silvers) for my custom 16.

A replacement insert for a Lyman or Marbles front sight can be made on a small metal lathe from mammoth ivory or off-white/almond colored plastic; its shank is sized for the ferrule that’s usually still in the barrel rib. I prefer a 1/8" diameter bead for all around use rather than the common Lyman & Marbles 5/32" size. Yeah I know that's only a 1/32" diameter difference but at least to me a 5/32” bead looks huge when sighting on a bird or clay. Hence I’ll rework original or modern replacement ivories to 1/8” diameter before installing. Easy peasy. to do. JMO here gents. frank

I was shooting my Iver Johnson Special Trap Saturday afternoon with a bunch of younger guys. It dominated the field of Benellis, Stoegers and Franchis, all semis.

I noticed that the front bead (it has both original ivory beads) seemed very large. It didn't bother me in shooting, but Frank's gotten me curious as to just how big it is. I'll measure it later this morning.

I had a .410 double without a front bead. I found a giant ivory bead that I installed. It is so out of proportion on that little gun that it actually gives the gun character it didn't have before. I love it.