I have several front sights that I have removed from rifles because they are missing the bead. I had always assumed that the "bead" was a sphere that was glued or otherwise secured into the sight. Upon closer examination I see that that is not the case. The "bead" appears to be a rod that is contained within a cylinder on top of the sight. On the Marbles the cylinder is crimped on both sides. The Lymans have a small punch mark on the top of the cylinder.

Is there any practical way to repair these sights? Is there someone out there that specializes in repairing them? Or, are the sights now just throw aways?

Thanks for any help.

See if Gary has any pieces of his wedding ring left? He said the gold bead is the Cat's Azz for that project!

If you're married, look at your LH ring finger. Right there's your bead replacement material.😁

"Or, are the sights now just throw aways?"

I'm guessing someone here would buy them at a reasonable price.

Thanks Rick, but I’m really interested in making them usable again.