How to Install Dead Ringer Beard Buster, Duck Buster, Killer Combo & Drop Box Shotgun Sights
The Dead Ringer Beard Buster, Duck Buster, Killer Combo, and Drop Box shotgun sights use a similar installation process. Each system consists of a front sight that replaces the factory front bead and a rear sight that mounts to the shotgun's vent rib.
The installation process involves removing the factory front bead, installing the Dead Ringer front sight, selecting the correct rear-sight rib base, securing the rear sight to the shotgun, and then patterning and adjusting the sight as necessary.
Preparation
Make sure your shotgun is unloaded and secured, preferably in a range vise or other secure shooting mount. Make sure it stays pointed in a safe direction.
The stock front bead of your shotgun will need to be removed. To prevent damage to your barrel's finish, it is a good idea to tape off the area around your front bead with blue painter's tape. Blue painter's tape is recommended because it is thick enough to prevent minor damage, but also will not leave any residue after removal.
Screw type front beads can be removed with a set of pliers. Carefully grip the front bead and unscrew the bead counter-clockwise until it is loose enough to unscrew by hand.
Press fit front beads can also be worked loose with a set of pliers. Grip the bead and twist while pulling away from the barrel. Make sure the barrel stays secure during this process to prevent damage during removal.
Dead Ringer Front Sight Installation
The front sight replaces the factory front bead on the Dead Ringer Beard Buster, Duck Buster, Killer Combo, and Drop Box.
There is a housing that holds the front light pipe in place. The light pipe will have to be removed to install the housing. To do this, twist the light pipe to line up with the keyway at the 6 o'clock position on the front ring of the base, and remove the light pipe.
The Dead Ringer sight kit includes different screws in varying sizes. It is extremely likely that one of these screws matches the thread pitch of your factory front bead. Match the threads on one of these screws to your factory front bead mounting hole.
If you are unsure of the thread pitch of your front sight bead, check our shotgun bead thread reference.
Once you have identified the correct mounting screw, center the light pipe housing in place on the barrel and secure it with the screw. You may opt to use a bit of blue thread locker on the screw threads.
To reinstall the light pipe, line up the keyway on the light pipe with the keyway on the front right of the base at the 6 o'clock position. Insert and twist the light pipe until the keyway is at the 12 o'clock position.
Dead Ringer Rear Sight Installation
The Dead Ringer Beard Buster, Duck Buster, Killer Combo, and Drop Box use rear sights that mount to the shotgun's vent rib. The sight systems use rib bases or mounting components that correspond to the rib width of your shotgun.
Match the appropriate rib base or mounting component with the correct rib width of your shotgun.
If you aren't sure of the rib width of your specific model of shotgun, check out our shotgun rib width reference.
Place the sight on top of the rib base as close to the receiver as possible. Most shooters prefer to mount the rear sight with the orange ring facing the end of the barrel.
Align the included metal brackets under the rib of the gun.
Insert the four button head screws through the holes on the rear sight on top of the rib, and through the metal brackets under the rib.
Tighten the screws. The rear sight should tighten and clamp securely onto the rib of the shotgun. The metal bracket under the rib may bend as the screws are tightened. This is normal.
The exact rear-sight configuration and mounting hardware can vary between Dead Ringer models. Refer to the instructions supplied with your specific sight and verify that the mounting components are appropriate for your shotgun.
Patterning and Adjusting Dead Ringer Shotgun Sights
At this point, you may opt to pattern your shotgun to determine if further adjustment is required. Patterning is important because every shotgun produces a unique shooting pattern, and the sight should be adjusted based on the actual point of impact of your shotgun and ammunition combination.
To adjust point of impact left and right, loosen the mounting screws and move the rear sight slightly to the left or right.
- If the shotgun is shooting left, move the rear sight right.
- If the shotgun is shooting right, move the rear sight left.
To adjust for elevation, move the rear sight forward or backwards on the rib.
- To lower elevation, move the rear sight towards the front sight.
- To raise elevation, move the rear sight towards the receiver.
Make small adjustments and pattern the shotgun again after each adjustment. Use the same ammunition and choke combination you intend to use when hunting, since changing ammunition or choke can change the shotgun's point of impact.
Dead Ringer Shotgun Sight Installation FAQ
Will Dead Ringer shotgun sights fit my shotgun?
Dead Ringer shotgun sights are designed for compatible vent-rib shotguns, but fit depends on the configuration of the individual shotgun. Important factors include the width of the vent rib and the mounting configuration of the factory front bead. Some Dead Ringer sight systems accommodate 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" vent ribs. Before ordering, verify your shotgun's dimensions using our shotgun rib width reference and check the factory front-bead specification in our shotgun bead thread reference.
What front bead thread does my shotgun need for a Dead Ringer sight?
The front sight must use mounting hardware that matches the shotgun's factory front-bead mounting configuration. Shotguns can use different thread specifications, and some models use press-fit beads rather than threaded beads. Before installing a Dead Ringer sight, identify whether your factory bead is threaded or press-fit and verify the applicable thread specification. Our shotgun bead thread reference provides specifications for many popular shotgun models.
How do I remove the factory bead before installing a Dead Ringer sight?
The removal procedure depends on whether the shotgun has a threaded or press-fit front bead. A threaded bead can generally be unscrewed counter-clockwise after carefully gripping it with pliers. A press-fit bead can be worked loose by gripping it and twisting while pulling away from the barrel. Protect the barrel finish with blue painter's tape and keep the shotgun securely supported during removal. If the factory bead will not come out without excessive force, consult a qualified gunsmith rather than risking damage to the barrel.
How does the Dead Ringer rear sight attach to the shotgun rib?
The rear sight mounts to the shotgun's vent rib using the appropriate rib base or mounting components for the width of the rib. Position the rear sight on the rib, align the mounting components beneath the rib, and tighten the supplied screws so the sight clamps securely in place.
Do Dead Ringer shotgun sights require drilling or gunsmithing?
Dead Ringer shotgun sights are designed to use the shotgun's existing front-bead mounting point and vent-rib mounting area on compatible models. When the sight and supplied hardware are appropriate for the shotgun, drilling or tapping should not be necessary. If the factory bead cannot be safely removed or the supplied mounting hardware does not fit correctly, do not modify the shotgun or sight. Consult a qualified gunsmith instead.
What tools do I need to install Dead Ringer shotgun sights?
Most Dead Ringer shotgun sights can be installed with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver. Pliers may be needed to remove the original front bead, while the Dead Ringer sight kits include the mounting hardware and an Allen wrench used for installation. Protect the barrel finish during bead removal and use the correct mounting hardware for the shotgun's specific configuration.
How do I adjust a Dead Ringer shotgun sight for windage?
To make a left or right point-of-impact correction, loosen the rear-sight mounting screws and move the rear sight slightly in the appropriate direction. If the shotgun is shooting left, move the rear sight to the right. If the shotgun is shooting right, move the rear sight to the left. Make small adjustments and pattern the shotgun again after each change.
How do I adjust a Dead Ringer shotgun sight for elevation?
To adjust elevation, move the rear sight forward or backward on the shotgun's rib. To lower the point of impact, move the rear sight toward the front sight. To raise the point of impact, move the rear sight toward the receiver. Make small adjustments and pattern the shotgun again to verify the result.
Why should I pattern my shotgun after installing Dead Ringer sights?
Patterning confirms the shotgun's actual point of impact after the sight has been installed and shows whether additional adjustment is necessary. Every shotgun, ammunition combination, and choke can produce different results, so sight alignment should be verified with the setup you intend to use. Use the same ammunition and choke combination you plan to use while hunting when checking the pattern.
What should I do if my Dead Ringer rear sight moves after installation?
If the rear sight moves, stop using the shotgun until the mounting system has been checked. Verify that the correct rib base or mounting components are being used for the shotgun's vent-rib width and that the mounting screws are properly tightened. The rear sight should clamp securely to the rib when the correct components are properly installed. If the sight cannot be secured correctly, consult a qualified gunsmith rather than modifying the sight or shotgun.
Can Dead Ringer sights correct a shotgun that shoots high or low?
Dead Ringer sights with adjustable rear-sight positioning can provide windage and elevation correction for some point-of-impact problems. The amount of available correction is limited, so a significant point-of-impact problem may require a different solution. Pattern the shotgun before and after adjustment to determine how much correction the sight provides.
Can I install Dead Ringer shotgun sights myself?
Dead Ringer shotgun sights are designed for installation on compatible shotguns using the existing front-bead mounting point and vent-rib mounting area. The installation involves removing the factory front bead, installing the front sight, selecting the appropriate rear-sight mounting components, and securing the rear sight. If the factory bead is difficult to remove, the mounting hardware does not fit, or you are unsure about the installation, have the sight installed by a qualified gunsmith.