Changing sight bead on a Stevens 311

[RDavidP]

I was given my grandpa's old Stevens 311.  My father had it for a while and removed the original metal sight bead and replaced it with a florescent bead.  Well, I am getting into Cowboy Action Shooting, and would like to use the shotgun.  In order to do so, I need to take of the florescent bead and replace it with a metal one.  Is this something I can do myself, or do I need to take it to a gunsmith?  If I can change it myself, how do I do it?

Thanks,
David

[mountainview]

Look into an aftermarket bead (Midway is a good place to start). Most beads are mounted on a threaded stud and it is likely a simple matter of screwing the old one out and a new in (if the threads are compatible). You may have to cut a tad off the stud if it is too long but all in all should be a straigh forward DIY job. If you are not comfortable doing it, a good smith should be able to do it for not too many shekels.