I have a few different 1911s that all use the 'Brown' (actually a Novak brand not just cut) gold bead front.

I have heard some preference for the rounded contour of other gold bead front sights, however I have never had any issues with the rod design on the ones Brown uses, very effective.

Also, I believe the rod design to have the benefit of being very robust and sturdy, very little chance of loosing the gold from the sight. They countersink a significant depth hole in the face of front sight and insert the rod down into the mounting hole, makes for a strong and reliable sight.

 

I can't attest to adding the gold after the fact. I can, however, tell you how awesome it is - period. I ordered it with my SF, along with a .156 blank rear. This is my normal carry gun, and I also use it for IDPA & 3 gun. I have never picked up my target faster. That gold just pops out at you in the light, even better than FO for me. I will admit, I was completely oblivious to the fact that my site was going to be a "rod" style instead of rounded dot. I thought it was weird at first, but that has come to pass. It works like a champ, and for me, that's all that matters.
Alchemy just posted some sweet pictures on their FB page recently which included adding a gold bead front site. I asked them if it was theirs, and in this case it was not, however he alluded to the fact that they do custom work for gold bead fronts. You should inquire further with them if the standard Novak that Brown uses does not meet your wants.

 

I had a local smith install a gold bead in my Brown front sight. He drilled out the NS and installed the convex gold bead. The bead was fitted just a little thinner than the existing sight, so I can still see the sight for the precise shot and the bead for the quick one. It is great, I really like it.

 

I have an EE with the Brown/Novak flat cut rod that I really like. I recently sent a Colt that Novak built for me about 12 years ago to Wilson to install a gold bead front with Wilson Battlesight rear (same setup as on my Brown).

I tried the convex front (on someone else's gun), but it seemed to pick up light from one side or the other and "skew" how my eyes perceived the sight, ie. one side shone, one side shadowed, not a real clear sight picture. So, I had Wilson put the flat-cut rod front with their battlesight rear, and both guns are set up the same.

In all my years of shooting, this is by far the best and quickest sight picture I have ever used (for ME). I don't know why I didn't think of it first, and when I first saw it my first thought was "Where have you been all my life?!"

To answer your question more directly, Wilson installed a Novak/Brown front, and I was told they had to change the dovetail on the sight to fit my slide cut on my 1911, although I can't see why that would be if I already had Novak front sight (Trijicon) installed. But I have no reason to doubt them, and it works like a charm for me. These two are carry and IDPA guns, both set up very similar.

 

I just got off the phone with Wilson - I ask them IF they could install their Gold Bead (more rounded front) on my SF Ed Brown - answer, NO - the brown dovetail is cut different and therefore Wilson could NOT recut it, Same answer for my Kimber dovetailed slide...

Not all dovetail cuts are the same.. go figure

 

Not all dovetail cuts are the same.. go figure

Same situation here. I also thought that I could use a Wilson gold bead front sight for an Ed Brown 1911.

Ed Brown front sight: .330" x .075" x 65º dovetail (Novak).
Wilson Combat front sight: .300" x ??? x 60º dovetail.

I will probably ask a goldsmith to round off and polish the EB gold bead.

 

I've only had one of my Brown's fit with a gold bead at their shop. The other three have brass bead front sights from 10-8. They are just as bright and visible as the gold bead, making them a good alternative, IMO.

 

I have been interested in these, plan on trying one on a Colt I am having worked on for what I am calling my 'old school' build.

Other than at some point probably needing a bit of polish for oxidation, I see no down side to the brass bead, and a 1/3 the price sure is nice!

 

I use the Brown (Novak) post gold bead on 3 Browns w/ the 10/8 .156 rear. Best I've ever used. I have shot several Wilson's with the round bead and like others, have found that it appears distorted in medium to bright sunlight. Don't have that with the flat post bead. About once a year, I polish the flat one with a bit of Flitz and a Q'tip to remove any buildup of powder residue. Waaay bright in any ambient light.

 

Wilson = $75
Novak = $120

???

 

10-8 Brass Bead = $36.95

 

These days gold bead or fiber optic are the best for these aging eyes, though I may give a small edge to f/o for my situation. Either is a perfect choice!

 

deleted post, off topic.

 

Yes... toys for (big) boys! :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

Regarding gold or brass bead:
Probably some of us here with a $3k-4k (and more) gun would just like to have "gold" because is "gold"...

Ask a women about a gold ring vs. a brass ring...

 

Regarding gold or brass bead:
Probably some of us here with a $3k-4k (and more) gun would just like to have "gold" because is "gold"...

Ask a women about a gold ring vs. a brass ring...

If she gets a green finger your in Do Do.

 

Where does "grab the brass ring" come from then?

 

I guess I'll show my age again...

That comes from the carnival merry-go-rounds of years ago. As you went by on your horse or whatever animal you were riding, you would grab a brass ring from a dispenser, and then toss it into a target (in my minds eye, I see a clown's open mouth). Anyway, if you threw your ring into a target, you won a prize.

 

Dunno for the Brown, but the Wilson is 10k solid.

 

Yes, make sure it is gold and not brass. Big difference in sight picture. At least for me.

 

Most gold beads are 9, 10, or 14 carat solid gold.

Sdm uses 14 carat, big beads....cery nice indeed. I use 9 carat gold for my builds....when I can get it.

 

I'm replacing the Novak knock offs that came on my Sig Tacpac with 10-8's. I'm leaning towards the brass bead. I don't have a problem with regularly taking a little polish or a eraser to the bead. I've been in the service for a while and have had brasso belt buckles, buttons, marksmanship badges, parachutist badges, and even a trash can in the barracks before I (A)upgraded to sta-brite and (B)was no longer the FNG or in initial entry training at Ft. Sill. I know the eraser works. I still do that to the posts on a radio's (any radio... 117, MBITR, ASIP, SINCGARS, high-speed Motorola walkie talkie) handmike and antenna ports. I don't know if that is why my comms are typically tops, but I'm sure it doesn't hurt.
I was thinking about a tritium dot, but I think that the cost savings and addition of a little old school to a modern 1911 of a brass bead is pretty cool. As far as shooting in extremely low light or total darkness, that is why I have a light. Sometimes two. I'll have one mounted if I am leaving the house after EENT. 630 lumens will for sure let me pick up whatever front sight is on the weapon.

 

I called brown and ordered a gold bead front sight. It could not have been easier to install. Knock out the pin in the front sight and tap the sight out with a hammer and brass punch. Tap in new front sight and re install the pin, done in less than fifeteen minutes. Also put on the 10-8 rear sight at the same time. I really like the combo.

Lucky

 

Glad you like the new sight, my favorite combo.

It is easy to change as long as you have the right tools, people usually mess something up when trying to 'make do' with what they have on hand.

Very important to have slide in vice or block so there is zero movement.


As to the brass bead, it is a very attractive option, plan on trying one myself on a build soon.