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Brownells

Shotgun Bead Facing Cutter - #3 Shank Shotgun Bead Facing Cutter .099'''' Diameter

Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.

Faces Off

Bradley-style shotgun bead bases for

Trims Last

Whisker from the bead base

Six-bladed Cutter

A precisely drilled hollow center

Cuts Bead

Base at a true 90-degree

Bradley-style Beads

Including Bev-L-Blok, Raybar, and Sunspot

$52.87
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SKU: 080517003

Overview

This cutter is designed for finishing shotgun front sight bead installation when a Bradley-style bead needs a clean, square seat. Its six-blade design and hollow center are made to align with the bead shank so the base can be trimmed to a true 90-degree face as the handle is turned. That makes it a practical bench tool for gunsmiths and serious shooters who want a neater, more centered bead fit on the rib or barrel. It is a specialized tool, so it is best suited to bead installation and correction rather than general-purpose shop work.

Why Hunters Choose the Brownells

Faces Off

Bradley-style bead bases for a

Helps Correct

Tilted or sloppy-looking front sight

Six-bladed Cutter

A precisely drilled hollow center

Turns Bead

Base at a true 90-degree

Bead Shanks

.099 inch in diameter

Key Features

  • Faces off Bradley-style shotgun bead bases for a straight, square installation.
  • Trims the last whisker from the bead base for a cleaner fit.
  • Six-bladed cutter with a precisely drilled hollow center to accept the bead shank.
  • Cuts the bead base at a true 90-degree angle relative to the shank.
  • Designed for Bradley-style beads including Bev-L-Blok, Raybar, and Sunspot.
  • Brownells tool with a 3.5-inch long handle and 1-1/8-inch diameter grip.

Best Used For

  • Gunsmiths installing Bradley-style front sight beads on shotgun ribs or barrels
  • Shooters correcting tilted or uneven bead installation for a square, centered sight picture
  • Users working with Bev-L-Blok, Raybar, or Sunspot-style beads and compatible shanks
  • Bench work focused on trimming bead bases to a true 90-degree face

Specifications

Bead Diameter.099 in
Blade CountSix blade
Blade SteelHigh speed steel
CenterPrecisely drilled hollow center accepts bead shank
Compatible Bead StyleBradley-style (Bev-L-Blok, Raybar, Sunspot, etc.)
Cut Angle90 degrees
FunctionFaces off the base of shotgun front sight beads
Handle Diameter1 1/8 in (2.8 cm)
Overall Length3 1/2 in (8.8 cm)
Shank Size#3

Pros

  • Faces off Bradley-style bead bases for a square installation
  • Helps correct tilted or sloppy-looking front sight bead alignment
  • Six-bladed cutter with a precisely drilled hollow center
  • Turns the bead base at a true 90-degree angle
  • Designed for bead shanks .099 inch in diameter

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • Designed specifically for Bradley-style beads (including Bev-L-Blok, Raybar, Sunspot, and similar styles), so it is not a general-purpose sight tool.
  • Sized for a #3 shank and .099" diameter bead shanks, which limits compatibility to matching bead installations.
  • It is a hand-operated cutter, so results depend on careful use and proper setup rather than a quick universal fit.
  • The tool is intended to square the bead base during installation; it does not address other sighting or barrel work.

Suggested Comparisons

  • Shotgun sight bead installation tools
  • Shotgun bead replacement accessories
  • Firearm sight adjustment tools
  • Shotgun maintenance tools

Suggested Accessories

  • Gun cleaning kit
  • Bench vise
  • Small screwdriver set
  • Thread locker

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this cutter used for?

It is used to face off the base of Bradley-style shotgun beads, helping the bead sit straight and square to the center of the rib or barrel when tightened.

Which bead styles does it fit?

The description says it is for Bradley-style beads, including Bev-L-Blok, Raybar, and Sunspot beads.

How does the cutter work?

It has a six-blade cutter with a precisely drilled hollow center that accepts the bead shank. Turning the handle trims the bead base at a true 90-degree angle.

What specifications are provided for the tool?

The listed specs are: six-blade cutter, high speed steel, 3 1/2 inches long, and a 1-1/8 inch diameter handle.

Does the product specify the bead shank size it fits?

Yes. The title identifies it as a #3 shank shotgun bead facing cutter with a .099 inch diameter.