The Meprolight TD Shotgun Bead with 5-40 thread is a self-illuminated tritium night sight designed to replace your standard shotgun front bead, delivering confident target acquisition in complete darkness without batteries or external light sources.
- Tritium-powered self-illumination requires zero batteries or activation
- 5-40 threaded base fits a wide range of shotgun receiver models
- Glows brightly in low-light and no-light conditions automatically
- Maintenance-free design with an operational lifespan of 12+ years
- Combat-proven construction trusted by law enforcement and military worldwide
- Direct replacement installation with minimal gunsmithing required
Who This Is For
This tritium shotgun bead is ideal for home defenders, hunters, and law enforcement professionals who depend on a shotgun when the lights go out. If you run a tactical or defensive shotgun and need a reliable front sight that works the moment you pick up the gun — day or night — the Meprolight TD Bead is a straightforward, proven upgrade over any standard brass or fiber-optic bead.
Specifications
| Brand | Meprolight |
|---|---|
| Model | TD Shotgun Bead |
| Thread Size | 5-40 |
| Illumination Type | Self-luminous Tritium |
| Power Source | None required (battery-free) |
| Tritium Lifespan | Approximately 12 years |
| Installation | Direct replacement, minimal modification |
| Intended Use | Defensive / Tactical Shotgun |
| Country of Origin | Israel |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shotguns are compatible with the 5-40 thread bead?
The 5-40 thread size is one of the most common bead thread specifications and fits a wide variety of popular shotguns, including many Mossberg, Remington, and Winchester models. Before purchasing, verify your current bead's thread specification by removing it and checking with a thread gauge or consulting your firearm's manual. When in doubt, a qualified gunsmith can confirm compatibility in minutes.
Does the tritium bead glow during the daytime as well?
Tritium is continuously self-luminous, meaning it glows around the clock — but the glow is most visible in low-light or no-light conditions. In bright daylight, the bead functions as a standard front sight and the tritium element may not be prominently visible. Its true advantage emerges at dusk, indoors, or in darkness where a conventional bead becomes nearly invisible.
How difficult is it to install the Meprolight TD Shotgun Bead?
Installation is straightforward for most users comfortable with basic firearm maintenance. Simply unscrew your existing front bead using the appropriate tool (often a small screwdriver or bead wrench) and thread the Meprolight TD Bead into the same hole. Because tritium vials are sealed inside the bead housing, no special handling is required. If you are unfamiliar with the process, a local gunsmith can complete the swap quickly and inexpensively.