Like Rob, I always file a 45-degree flat on the front bead or blade for increased (and truer) light reflection.
BTW Brent, this flat will help greatly in preventing any side light from causing sighting errors. On a rounded bead the side light will cause the shooter to favor the lighted side of the front sight and thus shoot to the side, away from the light.
I greatly prefer a Sourdough blade for strength but will happily use a Sheard bead if a Sourdough isn't available. In my experience the brazed Sheard is notably stronger than the usual round inserted bead and will take more harsh treatment. In fact I've found that the white inserted beads that are so visible are also the ones most likely to be broken off, and the brass inserted beads are almost as fragile. I greatly prefer Sourdough blades or Sheard beads and prefer them to be as large as practicable, around 3/32" or even larger for a DGR.
Regards, Joe
