Abstract: A push-type writing instrument essentially comprising an outer body having a tapered forward portion in which lead is retained. The lead is retained by a pair of radially opposed fingers provided on the tapered forward portion for frictional engagement with a lead. A lead containing inner sleeve has a rearward section of a larger diameter and a forward section of a substantially smaller diameter. The forward section of the inner sleeve is formed with a tapered portion having a pair of longitudinal slots rendering the tapered portion a radially contractible nature thereby constituting a lead clamping means in a cooperative manner with a slidable tightening ring provided about the tapered portion. A spring is coiled about the forward section of the inner sleeve for urging the inner sleeve to retain the writing instrument in a normal writing position.