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Gil Martin Super Member
Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 1837 Location: Schnecksville, PA
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Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:07 am Post subject: My $80 shotgun |
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I stopped by a local gun shop yesterday to look over the used gun racks. There was J.C. Higgins Model 20 in 12 gauge that was like new. These were quality guns made by High Standard and sold by Sears back in the 1960s. It had no serial number because they were not required on rifles and shotguns prior to the Gun Control Act of 1968 (December 16, 1968). The hang tag said $100.00, but I got it for $80 out the door. All the best...
Gil
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Mossberg Moose Rookie Member
Joined: Dec 15, 2006 Posts: 13
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Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:05 pm Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun |
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Gil,
Be very careful, if you have a 583.20, the gun should not have been sold with a bolt. At one time Sears was buying back the bolts for the 12 gauge J.C. Higgins guns that they sold back then. When I checked into them, I was told there was a problem with the bolt stop, such that shooting the gun was taking a chance that you would be using the back of your skull for a stop. They quit buying back the bolts, but were still offering a $50 Sears gift certificate for the bolts last year. I was worried/checking on a 16 gauge, and they assured me that it was only the 12 gauges with the problems. This is how their e-mail started out "Watch out for J.C. Higgins Bolt Action 12 gauge only Shotguns, 583.13 - 583.22!" After the e-mail from Sears, I checked my 16 gauge real close and was not impressed with what it had to offer as a bolt stop. Sold it to a collector with a recommendation to use it as a display only. I'd give you the web site they used to have, but when I went to check it, it is not there any more.
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Vince Site Admin
Joined: May 25, 2005 Posts: 15715 Location: Brisbane AUSTRALIA
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Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:37 pm Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun |
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Mossberg Moose wrote: |
using the back of your skull for a stop |
That would be an OUCH of the worst kind !!
Well worth looking into methinks. Great pickup and good advice Moose.
Cheers, Vince
_________________ Cheers, Vince
Illegitimi non carborundum
(Never let the bastards grind you down)
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
"Nulla Si Fa Senza Volonta."
(Without Commitment, Nothing Gets Done) |
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Gil Martin Super Member
Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 1837 Location: Schnecksville, PA
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Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 3:30 pm Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun |
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Interesting. My brother has used one of these J.C. Higgins Model 20 12 gauge shotguns since 1960. Perhaps I should warn him. I am going to shoot it with low brass shells. The receiver looks pretty solid. I will report any problems. All the best...
Gil
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PaulS Super Member
Joined: Feb 18, 2006 Posts: 4330 Location: South-Eastern Washington - the State
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Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 12:59 am Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun |
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Low brass is no way to tell what pressure is generated in the chamber. If the gun has a defect. don't fire anything in it untill you have checked it out for safety.
_________________ Paul
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Speer, Lyman, Hodgdon, Sierra, and Hornady = reliable loading data
So and So's pages on the internet = NOT reliable loading data
Always check data against manuals
NEVER exceed maximum listed loads |
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whittling Super Member
Joined: Apr 21, 2008 Posts: 586 Location: Texas (home state is Mass)
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Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:03 am Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun |
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Well ,if the gun Ain't safe try the warranty .
_________________ Molon labe!
Service, honor and courage, without these a warrior is nothing. |
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ElyBoy Super Member
Joined: Apr 04, 2006 Posts: 1541 Location: Forest Lake Minnesota
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Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:17 pm Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun |
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I'm not joking on this one Gil.
From what Moose said, if the gun were mine, I would load up a half box of magnum loads, tie the gun to a tree, with a string to the trigger, and do some serious test firing.
Eric
_________________ NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer
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Gil Martin Super Member
Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 1837 Location: Schnecksville, PA
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Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:47 pm Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun |
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I am going to check with my local gunsmith who is superb and very highly qualified. He can do anything with a firearm and has done several dozen of my firearms. I appreciate the comments and concerns. All the best...
Gil
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Vince Site Admin
Joined: May 25, 2005 Posts: 15715 Location: Brisbane AUSTRALIA
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Gil Martin Super Member
Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 1837 Location: Schnecksville, PA
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Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 2:30 pm Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun |
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It is a Model 583.59 and not subject to any product warnings that I could find despite numerous web searches. It will go afield in October. All the best...
Gil
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