My $80 shotgun

Gil Martin · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:07 am Post subject: My $80 shotgun

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

Mossberg Moose · Rookie Member Joined: Dec 15, 2006 Posts: 13

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.

Vince · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:37 pm Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun

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

Gil Martin · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 3:30 pm Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun

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

PaulS · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 12:59 am Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun

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.

whittling · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:03 am Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun

Well ,if the gun Ain't safe try the warranty .

ElyBoy · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:17 pm Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun

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

Gil Martin · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:47 pm Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun

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

Vince · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 7:33 pm Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun

Mate...we wanna keep ya around here for a while longer, and having a bolt hangin' outa your eye socket isn't a good look either.

Of course there is also the "damaging a firearm" factor as well...no-one likes to see that happen. Very Happy

Cheers, Vince

Gil Martin · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 2:30 pm Post subject: Re: My $80 shotgun

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