Came across an old J.C. Higgins 16-gauge shotgun today... Old boy had it that was interested in my Maverick Model 18 12-gauge pump. We did some trading. I ended up coming home with the J.C., a box of shells, and a $100 bill.
Just wondering if it's worth anything? About all that I know is that they were sold by the Sears & Roebuck Co. in the 50's era. Sold them out of the old catalog if I remember correctly.
On the gun, it has it's castings on each side of the barrel. They read;
Facing the barrel-end of the gun, left side of barrel -
J.C. HIGGINS - MODEL 583.21
SEARS, ROEBUCK, AND CO.
Facing the barrel-end of the gun, right side of barrel -
PROOF TESTED 16GA.-FULL
2 3/4" CHAMBER
The gun is in excellent shape. Magazine holds 2 shells total without one in the chamber. It's a bolt action with the side-slide safety, and the one-piece stock and forearm.
I figure it's worth at least double it's original sale value. Either way, I don't think that I came out too bad. My guess is it sold in 1951-1952 for $25-$30.
Any ideas on what it's worth, if anything?
Nightrain
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Haven't been able to determine the estimated value of your shotgun yet but I have found it was manufactured for Sears by Harrington & Richardson (H&R) and their model number is M120. If I gain any more info I'll forward it to you.
I don't show that exact model, but The model 101.1380 Bolt action repeater takedown in 12, 16, & 20 gaugeswith two shell detachable box magazine, 26" barrel, all Full choke, with plain pistol grip stock is valued at NiB $115, Ex $92, Gd $62.
In the very least you broke even, but you now have a sweet 16. I think you made a good buy, since any 16 nowadays will set you back at least $550.
Either way, I really like the old gun. Probably keep it in the corner for a few years to see if anything comes of it. I know that they really don't make them anymore, so there's a plus on the value side, especially coupled with its age.
This one does teardown. With one screw removed, the whole assembly comes out of the one-piece stock. It's a really good quality gun. Probably make a nice beginniner gun, even though I am going to keep her. lol.
Thanks fellas!
Nightrain
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Mine belonged to my Grandfather and it will be handed down to my son. He is very good with a shotgun. I never could hit the broad side of a barn with a shotgun. My weapon of choice is a pistol or rifle.
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Mine belonged to my Grandfather and it will be handed down to my son. He is very good with a shotgun. I never could hit the broad side of a barn with a shotgun. My weapon of choice is a pistol or rifle.
Eric,
I told someone once that I could knock a squirrel out of a tree with a pistol or rifle alot better than a shotgun. They thought I was crazy. Glad to see there's somebody else as backwards...
I have an old JC Higgins 30.30 that I wouldn't trade for 10 new ones. Rugged little rifle.
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Search the net for a users groupe of "Higgins" users/owners. I own a Higgins .22 semi auto and found it was Mfg' ed by a major Mfg. and sold under the Higgins name be Sears.
With this type of firearms, the value is placed by condition, number produced, history (both owners and Mfg) and how many people collect or look for that firearms.
I do know that several Mfg's made firearms for sale under the "Higgins" name and were sold be Sears, Weatern Auto, Montgormery Ward, and other major retailers of this nature!
Personal note: the rifle I own is one of the best shooting .22's I have ever fired. I have owned it for 35 years and would not part with it for anything.
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He is a long coat sable Chihuahua and the newest addition to the family.
2002 Escape and as fitter said "Wife's Ride", 1999 Mercury Sable "my work ride", 1999 F250 4x4 SD Crew 7.3 "The Beast"
1982 F250 4x4 Known as BullDog! with a 300 l6, Offy "C" and Holley 390 CFM
1960 Austin Healy Sprite MK I (Bug-Eye)
When I was a kid my first full size bicycle was a J. C. Higgins, yes I'm absolutely sure about the name as it was my first new bike. My dad was real proud that I took such good care of my bike till he opened his jar of Blue Coral, LOL
Looks like the Higgins name is on more than just shotguns... lol.
Either way, this big girl seems like a very stout gun and I figure that she'll give years of trouble-free service. If someone comes along with the right kind of cash, I'll probably let her go. But for now, she's here to stay.
Thanks again ya'll!
Nightrain
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"The Good Lord Knows What All I'd Give To Stay Here In Dixie"
I still have my Ted Williams brand semiauto 20 ga shotgun that I mail ordered from Sears when I started to high school. Back in those days you could order firearms through the mail. The shotgun was made by High Standard and included an adjustable choke.
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Hmm... Ted Williams? I don't recall ever hearing of that brand. It does sound like a Higgins though, in the fact of it being sold from Sears.
I took the Higg out yesterday and pulled six rounds off... This is a very potent gun. Doesn't kick hard, has a good balance, and seems to be able to shoot very well. The action is very tight also. I think that I came out just fine on this deal.
Nightrain
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"The Good Lord Knows What All I'd Give To Stay Here In Dixie"
I have a 16 gauge J.C. Higgins that was given to me by an uncle. It holds 6 shells in teh magazine. I like the gun, but I haven't used it in a long time, because my 12 gauge is cheaper to shoot. Also, the bolt action is somewhat slow for a shotgun.
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