J.C. Higgins model 20

[Cliffh]

I'm hoping ya'll can help ID this shotgun. Bought it a couple of decades ago, didn't get a manual or any background with it - guess the gun shop didn't have anything on it, and I wasn't smart enough to ask. I've only shot it once, way back when, maybe 1 box of rounds. Since then, it's been kept loaded with 2 rounds and had the bore cleaned occassionaly.

The only markings I can find on it are:

J.C. Higgins Model 20 Sears.Roebuck and Co. 583.56 Proof Tested 12ga 2 3/4 Chamber

I can't find a serial number on it.

I did some research on it myself, what I came up with was that it's maybe a High Standard model 200, manufactured in the late '40's or early '50's; but I'm not sure that what I found actually applies to this shotgun.

I've (finally) realized that I need to know more about it, one of the things I want to do is strip it down and give it a thorough cleaning.

If it is that old, is it safe to fire modern rounds in it? And, should I limit the rounds to anything specific - such as no slugs, etc? I realize it can only fire 2 3/4" rounds.

I'd also like to find a copy of the instruction manual for it.

I can post some pictures if wanted/needed, but that'll take a couple of days.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[TonyW]

Did a quick Yahoo search and found this website: http://www.histandard.info/models/shotguns/pump.html

There looks to be other info there as well.

EDIT - http://www.histandard.info/manuals/s.../1078D150R.pdf

[Cliffh]

Thanks for the links.

I'm usually pretty good at Google searches, but I didn't find either of those! The second one's just what I was looking for. Maybe I need to start using Yahoo too.

Don't know how I feel owing a gun that's older than I am

I didn't want to spend much, if anything, on it. But I'm starting to think maybe I'll give Vang Comp (about 10 mins. down the road) a call next week to see if they're willing to take a look at it.

[rocky]

Nothing wrong with old firearms , as long as they are in good condition. I own a .22 my dad bought about the time I was born. Also use a Win. Model 12 that was my great granddads.

[Cliffh]

You're so right Rocky. I should have said something along the lines of "not sure how I feel shooting a gun that's older than I".

There were no problems (including doubts) when I first bought it, and I'm sure I'll feel more confident in it after it's been checked over.

[Black Knight]

Check with Numrich Arms. I have one I bought from my Granddad. They are very good shotguns.

[Cliffh]

Thanks Black Knight

I finally had time to check out their web site. They have a 27" adj. choke barrel listed, but it's out of stock right now. It's encouraging that they have it listed, I figure that means the barrels are available somewhere.

[Black Knight]

Cliffh:
You are more than welcome. Glad to help.