J.C. Higgins model 20

Cliffh · September 22nd, 2006, 07:16 PM

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.

TonyW · September 22nd, 2006, 07:59 PM

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 · September 22nd, 2006, 09:22 PM

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 · September 22nd, 2006, 10:44 PM

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 · September 22nd, 2006, 11:06 PM

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 · September 23rd, 2006, 10:28 PM

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

Cliffh · September 24th, 2006, 02:50 PM

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 · September 24th, 2006, 04:02 PM

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

September 22nd, 2006, 07:16 PM	#1
Cliffh Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Az Posts: 80	J.C. Higgins model 20 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.

September 22nd, 2006, 07:59 PM	#2
TonyW Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 680	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 __________________ There can be no proper relationship between one who is armed and one who is not; nor is it reasonable to expect that one who is armed will voluntarily obey one who is not, or that the latter will feel secure among servants who are armed. The Prince, Niccolo Machiavelli

September 22nd, 2006, 10:44 PM	#4
rocky Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MI Posts: 12,060	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. __________________ "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." Thomas Jefferson Nemo Me Impune Lacesset Link to my kydex builds:http://rocknloadkydex.blogspot.com/

September 22nd, 2006, 11:06 PM	#5
Cliffh Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Az Posts: 80	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. Last edited by Cliffh; September 22nd, 2006 at 11:22 PM..

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September 22nd, 2006, 09:22 PM	#3
Cliffh Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Az Posts: 80	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.

September 23rd, 2006, 10:28 PM	#6
Black Knight Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 373	Check with Numrich Arms. I have one I bought from my Granddad. They are very good shotguns.

September 24th, 2006, 02:50 PM	#7
Cliffh Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Az Posts: 80	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.

September 24th, 2006, 04:02 PM	#8
Black Knight Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 373	Cliffh: You are more than welcome. Glad to help.