Starting a trench gun project.

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troy fairweather

troy fairweather

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The other day I picked up a j.c higgins model 20 12ga pump. It was cut down to 20-21 inches, I have to measure it. This one has the rib and a mag cutoff. Gun is in good condition, it's a shame someone cut it.

I've been on the lookout for a cut shotgun to make into a trench gun. I did some reading, Looks like a heat shield from a win97 can be made to fit. And so will a Mossberg 500 mag tube. Any off you seen other j.c higgins done into a trench gun. I believe this is the same as the high standard 200.

Are there places that sell more parts for trench guns. I see numrich have the 97 heat shield, and brownnells has some for the 500 and a generic one.

I believe there is a patrol/guard shotgun made from these.

This photo is just one off line but is cut the same as mine, the other photo is one a guy did I found online.thanks.troy.

model20a.jpg

trench 001_zpsogjupwbi.jpg
 
If it were me... All I'd want would be the basic gun you have right now - with a good bead sight on the front - and that's it...

For accessories I'd want a sling and a five round butt cuff for the stock (one of those inexpensive strong elastic slip over types..).

A trench gun might be attractive - but a basic short barreled 12 gauge with a four shot tube is a monster at close quarters on the street... Literally a one shot fight ender with basic 00buck in a 2 3/4 configuration... They're relatively lightweight - very fast and maneuverable when speed of action might make all the difference against more than one opponent...

Although I'm a Vietnam vet - all my shotgun experience was after that on the street here in country...
 
lemaymiami said:
If it were me... All I'd want would be the basic gun you have right now - with a good bead sight on the front - and that's it...

For accessories I'd want a sling and a five round butt cuff for the stock (one of those inexpensive strong elastic slip over types..).

A trench gun might be attractive - but a basic short barreled 12 gauge with a four shot tube is a monster at close quarters on the street... Literally a one shot fight ender with basic 00buck in a 2 3/4 configuration... They're relatively lightweight - very fast and maneuverable when speed of action might make all the difference against more than one opponent...

Although I'm a Vietnam vet - all my shotgun experience was after that on the street here in country...
Click to expand...
I just always like the look of trench guns. I don't have the money right now to do the build so it's staying the same for now. I may try to make the mag full length.
 
There was a High Standard Model 200 (?) as a riot gun at one time and I believe your JC Higgins is the same as a HS 200 so extended magazines did at one time exist if they are not in fact directly replaceable as you note.

My first thought on the heat shield would be a *Winchester* re-pop.

You'll also want a reproduction GI rear sling swivel for the correct look.


Todd.
 
ApacheCoTodd said:
There was a High Standard Model 200 (?) as a riot gun at one time and I believe your JC Higgins is the same as a HS 200 so extended magazines did at one time exist if they are not in fact directly replaceable as you note.

My first thought on the heat shield would be a *Winchester* re-pop.

You'll also want a reproduction GI rear sling swivel for the correct look.


Todd.
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Ya think it was called the 18-7 or something like that.
 
If I wanted an authentic trench gun I'd look for a model 12 or 97 Winchester with a riot barrel. I've seen used riot barrels for the 12 on gunbroker and armslist. Being not really interested in a true trench gun I bought a Maverick 88 (18.5" barrel). Academy had them on sale the other day for (IIRC) $165.00.

15-MOSAMVRCK88-HD12-SPG-is-zps79tehymo.jpg
 
DDDWho said:
If I wanted an authentic trench gun I'd look for a model 12 or 97 Winchester with a riot barrel. I've seen used riot barrels for the 12 on gunbroker and armslist. Being not really interested in a true trench gun I bought a Maverick 88 (18.5" barrel). Academy had them on sale the other day for (IIRC) $165.00.

View attachment 873700
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The barrel was cut down. I don't have the money for a (97 or 12. Tg.
 
Agreed, good looking gun. I shoot mine with the Navy barrel with a Cutts on it but *fer looking' at*, I prefer a riot gun barrel.

As to *trench*... It's really about having the heat-shield and bayonet lug and barrel length more than the date. Without the *Trench Gun* parts, they are variously referred to as; Riot Guns, Combat Shotguns or Tactical Shotguns - for the most part. And then too, there're the *trainers* for aerial gunnery training.


Todd.

IMG_1166.JPG
 
ApacheCoTodd said:
Agreed, good looking gun. I shoot mine with the Navy barrel with a Cutts on it but *fer looking' at*, I prefer a riot gun barrel.

As to *trench*... It's really about having the heat-shield and bayonet lug and barrel length more than the date. Without the *Trench Gun* parts, they are variously referred to as; Riot Guns, Combat Shotguns or Tactical Shotguns - for the most part. And then too, there're the *trainers* for aerial gunnery training.


Todd.

View attachment 877046
Click to expand...
Love that gun in the back. Looks like an A5 or the Win/Rem version. Is this something that was authentic? I wasn't aware they had a trench gun. Looking closer, what is that thing?
 
Mn Fats said:
Love that gun in the back. Looks like an A5 or the Win/Rem version. Is this something that was authentic? I wasn't aware they had a trench gun. Looking closer, what is that thing?
Click to expand...
Another of John Browning's many patents. A Stevens 520-30 trench gun from WWII. They were around before WWI but apparently Winchester had the lock on fighting shotguns at the time though a prototype was submitted.
It's a slide action, take-down and they are very sweet handling shotguns built like tanks.
The receiver merely makes it look like an auto.

Todd.
 
This sounds like a cool project. I sold a Cutts-barrelled JC Higgins a few years ago for 150 bucks. My uncle gave it to me and I had no use for it. I recall it was a pretty heavy gun with the 28” vent rub barrel with the compensator on the end.

Good luck, and keep us posted as you progress. :thumbup:

Stay safe.
 
Riomouse911 said:
This sounds like a cool project. I sold a Cutts-barrelled JC Higgins a few years ago for 150 bucks. My uncle gave it to me and I had no use for it. I recall it was a pretty heavy gun with the 28” vent rub barrel with the compensator on the end.

Good luck, and keep us posted as you progress. :thumbup:

Stay safe.
Click to expand...
Yea there a hefty gun. You understand why Mossberg made it aluminum when they copied it. I am short on money so that stalled the build, hope to sell a few thing soon. Plus I see my drivers license expires soon, always something.
 
ApacheCoTodd said:
Another of John Browning's many patents. A Stevens 520-30 trench gun from WWII. They were around before WWI but apparently Winchester had the lock on fighting shotguns at the time though a prototype was submitted.
It's a slide action, take-down and they are very sweet handling shotguns built like tanks.
The receiver merely makes it look like an auto.

Todd.
Click to expand...


The Stevens 520 (non -30)with the hump towards the front of the receiver(as well as humpedback ) has the best look IMO. These were the ones that only made it to prototype.

The 520-30 were actually a thing in WW2.
 
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Mn Fats said:
I've always wanted a trench style shotgun.

Mossberg has the retro grade out. Pretty cool.View attachment 877045Though an 1897 trench gun with the bayonet lug and all is something I've wanted for a while now.

Good luck on your build, Troy!
Click to expand...

I was in the market for an HD gun to retire my Ithaca 37. When I saw the Retrograde in the shop, it was curtains. No way I was going to settle on a Maverick or an Express or even a Police. Even the 590 lost the bid. I had to have that 590A1 Retrograde. I was very close to going with the 500 Retrograde because of the 18" barrel, but look at that 590a1. I would probably get rid of every other gun before i put her out to pasture.
 
You may be able to find a High Standard RIOT , seen one here at the LGS couple months ago , I was interested but have my dads JC Higgins Model 20 and Mossberg 500. Stay with heavy metal shotgun it's easier on your shoulder than aluminum .Don't let me forget I'll upload a WWII photo of my dad posing with a Stevens.
0416191309.jpg
 
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