JC Higgins 51-L

I just traded for a JC Higgins 51-L in .243 Winchester. I've never seen one like it before. I think it was made in the early 1960's. It seems to be in 90% condition or better.

I understand that the action was made by Husqvarna and I think the barrel was made by High Standard. The barrel has a 4 digit number on the right side and the action has a 5 digit number on the underside.

I need some education here. Were the 51-L's barrels chrome lined? Can someone tell me what model Husqvarna action was used? Also, is there a source that can tell me the date of manufacture?

I've read that these rifles were fairly accurate. I'm going to work up some loads with 60gr bullets and see how it performs on groundhogs this summer.





'Scope is a 3-9 "Deerfield".

I traded a 1973 vintage Winchester 30-30 carbine for it. The carbine was about 90% condition but I'd had it for 15 years and not used it. I paid $200 for it back in the day. What I really wanted was a centerfire varmint rifle in .243 and got connected to a guy who just bought an old collection of rifles and wanted a 94 carbine instead of a .243.

I think I've got a copy of DeHaas' "Bolt Action Rifles". I'll see what he said. This action has the safety third lug and cocks partially on opening like a '98 action. The bolt shroud has no safety and wasn't made for one. The sliding safety is to the right of the tang and blocks the trigger and the bolt from opening when it's engaged.

Whoever owned this rifle for 50 years or so sure took good care of it. Not a spec of rust.

Update:
In my 1971 copy of "Bolt Action Rifles" DeHaas describes the Late HVA Action which looks just like the Higgins action.

My trigger pull is all of 5 lbs so I might look into a Timney trigger. I'm not sure whether the safety will work with a Timney without some professional gunsmithing.