.22lr J.C. Higgens model 103.228

[jrpbullrider]

I just picked one up today and took it out to zero it for me. it shot ok (wind was real bad) that is why I said just ok, I know the wind will mess with it. so no targets to show today. here is some pics of it.






What I would like to know is how good should this shoot if I do my part?
Where would I find any serial #'s on it?
It has a Vision Plus 4x20 never heard of them any good?
And any thing else I should know about it?

Thanks for any info

 

[RIATAC45]

I believe those were produced form 1940 to 1965 before the GCA of 1968, therefor they are not required to have a SN. The J.C. Higgins 103.228 is a Marlin model 80. I have the tube magazine version J.C Higgins 103.229 (Marlin 81), and my dad has a Marlin 80DL, and they are great shooters. Yours is a later model since it has the scope ring grooved receiver, I believe they started grooving the receivers in about 1957.

 

[jrpbullrider]

Thanks goods to know about the SN something I did not know.

should I keep the scoop (It has a Vision Plus 4x20 ) or get a diff one I know nothing about them.

and How EZ are they to take apart to clean there are a lot of screws on it some I don't know what they are there for.

 

[BrocLuno]

They are nice rifles. Looks like the scope is mounted too high on yours. Setting up a scope is about cheek weld on the stock and comfortable position for cheek bone/eye/ocular lens. You might want to experiment with some other rings and see if you can get all the bits to line up "naturally"? Holding your head up and off the stock will cause your groups to get much larger.

As far as keeping the scope itself, that is a question only you can answer. When you look across the lenses sideways (front or back), does that glass have a blueish or greenish tint (coatings)? Is the crosshair clear and does it stay in place when you rap on the scope tube? If so, I'd keep it for now and work out the set-up. If you find you need other options down the road, then you know what you are looking for

 

[jrpbullrider]

What rings are cheap BUT works with the gun I want something that will not break the bank BUT I do want some that are good, and yes I do have to hold my head a little higher on this gun. No tint on the front or back, I will be needing one I can see farther out but is the brand a good one this is the 1st time I have heard or seen it. I want a 3x9x30 or 40 just don't know what brand yet I saw one from Vision Plus just don't know anything about them.
thanks

 

[Furncliff]

I have one of those. It was given to me by my mother on my sixteenth birthday, fifty years ago. My advice on a scope and mounts, is a Center Point scope.

I believe Walmart sells them in a 3X9 or 6X14, They come with decent mounts, and you will definitely be able to get your cheek back on the rifle with them. They both have lighted reticles, and nice turrets, and the 6X14 has adjustable objective (very handy) and flip up lens covers. I have three of these, the most expensive was $69. For my money it's the best bang for the buck. Additionally there is a life of the scope guarantee from the maker. If I had to choose I'd go with the 6X14.

Here is the Walmart page with from reviews:
http://reviews.walmart.com/1336/10248654/centerpoint-4-16x40mm-scope-reviews/reviews.htm

When I decided to buy my first one I was skeptical, but I figured Walmart is good about returns. Two of mine are on .22LR rifles one is on a Marlin lever action that I have been testing .357 magnum reloads in. I have some expensive scopes on other rifles and they are great, but these do the job well, for what you pay.

I don't know if you have tried different makes of ammo in yours, of the ones I have tried, the rifle seems to do the best with the higher speed ammo. Mine is an OK shooter, I have re-crowned the muzzle, didn't help much. I'm going to keep testing ammo, to see if I can tighten up the groups. I keep it mostly for sentimental reasons, and I'm spoiled by a couple of my other rimfire rifles. Yours is in pretty nice shape. I have refinished the stock on mine with Tru-Oil, turned out real nice and was easy to do.