J.C. Higgins 20 gauge bolt action 583.1101 parts questions?

[Cauterizer]

Hello all,
I inherited a J.C. Higgins bolt-action 20 gauge shotgun, (583.1101) and it's missing the Magazine Tube Assembly as well as the Mag spring and follower. I found parts online at Numrich Gun Parts, but I'm wondering if it's cost effective to spend $30+ on parts for a $50 shotgun. It works just fine as a single shot and has warded off many an evil spirit on the farm. It came with the optional Poly-Choke, which, after I learned to use it correctly.... put a few 12 ga. trap shooters into a world of hurt when i could nail clay pigeons further out then their Browning Citoris could. Anybody have any ideas what route I should take if I were to bring the magazine back to max capacity? I wondered if I'd be better off buying another one for parts, or just get new parts for the old beast. I'd appreciate any input or ideas. Thanks!

 

[Bud Tugly]

I have a Mossberg 20 gauge 3 shot bolt action and can tell you from experience that repeat shots are pretty uncommon for most hunting situations. It's possible to get off multiple shots with a bolt gun but it takes a lot of practice.

If it's a family heirloom I'd probably fix it just out of nostalgia, but it won't matter much for most actual use.

 

[El Mariachi]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a JC Higgins bolt action shotgun that's gonna cost you $80.00.

Buy the parts from Numrich, or spend some time going thru Gunbroker. Trust me, in the long run, you'll be happy that you did.....

 

[Cauterizer]

Thanks for the info..

Gracias for the info El Mariachi & Bud Tugly... I decided that money isn't really the object to increase the magazine size...I keep it around because I like shooting it and once i figured out how to dial in the poly choke, i'm comfortable shooting anything from #3 buckshot (home defense back-up) or using it as a slug gun. So 30 bucks is a small price to pay to not have to load it as a single shot..plus it's a cool conversation piece when i tell people i have a bolt-action 20 gauge shotgun...then bring it out for show and tell...and raise a few eyebrows from the younger crowd. I'm ordering the parts from Numrich on Monday....and multiplying my firepower...LOL Thanks again.

Cauterizer

 

[El Mariachi]

Gracias for the info El Mariachi & Bud Tugly... I decided that money isn't really the object to increase the magazine size...I keep it around because I like shooting it and once i figured out how to dial in the poly choke, i'm comfortable shooting anything from #3 buckshot (home defense back-up) or using it as a slug gun. So 30 bucks is a small price to pay to not have to load it as a single shot..plus it's a cool conversation piece when i tell people i have a bolt-action 20 gauge shotgun...then bring it out for show and tell...and raise a few eyebrows from the younger crowd. I'm ordering the parts from Numrich on Monday....and multiplying my firepower...LOL Thanks again.

Cauterizer

And?.....

 

[Cauterizer]

Done and Done

I bought the parts and they showed up a week later marinated in grease...my buddy the ex-marine armorer put together and buffed & lapped all the edges..
It cycles the shells through like they were made out of Teflon frying pans..
without a flaw. I have a Cabela's Shotgun Shell Band on the stock from its days as a single shot only...so that's good for another 5 as well...all in all I have no complaints and the fun is back in the gun--acking 'em in with the bolt action.