J. C. Higgins Bolt Action 20ga

[confederatemule]

I have recently acquired a J. C. Higgins model 583.25 20ga shot gun. According to all the information I have found on it, it originally had an adjustable choke on it.

Can anyone tell me how this choke was attached?

It is also missing the bolt. Therefore, I am in the market for a bolt assembly. I know the gun is not worth much, but I want to put it back into original condition, unless the cost is too great. If I can't repair it, at a reasonable cost, I will be in the market for one in good working condition.

I will take a couple of pictures of the end of the barrel tomorrow.

Thanks for any help.

Mule

 

[rcmodel]

Your gun is a H&R Model M-121 made for Sears.

I think your chances of finding both a bolt and an adjustable choke for it are slim to none.

And the cost would far exceed the value of the gun if you did.

Cut your losses and move on.

rc

 

[Chevelle SS]

You can buy a complete one for ~$150 or try and find a bolt (Good luck) for ~$65. I was once in the same position and couldn't find a bolt for love or money. Bought the gun for $20 and ended up selling it at a gun show for $40.

 

[confederatemule]

Thanks, Y'all, for the responses.

I will be looking for a complete shootable J. C. Higgins 583._ 20 ga. I have a 12 and a 16 and a.22. I want a 20 and a .410. Then I think I will have a complete set of J. C. Higgins Bolt actions.

I've got a little much in the useless 20. $50.00. After I get one that is complete I will do something with this one.

 

[rcmodel]

Perfect base for a Floor Lamp to highlight your J.C. Higgins collection!!!

Rc

 

[confederatemule]

Floor Lamp. That is a great idea. Depending on the level of fancy, it could be easy to do. Personally I prefer very plain in that sort of stuff. Even with guns, I like plain, poor people's utility type guns.
Thanks fer the suggestion. My mind never travels in that direction. i will own a working J. C. Higgins 835.25 lamp, someday.

Mule

 

[jaguarxk120]

Years ago there was a law suit because some guy left out the bolt stop.

Sears did a recall and gave out gift cards/ rebates when the bolt was sent in, that's why your gun is missing the bolt.

As said make a lamp out of it.

 

[Green_Giant]

Howdy confederatemule,
How is the magazine tube fixed into the receiver on your gun? I have one that the tube has a flared end that is retained by (something that might be missing??) and the tube creeps up the barrel when fired. If you have the "something" that retains the barrel, I might be interested in the part or possibly the tube and retaining band if you are going to make a floor lamp from your specimin.

 

[Master Blaster]

Read about it here:

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/forum/...-Higgins-58312-Bolt-action-shotgun-232082.htm

 

[Jim NE]

Best of luck on your collection. I have an old Stevens 20 ga. bolt action that I haven't shot. I love having it, though...it's like the shogun version of the Stevens .22 rifle my dad gave me. Both are cool guns. I love the simplicity and affordability of these types of firearms.

 

[confederatemule]

Read about it here:

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/forum/...-Higgins-58312-Bolt-action-shotgun-232082.htm

I read it. Thanks.

 

[confederatemule]

What I have.

 

[confederatemule]

Let me tell my bolt action story.

In 1946 my Dad traded an electric mixer and bowls, for kitchen use, for a, near new, J. C. Higgins 12 ga. shot gun. This was his only gun fer years and years. He tried to keep us with meat to eat with this gun. He used it for Squirrel, Duck, Qual, Dove, etc. If he was not working he was hunting, in season. In the latter part of the 70's, more than 30 year of use by my Dad, he got a Remington model 11, but not before the old Higgins had give up.

The old Higgins had an enormous amount of kick to it. Finally the stock gave way to the constant hammering. When it was fired the metal parts of the gun would slide back, in the wood, to the point that the bolt would not eject the empty shell. Course after the barrel and reciever were slid forward it would eject and load. This had to be repeated every time it was shot. It traveled back 3/8 to 1/2 inch.

I used the gun for a while in it's earlier life. I guess this gun was the start of my fondness for bolt action guns.

I do realize there was a recall. I do realize that on the list there are guns other than the 12 ga. listed. I have a nice shooting 16 ga. that is on the list. My 12 ga. is not on the list. I don't think this 20 ga. is on the list. Before I shoot one I have a local gunsmith check it over thouroughly.

By the way, if anyone has one to sell, at a reasonable price, I am in the market fer a .410 and 20 ga. J. C. Higgins bolt action, of course.

Mule

 

[confederatemule]

Thanks fer the replies. They have been helpful.

Mule

 

[Panzerschwein]

These aren't worth much, but I've long been a proponent of these for defensive use. Cut it down to 18.5" and you've got a handy, reliable, powerful enough and CHEAP bolt action shotgun.