J.C. Higgins model 51

[w296]

I can't find much if any information on this rifle. I've looked at every source I can think of, Blue book, Gun parts,Gun trader, Proof house, Sears, search engines and our on search engine. I did find a post from member BHP9 and tried to e-mail him but he does not receive e-mail from our board. It sounds as though it may be the same as his .270. The rifle is a J.C. Higgins model 51, it also has Sears and Roebuck 583.99. It has Belgium proof marks. SN# 278XX. If anyone can provide a source with a reference it would be appreciated.

Thanks
Ron
:banghead:

 

[Jim Watson]

J.C. Higgins Model 51 has an FN Mauser '98 action and American made barrel and stock. I've read that the barrels were made by High Standard and the stocks by Bishop or Fajen. They were sold by Sears in the late 1950s and early 1960s. There was an earlier Model 50 on FN action and a later Model 51L on a Husqvarna action. Sears went to Winchester for their bolt action centerfires in 1964 or 1965 shortly after Winchester cut corners and redesigned the Model 70. That is about all I know or can find in old books and Gun Digests.

 

[gagunner]

I have a J.C.Higgins Model 50 (583.91),probably about the same thing.It's also mark" FN action made in Belgum "on to right side of the 98 action.Could never find out much myself.Brownells said they were well made guns.Asked about it in" Shooting Times Mag" several years ago & they replied in the magazine about he sameas Brownells.Mine is in 270 Win.Couldn't find any serial number on it.Only number I could find was on the bottom of the receiver after I removed the stock.Is that it?I understand that it wasn't required on rifles/shotguns till after 1968.I've seen a few at gunshows but the don't draw a lot of money.Mine has a plain non checked stock with nice looking wood.Don't figure I'll ever get rid of it as it makes a good "working gun"
gagunner

 

[parkermr]

higgins model 51

Just purchased one in 30-06. for the age it seems to be in excellent shape. i`ve read somewhere they are about to come of age as collectors.