JC Higgins Model 50

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Jaeger

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I just found a JC Higgins Model 50 in 30-06 in very good shape for a VERY reasonable price. ($250 with an older Redfield 4X)

The action is pure 98 Mauser made in Belgium by FN. I'm not sure who makes the barrel but I'm fairly sure it's chrome lined.

I'm really thinking I should buy this rifle. Does anyone have any experience with this model? It's an FN made 98, how bad can it be?
 
A post-war commercial Mauser. If head-space and visual inspection for function check out, it is a good buy.
 
Just as a FYI - some of the post-war FN commercial actions are actually small-ring and not large ring. It's hard to tell, since the bolt will be of the 98 design (shrouded cocking ring, gas ports on the bottom, third lug, bolt guide lug). The only way I could tell that it was a small ring and not a M48 large-ring intermediate action was to measure the ring itself. They're almost like Mexicans without the gas ports on the left side of the receiver.

They're perfectly safe and all - I would not hesitate to buy one. It's just that parts are a wee bit harder to come by for these odd ducks, since they're not exactly members of the small-ring (93/95/96) class and they're not large ring intermediate (M48) or 98-class.
 
That is a steal. (Assuming you want a .30-06 sporter.)
The action is FN commercial, the barrel is High Standard, and the stock is Bishop or Fajen. Nothing wrong with a 4X scope, either.
 
I don't really "need" another 30-06 sporter but this one speaks to me. It needs new rings and bases which is no big deal. (it's got those nasty see-through rings) A trigger job would be good. A little stock work would top it off. (recoil pad, oil finish, checkering, steel grip cap)

How can I say no to a beautiful FN Mauser for that price? :D
 
I have a J. C. Higgins Model 50 that I sighted in over the weekend. It is a very accurate rifle in the MPI stock that I put it in. For what it is worth, the original trigger on the gun is a problem. It is hinged to the guard -- not to the receiver. I replaced mine with a Timney, and it is just fine, thank you.

I paid $80 for mine, complete with mount and rings, in a pawn shop a couple of years ago. Add a $40 trigger, a $150 stock (more now), a $45 blue job (with me doing the polishing myself prior to bluing), a decent set of $25 rings to put on the Redfield Jr. base., $15 worth of Accraglass Gel, a $20 Decelerator pad, $15 worth of swivels, $20 for a sling, and about $25 worth of camo stuff to cover the stock with. I also replaced the dovetailed rear sight on the barrel for around $15. I guess, without glass, I have $450 in the piece. Is that a bargain??

Still, it IS very accurate (sub-MOA).

Clemson
 
Well, I runnaged through my parts, did a little horse tradin' and the Model 50 came home with me. I DEFINITELY came out ahead in this trade! :D

It is in beautiful condition. THe bluing is as close to 100% as you can get. The stock has a few VERY minor dents and dings. The barrel cleaned up very quickly and appears to be immaculate.

The trigger is a bit odd. I don't know why they would hinge it on the trigger guard. It's a little heavy but crisp. It's being replaced by a Timney. The Kwicksight see tru mounts are in the parts bin and a new set of rings and bases are on the way from Midway.

A friend just completed construction of his range and is having a "SIght in your hunting rifle" party this Sunday. I hope to be able to get the rifle set up and have some loads ready for it by then. I think I may have to hunt with this one this year.
 
Well. I chose the Millet 2 piece turn in bases that they say is for FN Mausers. The contour seems correct but the hole spacing is way off! :cuss:

The Timney trigger installed without too much fuss and breaks very cleanly, but with more overtravel than I like. Unfortunately, my safety now won't engage. I need to remove some material from the front face of the cocking piece. :banghead:

Anyone know what mounts are supposed to work with this rifle?
 
FYI, Guns and Ammo did a classic test of the JC Higgins Model 50 in .270 (it was only made in 30.06 and .270) in its July 2004 issue.

Randy
 
I finally got the scope mounting issues sorted out and got the rifle to the range today.

I had a box of Winchester 165gr Power Point and a box of 165gr Remington Cor Locks. I didn't get to shoot very much today but the rifle shows a LOT of promise! It was keeping the first 3 shots of each ammo between .75" and 1" consistantly. 5 shot strings opened things up to 1" to 1.25". By shot 5 the barrel was getting pretty hot.

If you can find one of these gems at a reasonable price snatch it up!
 
Part Number

Jaeger, I just bought a model 50 in 270. What bases did you get for this action. I to, found out the ones for the regular FN actions are not correct as far as hole spacing is concerned. Thanks.
 
I found that the holes are spaced like a Model 70. Obviously the contours are all wrong. I took a set of Leupold turn in bases for an FN and had an extra hole drilled in the rear base to match the spacing. It was better than drilling another hole in the receiver. It worked out very well.

This was a fantastic deal. I really love this rifle.
 
Jaeger,
If I understand your reply correctly, you started with a set of two piece redfield/leupold FN bases and added an extra hole to the rear base? I'll check it out. Thanks for the reply.
 
Correct! I was going to drill another hole in the receiver but when I saw there was room in the base to accomodate another hole, I figured it would be better to drill the base rather than the gun.
 
Your JC Higgins 9 shot revolver was made by High Standard. The JC Higgins model 88 is the same as a High Standard Sentinal.

The 8 shot break open JC Higgins revolvers were made by Iver Johnson.
 
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