Questions about a JC Higgins 101.7/Stevens 311A

[ab4ka]

Last night my father-in-law gave me a JC Higgins Model 101.7 (Sears) 12ga SxS shotgun. I don't know much about it, so I did a little research when I got home and from what I can find, it crosses to a Stevens 311A (it has 311A stamped on the right side). It's in excellent shape and I don't believe it's been shot much. My father-in-law said it came to him from his father, who I believe passed away in 1976. My father-in-law said he has never shot it. He also gave me 5 boxes of old paper-hull shells. I have a couple of questions...

1. Is there any way to determine when it was made? I can't find a serial number anywhere.

2. It seems awfully hard to break open, and the lever seems awfully stiff. I took it apart as far as I dared (this is my first side by side, so it was completely by accident) and everything looks clean.

3. Would the old shells be safe to shoot? They all look like brand new.

Thanks!

 

[krimmie]

Could be gummed up with old grease. I can't help you with the age, but the shells should be fine to shoot...although they could be quite collectable so I wouldn't.

 

[JohnBT]

Is there a stamped letter on the bottom between the hinge and the front of the trigger guard? A='49, B='50, etc. thru to V='68 (skip O & Q)

The 311 was made from 1931-1989. I don't where to find a list of the breakdown on the 311, 311-A, -C, -D, -E, -F, -H dates.

Before I disassembled it, I'd put a drop of light oil or BreakFree anywhere it looks like it would reach moving parts (trigger, lever, etc) and work the parts. Then let it sit muzzle down for a day or three before blowing it out with a compressor or canned air.

On second thought, it might be new enough still that it's tight just like a new gun. Put a little clean grease on the hinge.

John

 

[ab4ka]

There's no letter by the hinge, just a number (36). I shot some Eezox into everything, but when I had it apart it all looked like it was just oiled yesterday. It's in amazing condition for a gun that's been in a closet in a cloth case for 35 years.

 

[coelacanth]

if its too hard for you to open, I'll buy it. . . . .

Seriously, these guns are nearly indestructible and it sounds as if yours is simply not broken in yet. They were made with the idea that they would be handed down from generation to generation. I bought mine in the early 1980's and it is just now getting to the point where I would call it a slick operating old gun. Still no slop in it after thousands of rounds. It is my designated home defense gun and camping gun and truck gun and whatever else I can think of. Take it to a gunsmith - have it detail stripped and lubed with Break Free CLP - then take it home or to the range and proceed to fire up all those old paper hulls. Won't hurt a thing and will give you a cheap way to test how it patterns and if it shoots where you look. Enjoy it my friend - it will be a long time before you find a better companion to walk around with.

 

[ball3006]

Your gun is still stiff from being new.....

Don't shoot those paper shells. You will be surprised how valuable they are.....That shotgun will last your lifetime.....My dad gave me one of those that he had bought back in the 40s. He could not wear it out, I could not wear it out, and my nephew is trying to wear it out.......chris3

 

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I am another fan of the 311....I have one in 12 gauge and 20 gauge. They are great field guns and mine have account for probably a truck full of game! If it hasn't been fired much, that is probably why the gun is 'stiff' and difficult to break open.
I wouldn't shoot the old shells for a couple of reasons. The first is the possible collector value of the shells; the second is that I have seen powder in older paper shells "compact' into a concrete-like substance that can be difficult to ignite and cause hang fires. Moisture over time? I'm not sure, but it was rather scary to pull a trigger and have the gun go off seconds later.....those warnings on the flaps of the shotgun boxes telling you to wait 30 seconds after a misfire are good advice!

 

[Musketman]

I have the same gun. A J.C. Higgins model 101.7. I researched it when I was curious also. I found somewhere that it was first made in the 1950's. From everything I've read, these are very good guns, and are very strong. Yours sounds like its in good condition, and if it's stuff, that's an even better sign. If the lever on yours isn't quite straight when the barrels are closed shut, than it's a newer gun(mechanics wise). It should last many years.

Have fun with it. I shoot mine quite often. It's a hoot to shoot. Pull both triggers even. It's Still Solid as a Rock after years of shooting it hard. I paid only $75 for it at a gun auction a few years ago. It's still in good shape. Well, have fun.

 

[sm]

Congrats on a neat, old classic!
Cherish, enjoy, and make some memories of your own with it.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Echoing the congratulations, not only a fine shotgun but an heirloom to boot. Use it well, treasure it and pass it along in good time to a new generation...

lpl/nc