The JC Higgins Model 31

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If anyone is looking for a schematic and assembly guide for a model 31, Gun Digest Book of Rimfire Rifles Assembly/Disassembly by J.B. Wood has one. Numrich Gun Parts also has some parts for these rifles.

Are these rifles worth owning? I have a chance to buy a model 30 in good condition for $130. Is it worth buying one or are they a lot of trouble? It seems like I'm reading about a lot of problems with them but I also read that about my Westernfield 59A (Stevens 87) and it works perfect.
 
Candr,
It's hard to say about "these rifles". As for the model 31 (and 29 which is nearly identical from what I can tell), they work great. Mine worked flawlessly for many years until the extractor blew off. It's been sitting since, waiting for me to track down the correct one. I can't get a difinitive answer.

But if you mean "J.C. Higgins" rifles in general it's very tough to say because they were all made by different makers and are different designs.
 
My model 30 has the bolt handle on the left side. My model 31 has the handle on the right side. The handle seems to be the only visible difference. I would like to have a 28 and 29. Also have a 33. All have higgins scopes. 2 of them have 1" tubes.
 
My model 30 has the bolt handle on the right side. I think I would like it better on the left. Although the right isn't bad the left seems like a better place to put it. The 29, 30, 31, 34, and 36 all look the same on the outside but there are internal differences and they did make changes within the same model mumber.

I found a set of scope rings that work on these rifles at Walmart. It is the Weaver see through .22 rings that are split vertically down the middle. I put a set on my rifle and they tightened up with no problems. Just make sure you tighten up the bottom screw first.
 
Never saw a model 34 or 36. This is my 30,31 and 33.
 

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I have a model 20, like possum's. Mine has a big ugly choke on the end though.

Also have a Sears (JC Higgins made?) 16 gauge bolt. Dad always called it the "goose gun".

I have never fired either.

Can inherited guns be classified as "safe queens". Cuz I got a few of them. :)
 
I traded a model 30 that had the handle on the left side. This model 30 has it on the right. Seems as if they changed things according to the parts supply. Still a well made gun.
 
Red Dot Sight Help

I am trying to put a BSA RD30/22 Red Dot on my Model 31 and the local gunsmith says it can't be done short of drilling and tapping a new weaver base of the top. It appears the "3/8" DOVETAIL RAIL isn't standard size and the BSA mount won't work. What is the size of the Dovetail?

Someone post the following "I found a set of scope rings that work on these rifles at Walmart. It is the Weaver see through .22 rings that are split vertically down the middle. I put a set on my rifle and they tightened up with no problems. Just make sure you tighten up the bottom screw first."

Wonder if those rings would work on a BSA RD30?
 
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Can I join? I have an model 583-1101 20 gauge bolt action that still shoots nice but cant work the bolt too fast or it comes out in your hand:rolleyes:
 
My sister has a JC higgins but I don't know what model it is, it is a 12ga pump with a dumb looking compensator on the end, does anybody know what model that would be?
Click to expand...

No idea what kind of shotgun it is, but that "dumb looking compensator" is probably a Cutts Compensator. It was a pretty popular modification "back in the day" since it allowed you to change chokes, back before screw in choke tubes came around.

I've always thought they were ugly myself, (and LOUD) but I knew a few people who had them.

I saw a J.C. Higgins bolt action 22 on sale at my favorite dealer yesterday. I can't remember the model (191 sound right?) but it looked like a Mossberg rifle. Tube feed, bolt action, kinda deep in the stock. It wasn't in bad shape. They only wanted $50.00 for it. I might call them later and have them hold it back for me this weekend.
 
single or double claw extractor?

My brother just got a 31 with a broken extractor. How do you determine if it needs a single or double claw extractor? Are they interchangeable?

Thanks!
 
There are (as far as I can determine) 3 types of extractors for these. A wider, single claw type, a wider, double claw type, and a narrow single claw type. The width of the extractor groove in the right side of the bolt should tell you whether it's the narrow or wide type... as for whether it's single or double claw I've never been able to get a straight answer on that. Some say look at the rear of the barrel and see if there are 2 cutouts, but I'm not sure if they all don't have a wide cutout to allow for any extractor type. If you find out please let me know.

Also please post some detailed pics of his bolt/extractor groove/extractor plunger/spring if possible.
 
I am a new member and have a model 29 that has a missing trigger guard assembly (JC Higgins part No. 487M). I am also new to posting, and can't figure out how to post a new message. Please help with part, and let me know how to post new messages. I would also like to join the JC Higgins model 31 club
Thanks;
Denny
 
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