Value of JC Higgins Model 50

[J Scott]

I have a chance to buy a JC Higgins Model 50 in 30.06.
It is an FN manufactored rifle. The original owner says it has never been fired and has all papers and box.

After viewing the rifle, it is an easy 98%. Anyway, he is asking $400.00.

It's one of those "don't need it, but want it" purchases.

He is firm on the price. Is $400.00 a fair price?

Thanks,

J Scott

 

[rufe-snow]

I don't mean to insult you sir, i'm sure it's a high quality commercial FM Mauser. But anything with the JC Higgins name has a bad connotation for a lot of people. Most folks think cheap .22 rifle or shotgun soon as they hear that name. If you intend to buy it and keep it for yourself you be a head of the game, because it sounds like it's a quality FN Mauser. On the other hand if you turn around and decide to sell it you might encounter some problems. Maybe you could deal with the seller on that basis. I doubt if he has people lined up waiting to take it off his hands, and he might be flexible in that regard.

 

[Jim K]

Those Sears rifles had high quality receivers and pretty good barrels. IIRC, the barrels were not made by FN , and the rifles were assembled here. (The barrel and assemby work may have been done by High Standard, with which Sears had a close working relationship at the time, but don't quote me.)

The stocks, though, were cheap, and appeared to be beech, no checkering and very plain, like a cheap .22.

Compared with what a new rifle is going for these days, that price is pretty good, though I tend to agree with rufe-snow about the resale value. Any used gun of that quality is going to be pretty beat at that price.

Jim

 

[J Scott]

Advice taken...

Thanks for your needed and appreciated points of view.

J Scott