$50 Pump Action Shotgun

Little Wolf

New member
Is there any reason NOT to get a fully functioning JC Higgens M-20 12 gauge shotgun with 18" barrel and 5 round capacity for $50? Sure, the finish is well worn, but how can you get a better bargin than a repeating action 12 guage for $50?? That's what I told myself at the gunshow today when I bought it. Even though I have several shotguns already and don't need another, how could I pass up a deal such as that? ; :D
 
The Sears JC Higgins Model 20 was actually made by High Standard as the Model 200.

Like all the High Standard shotguns, this was a very good quality gun, but didn't have anything to really set it above the crowd.

These are good, basic guns that serve well.

Gun Parts Corporation sell all parts for these.
 
Even though I have several shotguns already and don't need another


Well, there's your problem right there. You need to get better at thinking up needs for new guns! I just copy my wife, and come up with stuff like this:

"Honey, does this shotgun go with this vest?"

or "Does this shotgun make me look fat?"

:D :D


Larry
 
The ONLY thing about it is that you have to rack the gun HARD to chamber a shell. If you do not do it vigorously enough, then the shell will not feed from the tube, and you will have to shuck it again. What could be the cause of this do you think? Weak magazine spring?
 
Weak magazine spring.
Dirty, rusted, dented, "squashed" magazine tube.
(Disassemble the magazine and clean/check).

Dirty,weak, or loose shell stops.
(Check for dirty/rust impacted underneath, and for weak spring action).

Here's a link to a High Standard Model 200 Owner's Manual, complete with an exploded view.
http://www.stevespages.com/page7b.htm
 
I don't think I would pass on any functioning riot gun for $50 probably not for under $100 even
 
I would LOVE to find a J C Higgins model 20 for that price! As to your problems shucking I would advise a thorough cleaning and lubing along with working the action and this should loosen things up a bit. Old lubricant can harden over time and will gut gummed up in the ways and cutouts for the slide arm (s) and shell stops. Th High Standard is similar to the Mossberg in the lifter and the Model 12 Winchester in the bolt lockup. So... there are alot of machined areas inside of the reciever that are probably gummed up. I love old guns and half the fun is cleaning them and becoming familiar with how the are constructed. Good on ya in your find! :)
 
I got me a working car for $50 bucks from a guy in california once. It was like having a midget in an suv except in reverse. More like Lurch in a beetle. :D I would say get that gun if you haven't already.
 
Hmmmmm,

I tried replacing the magazine spring with a longer Remington 870 one. It still doesn't feed the shells!

What else could be the culprit? The mag tube itself doesn't appear to be damaged in anyway, no dents there. What else could be causing this problem? It fires fine, I just need to figure the cycling issue out!
 
On any old gun, years of old oil and gunk can cause problems. It is imperative that they be disassembled and throughly cleaned of all the gunk and rust. A little known secret is 90% of non-functional guns simply need a good cleaning.

Here is the exploded view of a HS 200 (same basic gun). Strip your gun down to no attached parts, clean it well, and reassemble. I bet your problem will evaporate. If there is a mechanical problem, you will find it along the way. Good luck, enjoy!
 
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