JC Higgins pump

T

tomwalshco

New member
Just picked up a very nice JC Higgins Model 20 from the Penny Saver.

My research shows it was made by High Standard of CT 50 years ago. It has what I assume is some type of choke on the muzzle that is perforated. Want to use this for home defense and don't want to cut the barrel off.

Tried some gentle persuation to unscrew it, but it wouldn't budge. Will this piece come off somehow? The choke piece on the end screws off, but not the perforated piece.

The factory manual I found online calls it an "Improved Cylinder 26" barrel" Thanks.
 

Attachments

  • muzzle-1.JPG
    muzzle-1.JPG
    96.6 KB · Views: 125
They had a truely funky interchangeable choke system. They are also serious recoilers for some reason.
 
You have what appears to be a knock-off of a Cutts Compensator. The object of the device was to combine a recoil reducer with the ability to change chokes. I suspect the base portion is soldered to your barrel.
cutts-1.jpg
 
To TOMWALSHCO
I have the same gun & choke. Its a factory job & brazed on. Its also the finest recoil reducer, shot pattern spread reducer and choke system ever made for a shotgun IMHO. Use it without the screw-in choke and you have essentially a cylinder bore gun and no recoil reducing and no spread reducing. Consider yourself lucky to have that model.
 
I have a J.C. Higgins Model 20 with adjustable choke that is much like the early Mossberg adjustable choke system as all you do is turn the end of the muzzle to change your choke.

I've shot mine and it's not bad, to me, on recoil.

I haven't had a chance to pattern the gun but will do so when I get the time. They are slick shuckers and are built very well.
 
I bought my ex a J.C. Higgins 20 gauge like yours from Sears about 1960. It was signed by Ted Williams. As others have said, that is an adjustable choke & the base can not be removed. Her's was a good shooter.
 
I have one in 12 gauge. The only part you can unscrew is the knurled choke at the very end. I have three different chokes for mine. The only drawback to the system is for the guy hunting next to you. My shotgun makes circular rings of fire around the muzzle...:D

My hunting buddy says it looks like old newsreel footage of battle ships firing their guns when I shoot from the boat...:D
 
Just make sure it's not one of these:
I had one of the recall guns. They now give you a $40 gift card for Sears, not the $160, but, the main thing is just be sure it's not one with the bad bolt system that can fly back and hit you in the face.
The choke and compensator were really great. Sad the bolt system didn't hold up.
Yours is a model 20, not a 10, so it should not be a problem.?

News Release

CONTACT: Sears Public Relations And Communications
(847) 286-8371
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sears Issues Voluntary Recall on J.C. Higgins Shotgun
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Sears, Roebuck and Co.
(NYSE: S) today announced a voluntary recall of J.C. Higgins Bolt Action
12-Gauge shotguns, a product manufactured for and sold by the company during
the 1950s.
The shotguns are being voluntary recalled due to a potential problem with
the bolt latch assembly, which could cause the assembly to fail allowing it to
dislodge and strike the operator in the face. Sears is offering a $160
finders' fee for the return of the bolt, making the shotgun inoperable.
The shotguns were sold in Sears stores and through its catalog as the
"J.C. Higgins Bolt Action 12-Gauge Model 10 Shotgun" during the 1950s. It was
carried under a number of product numbers: 583.13, 583.14, 583.15, 583.16,
583.17, 583.18, 583.19, 583.20, 583.21 and 583.22. The product model number
is engraved on the barrel of the shotgun.
Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the shotgun. Call
800-817-9165 for identification verification and instructions on return
procedures.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. discontinued the sale of all firearms and
ammunition in the early 1980s. Through its network of more than 830 full-line
stores and 2,500 off-the-mall stores, Sears is a leading retailer of apparel,
home and automotive products and services, serving more than 50 million
households.

SOURCE Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Web site: http://www.sears.com
CONTACT: Peggy Palter of Sears, 847-286-8309
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top