Whats wrong with my 12ga autoloader?

S

sorny

Inactive
I bought a Sears Model 66 12 gauge autoloader from a guy for $75. Cleaned it up real good and it only holds 4 shells, but at least once out of the 4 shells it jams. Looks like when the the shell should be "popped" up into the chamber and its released from the magazine it's not pointed upwards towards the barrel at the end and gets stuck. Sometimes it when it does go in it doesn't get kicked out and the next shell gets jammed while trying to go into the chamber and its a mess.

What should I start looking for first?
 
What should I start looking for first?
Click to expand...

A more reliable shotgun.

Seriously, I'm not sure what your intentions are with it whether it be for home defense, recreational shooting or hunting, go out and get yourself a Winchester 1300, or a Remington 1100. For the money, you will have a super reliable firearm that will deliver when you NEED it and it will last you a long time when properly cared for.
 
I bought a Mossy 500 new at Wal*Mart a couple of years ago for home defense/clay shooting and just bought this because a guy wanted to borrow $75 but finally agreed to sell me the gun. I knew I'd never get the $75 back so I figured I might as well get a gun out of it. If I can get it halfway reliable I might sell it or trade it. But in the shape its in now, its junk. I was hoping for a simple fix.
 
I'd say it's well worth repairing. Have a gunsmith evaluate it and you may be pleasantly surprised. I was. :)
That JC Higgins could be a Winchester, Hi-Standard or Mossburg. Probably a Hi-Standard because they made a lot of them for JC Higgins.
 
I have a JC Higgins 12 ga pump that my dad bought from Sears Roebuck in 1955. It's done a fine job, but two years ago it had extractor problems & I had a 'smith check it out and repair it. That's how we found that it was made by Hi-Standard.
 
shotgun

Not familiar with the 66 in particular, however same principle applies.

The shell latches control magazine feeding etc. I think on Winchesters they are attached to the trigger assembly; they just might be loose as they attach with screws...if not on the trigger assembly then on each side of the receiver and may need to be secured

Next, extractor and ejector..

Good luck
 
The first thing I would do is serious field strip and cleaning. I have seen a lot of older inexpensive long guns that "stopped working right" years ago and have since sat in a closet that only needed some minor disassembly and serious cleaning. Parts that were slightly rusted and stuck in position were often the cause of the problem. Be sure to remove the springs and check their bores. Often, gunk builds up in the holes and then gets solid with age. That can make that spring loose it's spring!
It sounds like you may have an extraction problem too. Check the chamber for surface rust/gunk and make sure the extractor is free and under good spring tension.
Keep yer powder dry, Mac.
Tuff-Gun Finishes. The Name Says It All.
Mac's Shootin' Irons
http://www.shootiniron.com
 
strip it, clean it, look for worn parts, replace what looks worn or sloppy and you've got a great gun. what shells are you using, try a different brand and see what happends.
 
JC Higgins Model 66

This autoloader was manufactured by the High Standard Corporation.
It was a late 50's early 60's manufacture. At the time it was the the fastest autoloader made. Purported to be able to empty gun, before shells hit the ground.I have found this to be true.

I have several,modidied for various purposes, two I have owned since new. They are super dependable. I have experienced jamming on occasion after hard use. (a day shooting clays). A simple disassembly and cleaning always clears up the problem.

They are very inexpensive and lend themselves to modifications to specific uses. i.e. barrel modification for home defense and thick cover hunting and waterfowling. I find it perfect for upland game(rabbit, quail, pheasant)
Gun is well built, may be a bit heavy for youngsters or smaller hunters.
The gun handles and points easily and the bead sight on poly choke instantly draws the eye to cover target.
I find the adjustable choke well ahead of its time and quite effective.

As an avid firearm collector and hunter, believe it or not I choose it as my main field gun over my Brownings, Remingtons, Winchesters and even Beretta.
 
hey this seems to be off topic, but auburn you seem to be THE goto guy on here, and i was wondering if the jc higgins model 120 worked on the same principal as the win 120, just with the jc name. I think its the case but am not positive, and i saw one on gunbroker that was in ok condition at a very fair price.
 
JC Higgins model120

The JC Higgins 120 was not made by Histandandard.
The Highstandard pump K-120 Deluxe was rebranded as JC Higgings model 20.
The high standards had screw in barrels.

The JC Higgins 120 exploded assembly is for a Winchester Ranger 120 and indeed the barrels are interchangable with Winchester models 1200 & 1300.

The barrel alone on the JC HIggins 120 are usually worth the price you pay for the complete gun. As 1200 & 1300 barrels are fetching a premium especially short ones.

The gun if under $200 is a buy,in itself it should prove to be a good field gun if in good condition. the added benefit of cross barrel exchange with Winchesters adds value. I own both 1200's and 1300's and am constantly on the search for barrels. The Higgins are fine guns, They are known for superb reliability. Most anyone who ever had one and used it either never sells it or regrets the day he did. Solidly built inexpensive field guns, built when economy, utility were valued, and the thrill was the hunt and day spent outdors with family and friends making unforgettable memories.
 
well i just remembered i have a old win model 120 youth ducks unlimited, limited edition 20 guage in my closet that needs a new ejector assembly. Got it for free some time back just havent brought myself to buying the ejector assembly, and im not youth sized anymore, could i take the ejector assembly out of a jc higgins 120, or 20? or are these assemblies prone to breakage and not worth the hassle?
 
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