JC Higgans Question

dav1965

I just bought a 16 gauge jc higgins model 583.8 The gun is in great shape. It shoots 2 3/4 in shells the barrell is proof tested. 1st question is this gun ok to shoot? 2nd question The gun has no serial number any ideas when it was made. Also who made the gun for sears? Thanks David

Bert H.

Concerning your 1st question, only a qualified gunsmith can answer that for you... we here in cyberland can not see & evaluate your gun.

Question No. 2 is easier to answer... it was manufactured pre-1968 (before the GCA of 1968).

Question No. 3 will require some research on my part... there were at least a dozen or more firearms manufacturers who made guns for Sears.

Bert H.

Are you sure that it is "583.8"? The only listing I can find is "583.3" (a deeply stamped "3" oftens looks like an "8").

Is your shotgun a bolt-action? If so, it is most likely a Sears Model 583.3 made by H&R (Harrington & Richardson) Model 121

dav1965

Hello Bert the gun is safe to shoot i was just wondering about using modern ammo. I would only use number 8 shot. Just something to play with my kids with. I am absolutly sure of the model number 583.8 it is clear as day. I have the Blue Book of Gun Values but i could not find it in there. I am certain the serial number is right. It is bolt action. Thanks for your help. David

Bert H.

Modern 16 gauge ammo should be fine as long as the gun is in safe shooting condition. That said, you should not shoot steel-shot loaded shells in it.

Being that it is a bolt-action, I am relatively sure that it was made by H&R, and that it is essentially identical to their Model 121.

dav1965

Thanks Bert

Bert H.

quote:Originally posted by dav1965
Thanks Bert


You are quite welcome[:)]

JohnStimson

The Model 10 583.8 was manufactured by High Standard for Sears.

http://www.histandard.info/manuals/sears/bashotguns/0427D150R.pdf

http://www.histandard.info/models/private/Sears/SearsBolt.html

Bert H.

quote:Originally posted by JohnStimson
The Model 10 583.8 was manufactured by High Standard for Sears.

http://www.histandard.info/manuals/sears/bashotguns/0427D150R.pdf

http://www.histandard.info/models/private/Sears/SearsBolt.html


Hello John,

Thanks a bunch for the correction[:)]

CapnMidnight

I won one of those off a punch board in a tavern about a year after I got home from Viet Nam. Cut the barrel off and carried it in my log truck for shooting grouse, worked great. What else are you going to do with a 16ga bolt action shotgun?
W.D.