Who made this Jc higgins 270

pabooger

I have a J.C. Higgins Model 50 270, with a Belgium Mauser style action. Can anybody tell me who madew this gun? Thanks

He Dog

Neither the cross over list in the Blue Book, nor the Numrich cross over list shows a J. C. Higgins model 50. They may be incomplete, or if it is built on the Mauser action (this is a guess from here on) it may have been an import. Herter's sold rifles built on rebuilt military Mauser actions from both Britain and Yugoslavia. Interesting question.

pabooger

I double checked the model number it is a model 50, there are some markings on the action but their greek to me. The butt plate on the stock also says J.C. Higgins. This was my fathers gun, I would guess it was bought back in the 40's. He was always buying stuff from Herters I do know that. To this day this is still an extremly accurate rifle I would love to know who made it.

He Dog

J.C. Higgins was one of the names on products sold by Sears. Thus it did not come from Herter's, which sold firearms mostly manufactured in Europe under the Herter's name. Sears also sold under the Sears and Ranger names. All or almost all of the firearms were actually built for Sears by other manufacturers, such as Stevens, Winchester, High Standard etc. and are the same or almost the same as firearms models produced under the manufacturers names. Despite the fact that they are often very good, there has been little collector interest in the models sold under store names and their value is primarily as shooters. Frequently from under $100 to maybe $200. Sorry I could not find your particular model listed.

nononsense

The model 50 J.C. Higgins was indeed made in Belgium by FN. The early receivers had the thumb cut while the later ones had a solid left side. All were marked "Fabrique de Nationale" or "Made by FN" in Belgium. The proof marks were also from FN.

pabooger

Thanks for the info, what do you mean by the thumb cut? You have solved a mystery for me I have tried for a long time to determine the maker of this gun. My father has killed many Penna bucks with this gun, including a 24 inch spread eight point. It's sentimental value is the most important to me. He is now deceased and his grandson bagged a doe with the gun this year, and I hope many more to come in the future.

Tailgunner1954

The thumb cut is a half round cut in the left receiver rail to provide someplace for for your thumb to go when loading from charger (stripper) clips.