J.C.Higgins Double Barrel

tocamoha

Does anyone know who made the J.C. Higgins model 1017 for Sears-Roebuck&Co.?

rufe-snow

Couldn't find it on the crossover list. But GOOGLEing, (JC Higgins 1017), turns up other ones that have been identified on different gun forums, as being Stevens 311's.

Ned Fall

I think perhaps you made a slight mistake in reading the model number. actually a catalog number. The number on J.C. Higgins and Sears Roebuck is written as a three digit number, then a period or decimal point and then some more numbers. The number is a code for who made the gun, type, gauge, and any whistles and bells. The number should read 101.7 and that crosses to a Stevens Model 311. The Stevens Model 311 was made from 1928 to 1985 depending on which model it is, either old or new. The gun is a "Store Brand Name" shotgun which is a shotgun made by a major maker (after 1945) for and sold by a whole sporting goods dealer or a retail chain store (Sears). The Model 311 is described as a 12,16.20 gauge or .410 bore (a caliber, not a gauge) with 3 inch chambers ( I think this is not true for your gun) double trigger,extractors and vent rib. The values given in the Blue Book are:
100%-$275, 98%-$235, 95%-$200, 90%-$175, 80%-$160, 70%-$145 and 60%-$130. Add 30 % for .410 bore, add 20% for 16 and 220 gauges, add 200% for early models in .410 bore with walnut stocks and case colors. Now these are values for a gun with the Stevens name and Model number on It A gun with the J.C. Higgins name is like I said a "Store Brand Name" gun and its value will be about 15 percent less than these values. The percentage figures are for remaining original finish on the metal and wood while the dollar figures are average retail values. It is assumed that the gun is in a complete condition and safe to shoot. Commercial dealers will give only 40 to 60 percent of these values if they buy the gun.