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J.C. Higgins 12 gauge

shoeyshoey Member Posts: 162 ✭✭✭
edited April 2004 in Ask the Experts
I was thinking today, and my grandpas old shotgun came to mind. It was also the first shotgun I got to use, so it has sentimental value. Anyway, its an old bolt action J.C. Higgins in 12 gauge with a tube magazine. I'm not positive of the model or year. Was thinking of fixing the magazine (its broke) and refinishing the gun. Is it worth anything? I dont plan on selling it, its more of a curiosity thing. And is that enough info to give me an exact model? I think its a 583 variant, but I cant be sure. Thanks for any help!

shoey
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Comments

  • DIRTYRATDIRTYRAT Member Posts: 2,167 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you had a model no. I could look it up for you, My book is sittin here open!...Sorry!

    Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life...
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  • DIRTYRATDIRTYRAT Member Posts: 2,167 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If it has sentimental value to you, then fix it up, use it and cherish it![:)] Price is not important![;)]

    Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life...
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  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,083 ******
    edited November -1
    Don't shoot it, even if you fix it.

    It is worth precisely $160. That is, the bolt is worth that much. You get to keep the rest and any remaining sentimental value.

    Sears has a recall on these guns. See below:

    HIGH STANDARD/J.C. HIGGINS, MODEL 10, 12 GAUGE BOLT ACTION SHOTGUN
    AND SEARS MODEL NUMBERS: 583.13, 583.14, 583.15, 583.16, 583.17, 583.18, 583.19, 583.20, 583.21 AND 583.22

    The model of shotgun may be subject to a BOLT FAILURE. When this occurs the bolt will dislodge from the action, striking the shooter causing serious injury.

    These shotguns were manufactured for and sold by Sears, Roebuck & Co. during the 1950's.

    Call (800) 817-9165 for identification verification. Instructions for the return of the bolt and refund of $160.00 will be provided.

    Source: American Rifleman, April 1998; page 24


    SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com the best gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net
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  • shoeyshoey Member Posts: 162 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I was browsing the internet and found a picture for comparison...its a model 583, but from what I've seen in some places, there are a few different 583's, and I'm not sure which it is...

    shoey
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  • DIRTYRATDIRTYRAT Member Posts: 2,167 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Okay, So I didnt know about the "Re-Call"...Sorry![B)]

    Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life...
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  • shoeyshoey Member Posts: 162 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    will they replace the bolt or just refund me? I shot the gun for about 3 years, ran lots and lots of shells through it, never had a problem, other than the mag breaking, which will be easy enough to fix.....I know price isnt an issue, I'm just curious [:)] thanks for the responses....

    shoey
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  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,083 ******
    edited November -1
    You get a free postage-paid mailer.

    You send in your bolt.

    They send you a check.

    You don't get another bolt. Sears wants the guns out of service, and this is the most cost-efficient way to do it.

    SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com the best gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net
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  • shoeyshoey Member Posts: 162 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    thats kinda depressing....I'll think about it...but I really dont want her out of service...almost seems insulting to fix it up nice and then take it out of service...like restoring a car and not driving it....kinda useless in my book...I dunno...but thanks for the heads up!

    shoey
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  • competentonecompetentone Member Posts: 4,696 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by shoey
    ...almost seems insulting to fix it up nice and then take it out of service...like restoring a car and not driving it...


    I wouldn't hesitate to shoot one.

    My understanding of the situation: The safety issue is not with the "firing" of the gun--the "bolt failure" occurs when the action is cycled. The "Model 10" has a bolt which is retained, when being cycled, by only one small screw in the receiver. Some of the guns left the factory with screws that were brittle; if/when they break the bolt slides out of the receiver. If someone is cycling the action with the gun shouldered and sighting down the barrel, they get an eye full of bolt if the screw fails.

    Somebody sued; Sears considered their options. They thought the "bolt recall" would be their cheapest option to deal with problem--and it probably was, although it's costing them a lot more than they had originally expected.
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  • shoeyshoey Member Posts: 162 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I was thinking the same thing, I knew the bolt was retained as you said....however, my train of thought was someone probably got their hands on one that had been stored for 30-40 years in less than favorable conditions, then took it out, didnt check it over or anything, and went to shoot it, and something happened...its nice to have the heads up, but I think I'm gonna do my best to refinish the old girl and take her to the trap range to see the looks on everyones faces, with their uber expensive trap guns...I like that kind of stuff!

    shoey
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  • kriskris Member Posts: 973 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    got my 160 bucks...now i have the stock and barrel and a flood of memories to go with it

    it is good that we meet in the struggle of life or death.. .....it shall be life!
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  • Horse Plains DrifterHorse Plains Drifter Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 40,166 ***** Forums Admin
    edited November -1
    Nunn, I have a 16 guage one of those. Is that recalled also or just the guns in 12 guage?

    Aberdeen.gif
    81st FA BN WWII...Thanks Dad
    U!S!A! ALL THE WAY!!
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  • shoeyshoey Member Posts: 162 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    yeah, but the whole fun in owning a gun is being able to shoot it...looking at guns is only fun for a little while...I dont like wallflowers, and I know the gun is a good shooter....anyways, thanks again everyone...

    shoey
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  • competentonecompetentone Member Posts: 4,696 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by MT357
    I have a 16 guage one of those. Is that recalled also or just the guns in 12 guage?


    Call the Sears 800 number and ask--when I checked with them (a couple of years ago) only the 12 guage was involved in the "recall."
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