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J.C. Higgins 583.17 Bolt
Gunswapper
Member Posts: 1,008 ✭✭✭
I need a complete bolt assembly for a 12 gauge J.C. Higgins bolt action shotgun model 583.17. Any help will be appreciated.
Comments
I have two bolt action shotguns including one from Sears and it works fine - I believe that the recall serial number range notice is still floating around online...
Mike
Unsafe to shoot unless it was the newer model after 1949/1950. Very few newer models were made, Replaced by a different gun.
Don't shoot it.
https://www.gunvaluesboard.com/value-of-j.c-higgins-12-gauge-mod.-583.17a-shotgun-13637946.html
Because over 12,000 bolts were sent in, Sears changed in 2008 to a $50.00 gift card.
Screw on side would snap off. Firing pin retaining pin would break, Both would allow bolt to come back in the shooters face. Side of the receiver where the bolt was would shear off.
We sent in over 50 bolts for the $160.00, we cut down the barrels and made wind chimes . We did not sell parts due to liability reasons.
We often get folks calling wanting a bolt for a Shotgun they bought cheap......
Sears Issues Voluntary Recall on J.C. Higgins Shotgun
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Sears, Roebuck and Co.
(NYSE: S) today announced a voluntary recall of J.C. Higgins Bolt Action
12-Gauge shotguns, a product manufactured for and sold by the company during
the 1950s.
The shotguns are being voluntary recalled due to a potential problem with
the bolt latch assembly, which could cause the assembly to fail allowing it to
dislodge and strike the operator in the face. Sears is offering a $160
finders' fee for the return of the bolt, making the shotgun inoperable.
The shotguns were sold in Sears stores and through its catalog as the
"J.C. Higgins Bolt Action 12-Gauge Model 10 Shotgun" during the 1950s. It was
carried under a number of product numbers: 583.13, 583.14, 583.15, 583.16,
583.17, 583.18, 583.19, 583.20, 583.21 and 583.22. The product model number
is engraved on the barrel of the shotgun.
Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the shotgun. Call
800-817-9165 for identification verification and instructions on return
procedures.
Put the bolt in and then hang the gun on the wall.
The receiver did not get any stronger these last 70 years.
IT IS UNSAFE TO SHOOT.
The Sears J. C. Higgins Model 10 did not have serial numbers unless they were exported.
The guns being recalled were actually the second generation bolt actions referred to internally at High Standard as the BA2. The earlier BA1, models 583.1 through 583.12, were OK. The BA2 appeared about 1948 and the recalled versions continued until the 583.23 which appeared in 1954. This last design of the BA2 was not recalled. and was produced until it was replaced by the Model 11 which had a forged receiver. The Model 11 appeared in 1957.
Sears actually made a BA2 583.17 12 Gauge and a BA2C 583.17A. The former was available with either a modified choke or a full choke. The latter had an adjustable choke. The 583.17A was not included in the Sears recall list and should have been.
The Model 10's were actually produced in fairly large numbers since it was the cheapest way to get a repeating shotgun.
The failure was the receiver crack. A secondary failure when the bolt started back was the bolt retaining screw being sheared off.
Sears clearly did not know just what to recall because they specified the guns to be 12 gauge and then included the model identification numbers for not only the 12 Gauge gun but the 16 gauge and 20 gauge as well. However they failed to include the 583.17A which is a 12 Gauge. High Standard closed several years before the recall. The failures were well known to Sears and High Standard well before High Standard closed as there were suits over the injuries form the failures.
I have posted pictures of a fractured receiver on my website and I have copies of many documents related to the failure. With the bolt handle support part of the receiver sheared off the bolt does come back and shears off the bolt retaining screw on its way to the shooter. The injury was real and sometimes significant and yes there were suits.
Not my opinion. Historical facts.