value/history

Nitesky59

October 03, 2002 05:24

After I became interested in hunting last year my grandfather gave me an old shotgun he has had for a long time. It is a J.C. Higgins 12 Gauge pump action shotgun, in almost mint condition. He bought it new a long time ago, he couldn't remember the year exactly, but its at least 30 years old. It has had less than about 15 rounds put through it, and I have the orignal cardboard box that it was sold in with the J.C. Higgins logo. We tried to find a serial number, but there is not one on the weapon anywwhere. I originally intended to use it in my new hunting endeavors, but upon the advice of my friend, I may save it as a part of my heritage. I was curious if anyone could give me a rough ballpark estimate of the value or somewhere I could find the history of that line of guns. I don't believe that Sears produces J.C. Higgins weapons anymore, but I'm not sure. I'm still relatively new to the firearms world and would appreciate some input from those of you with a wealth of knowledge.

Benjamin D. Johnston

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  queeksdraw

  October 03, 2002 06:02

  Hello Benjamin: First of all Sears doesn't produce anything. They have contractors make goods and put Sears house brand names on them. Craftsman,J.C.Higgens,and so on. As for your gun Sears contracts with many fine gun companys High Standard,Savage,Marlin,even Sako and Browning. If you know the Model # or some other info about your gun someone may be able to help more than this. But I belive your gun is a gun that should be used for it's intended purpose hunting, you will not decrease it's value.I,m just guessing but I would say it is worth between 150.00 and 300.00. I'm sure you will get many more opinons than mine.But shoot it and enjoy it,rember where it came from every time you take a bird or rabbit or a clay pidgeon. Just my opinon.

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  He Dog

  October 03, 2002 08:40

  Queeksdraw is pretty much on target. The Sears, J.C. Higgins, Ted Williams models sold by Sears are often fine guns, but have not attracted collector interest and are sold for shooter value only. Your granddads shotgun is a thing to treasure and use. It will not have collector value so you can add to its legend by using it and passing on the memories and stories that go with it.
  
  I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it.
  -- Thomas Jefferson

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  gunut 1

  October 03, 2002 13:02

  I think the fact that you can not find a serial number on your shotgun means it was manufactured before the 1968 firearms act. Take care of that piece of family heritage......

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