J C Higgins 66

[offthepaper]

I was at a GS today and saw a JC Higgins model 66 in 12ga. It was in decent shape with enough nicks and dings to know somebody had made considerable use of this gun.
The asking price was $190.
I 've been wanting to get a semi SG so that I might try shooting trap. I currently dont own any SG's, a fair amount of rifles and pistols, but no SG's. I ended up not getting it and have been second guessing myself since I got home.

So
What do you guys think of:
1- the price?
2- is this suitable for a cheap entry trap gun?
3- the gun itself. Does anybody have any experience with this model? Are there any known defects/problems?

Like I said, I'm looking for a cheap entry level Trap gun to see if it's something I'm going to continue. I'm looking used since I only have $300 to spend, So this is a cost -driven choice. Any other suggestions?

 

[offthepaper]

What?
No love for the JC 66?

 

[ZZZ]

I have a J.C. model 20 from the 50's that's a real nice pump gun. J.C. Higgins was a Sears brand name, and were made by someone else. Can't speak to the 66, but I like my 20. It's a good field gun. That 66 was probably made by High Standard and I'm guessing $190 is a little on the high side though.

 

[rcmodel]

The J.C.Higgins model 66 #583.605 is a High Standard model C1200.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/90449307.../HIGH_STANDARD_MODEL_66_SEARS_ROEBUCK_12G.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/97980729...s/High_Standard_12_gauge_Auto_Model_C1200.htm

They can be great guns.
They can also be a huge PITA if they aren't.
High Standard has been out of business for years and Sears stopped selling guns after the 1968 GCA was passed.
So parts & service can be hard to come by if you need it.

I think for $190 I would keep looking.
You should be able to stumble on a used Remington 870 Wingmaster for that.
And with your $300 budget, there are a lot of nice used shotguns out there that are still being made.

You can even get a brand new Mossberg 500 pump for that.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/336/products_id/46019

Or a Remington 870 pump for just a little more.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/64_991/products_id/95568

Trap shooters often prefer a pump or double so they aren't throwing empty hulls at the guy on the line next to them.
And the gun can be easily shown "cleared" while waiting for the others to shoot.

rc

 

[El Mariachi]

1). I love department store guns.

2). I think $190.00 is just a bit too high.

3). During your search, don't forget about the other 'store brand guns' from Western Auto, JC Penny, Montgomery Ward, Woolworths et al.

4). Read these.....


http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-10877.html

http://www.northwestfirearms.com/general-firearm-discussion/13884-department-store-guns.html

 

[offthepaper]

Thanks Guys.
Sounds as thoughI did'nt exactly let the "Golden Goose" get away.
Guess I'll just keep looking for a cheap, used, entry semi trap gun.

 

[shamelessinct]

JC Higgins 66

I have a JC Higgins 66. As stated above, it's a High Standard sold by Sears prior to 1968. The biggest problem with them is the action bar on the right side of the receiver sometimes binds and breaks. You can get a new one from Numrich, but it requires disassembling the whole gun to install a new one. I am fortunate to have a good friend who is a gunsmith, so when mine broke it wasn't a major issue getting it repaired. It's set up as a turkey gun with screw in choke tubes and a red dot sight, so it doesn't get shot much. And $190.00 is no great deal.