Part of Americana?

Mike B · 04-08-2010, 05:06 PM

OK guys,
Tell me if I am going off the deep end. I came across a J.C. Higgins 16 gauge bolt action with a poly choke in 98% condition. It is offered for a whopping price of $150.00. If you grew up in the '50's and '60's like I did, J.C. Higgins, Ted Williams, Firestone stores, etc. were all part of going huntin' and fishin' with dad. I just had to have it, and unlike in times past, I called out a series of numbers on a piece of plastic and suddently it became mine. Will I ever shoot it? You bet, next dove season, and I guarantee every one of my hunting buddies will ask me where in the @#$%^&$$#@# did I get that?

FNorm · 04-08-2010, 05:27 PM

YUP! I remember those and Firestone Stores...

sheepherder · 04-08-2010, 06:00 PM

I still have my J. C. Higgins single-shot .22 in my safe...Bought new at Sears back in '63, IIRC...Birthday gift, I'm pretty sure...

I should fire it, and blow out all those spiders...

Ice · 04-08-2010, 06:26 PM

That brings back memories. A buddy had one and thought he was somethin else cuz all I had was a single shot. He probably was. I envied him. Glad ya got a nice one.

Charlie

tudorbug · 04-09-2010, 07:57 AM

I still have my 1957 birthday present JC Higgins 12 gauge pump with variable compensator.

David

Dwight Gruber · 04-11-2010, 03:42 AM

Good luck finding 16ga. shells...

--Dwight

c3006 · 04-11-2010, 08:40 AM

It was about the price of a decent luger mag.

sheepherder · 04-11-2010, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwight Gruber

Good luck finding 16ga. shells...

--Dwight

...???...Really??? Just in Oregon, or anywhere??? I haven't paid much attention...

It seems like the 20ga has undergone a revival with more women shooting these days...

My local gunshop has boxes of 16ga (not sure if shot or slug) for sale...

I bought a 12ga Ithaca mod 37 from this shop two years ago; would rather have had a 16 but none in stock at the time...My parents bought me a used 37 in 16ga when I was 16; it was stolen while I was overseas back in '69...I'd like to get another...

Mike B · 04-11-2010, 09:11 PM

16 gauge shells are not hard to find in Louisiana. Cabelas for one, has an ample assortment of loads and shot sizes.

Mike

tudorbug · 04-12-2010, 07:57 AM

I have my father's 16 ga Ithaca Model 37. A nice shotgun.

David

Ron Smith · 04-12-2010, 09:57 AM

The 16 ga. is very popular in the South East. Here in the North West, it's hard to give one away. 16 ga. ammo is a bit more available than it used to be, but still hard to find in any appreciable selection. You rarely see a 16 ga. gun in the shops because they just don't sell. Everyone wants a 12 ga. for Ducks and Geese, or a 20 ga. for Upland Game Bird hunting.

I bought a beautiful old Pre-War German 16 ga. SxS "Driven Game" gun several years ago. I finally sold it to a non-shooting collector because I couldn't find ammunition.

There used to be a guy who would fly up from Louisiana or Alabama(?) and make the rounds of the gun shops about every 6 months. He would buy any and all Model 37 Winchester single shots he could find, especially 16 ga. He would pay $75 -$150 depending on condition, and ship them back home. He said that he could double his money + on them where he was from.

Here's a photo of the first shot gun that I fired. A Marlin "Goose" gun. I was 12 years old and shot a big Bull Frog at about 20' away. All that was left was the legs. I felt, and still do feel bad about that for some reason.

Ron

Mike B · 04-12-2010, 12:32 PM

One more bit of trivia about a 16 gauge shotgun. Ever notice which Browning A-5 brings the most money? By far it is sweet-16. Not long ago, a 95% Belgium sweet-16 could be had for just north of $800. Now, most gun sites are asking $1600 or more for a nice one with a rib.

Mike

John Sabato · 04-12-2010, 03:01 PM

I can remember when the local "Western Auto" store had a large gun department. I bought several guns there over the years until they went out of business.

sheepherder · 04-12-2010, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Sabato

I can remember when the local "Western Auto" store had a large gun department. I bought several guns there over the years until they went out of business.

Around here, it was a "Jenss" department store basement, back in the 50's...My dad and I were waiting for mom to finish shopping; there was a big barrel full of greasy old Enfield SMLE's, for $12ea ...My dad bought one, we stripped it & cleaned it, and eventually shot it...Heavy old rifle...

Mike B · 04-24-2010, 10:29 AM

Dwight has been steering me in the right direction since I joined the forum several years ago. So I am certainly not going to ignore his advice now. He said 16 gauge shells are hard to find, so a jumped at this opportunity.

http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...dcdb6381e0a06f
Mike

Edward Tinker · 04-24-2010, 10:47 AM

In the same vein, this last year, I have bought a Steven's 22 LR semi auto rifle and then just last week bought a Savage 22 LR pump; ya just can't help it...

ed

Dwight Gruber · 04-24-2010, 11:22 AM

Mike,

Truly an excellent score, congratulations.

A little bit more on 16ga.--The last time I wanted ammo I ended up having to scrounge through the Portland gun show for it. The big ammunition dealers didn't carry it at all, I ended up finding the odd box (or part-box) at individual tables.

Also, a shooting tip for 16ga. (and probably other sizes, as well)--my old Winchester Model 12 was made in the day of roll-crimped, paper cartridges. When fired, these shells are uncrimp to only a fraction of an inch longer than unfired. Modern plastic cartridges, with star crimp, end up considerable longer when fired. The Mdl. 12 ejection port is not long enough for the star crimps, and they inevitably hang up in the port during ejection.

--Dwight

sheepherder · 04-24-2010, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwight Gruber

Also, a shooting tip for 16ga. (and probably other sizes, as well)--my old Winchester Model 12 was made in the day of roll-crimped, paper cartridges. When fired, these shells are uncrimp to only a fraction of an inch longer than unfired. Modern plastic cartridges, with star crimp, end up considerable longer when fired. The Mdl. 12 ejection port is not long enough for the star crimps, and they inevitably hang up in the port during ejection.

So...Round file??? Dremel tool??? Hammer & chisel???

OK, enough humor...

What's your workaround for the ejection problem??? My Ithaca was made in 1949; but with bottom-ejection, and no port, I don't anticipate any problems...

Dwight Gruber · 04-24-2010, 09:20 PM

I stopped hunting long ago, so at the occasional gravel-pit clay pigeon shoot it is simply an annoyance I live with. Actually, I prefer shooting handguns anyway.

--Dwight

Mike B · 04-24-2010, 10:48 PM

According to a article by Winchester as well as knowledge of my gunsmith, the 2 9/16 inch chamber was used in the Winchester model 12 16 gauge shotgun until the early 1920's. I think it is fair to assume that these shotgun shells where intended to be used in trench battle during World War I.

Mike

04-08-2010, 05:06 PM	#1
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 272 Times in 100 Posts	Part of Americana? OK guys, Tell me if I am going off the deep end. I came across a J.C. Higgins 16 gauge bolt action with a poly choke in 98% condition. It is offered for a whopping price of $150.00. If you grew up in the '50's and '60's like I did, J.C. Higgins, Ted Williams, Firestone stores, etc. were all part of going huntin' and fishin' with dad. I just had to have it, and unlike in times past, I called out a series of numbers on a piece of plastic and suddently it became mine. Will I ever shoot it? You bet, next dove season, and I guarantee every one of my hunting buddies will ask me where in the @#$%^&$$#@# did I get that? Attached Thumbnails

04-11-2010, 08:40 AM	#7
c3006 User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: east tn Posts: 526 Thanks: 5 Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts	It was about the price of a decent luger mag. __________________ Men Accustomed unto thier arms and their liberties will never endure the yoke. James Harrington 1776

04-12-2010, 09:57 AM	#11
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	The 16 ga. is very popular in the South East. Here in the North West, it's hard to give one away. 16 ga. ammo is a bit more available than it used to be, but still hard to find in any appreciable selection. You rarely see a 16 ga. gun in the shops because they just don't sell. Everyone wants a 12 ga. for Ducks and Geese, or a 20 ga. for Upland Game Bird hunting. I bought a beautiful old Pre-War German 16 ga. SxS "Driven Game" gun several years ago. I finally sold it to a non-shooting collector because I couldn't find ammunition. There used to be a guy who would fly up from Louisiana or Alabama(?) and make the rounds of the gun shops about every 6 months. He would buy any and all Model 37 Winchester single shots he could find, especially 16 ga. He would pay $75 -$150 depending on condition, and ship them back home. He said that he could double his money + on them where he was from. Here's a photo of the first shot gun that I fired. A Marlin "Goose" gun. I was 12 years old and shot a big Bull Frog at about 20' away. All that was left was the legs. I felt, and still do feel bad about that for some reason. Ron Attached Thumbnails __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

04-12-2010, 03:01 PM	#13
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,155 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,308 Times in 1,098 Posts	I can remember when the local "Western Auto" store had a large gun department. I bought several guns there over the years until they went out of business. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

04-24-2010, 10:47 AM	#16
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,962 Thanks: 2,062 Thanked 4,592 Times in 2,114 Posts	In the same vein, this last year, I have bought a Steven's 22 LR semi auto rifle and then just last week bought a Savage 22 LR pump; ya just can't help it... ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

04-08-2010, 05:27 PM	#2
FNorm Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 978 Thanks: 68 Thanked 127 Times in 108 Posts	YUP! I remember those and Firestone Stores...

04-08-2010, 06:00 PM	#3
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,195 Thanks: 1,413 Thanked 4,462 Times in 2,336 Posts	I still have my J. C. Higgins single-shot .22 in my safe...Bought new at Sears back in '63, IIRC...Birthday gift, I'm pretty sure... I should fire it, and blow out all those spiders...

04-08-2010, 06:26 PM	#4
Ice User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 552 Thanks: 13 Thanked 69 Times in 57 Posts	That brings back memories. A buddy had one and thought he was somethin else cuz all I had was a single shot. He probably was. I envied him. Glad ya got a nice one. Charlie

04-09-2010, 07:57 AM	#5
tudorbug Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 387 Thanks: 0 Thanked 40 Times in 29 Posts	I still have my 1957 birthday present JC Higgins 12 gauge pump with variable compensator. David

04-11-2010, 03:42 AM	#6
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	Good luck finding 16ga. shells... --Dwight

04-11-2010, 09:11 PM	#9
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 272 Times in 100 Posts	16 gauge shells are not hard to find in Louisiana. Cabelas for one, has an ample assortment of loads and shot sizes. Mike

04-12-2010, 07:57 AM	#10
tudorbug Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 387 Thanks: 0 Thanked 40 Times in 29 Posts	I have my father's 16 ga Ithaca Model 37. A nice shotgun. David

04-12-2010, 12:32 PM	#12
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 272 Times in 100 Posts	One more bit of trivia about a 16 gauge shotgun. Ever notice which Browning A-5 brings the most money? By far it is sweet-16. Not long ago, a 95% Belgium sweet-16 could be had for just north of $800. Now, most gun sites are asking $1600 or more for a nice one with a rib. Mike

04-24-2010, 10:29 AM	#15
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 272 Times in 100 Posts	Dwight has been steering me in the right direction since I joined the forum several years ago. So I am certainly not going to ignore his advice now. He said 16 gauge shells are hard to find, so a jumped at this opportunity. http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...dcdb6381e0a06f Mike

04-24-2010, 11:22 AM	#17
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	Mike, Truly an excellent score, congratulations. A little bit more on 16ga.--The last time I wanted ammo I ended up having to scrounge through the Portland gun show for it. The big ammunition dealers didn't carry it at all, I ended up finding the odd box (or part-box) at individual tables. Also, a shooting tip for 16ga. (and probably other sizes, as well)--my old Winchester Model 12 was made in the day of roll-crimped, paper cartridges. When fired, these shells are uncrimp to only a fraction of an inch longer than unfired. Modern plastic cartridges, with star crimp, end up considerable longer when fired. The Mdl. 12 ejection port is not long enough for the star crimps, and they inevitably hang up in the port during ejection. --Dwight

04-24-2010, 09:20 PM	#19
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	I stopped hunting long ago, so at the occasional gravel-pit clay pigeon shoot it is simply an annoyance I live with. Actually, I prefer shooting handguns anyway. --Dwight

04-24-2010, 10:48 PM	#20
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 272 Times in 100 Posts	According to a article by Winchester as well as knowledge of my gunsmith, the 2 9/16 inch chamber was used in the Winchester model 12 16 gauge shotgun until the early 1920's. I think it is fair to assume that these shotgun shells where intended to be used in trench battle during World War I. Mike