Offered for sale is an exceptional mid-1950s J.C. Higgins Model 20 pump-action shotgun chambered in 12-gauge. Manufactured for Sears, Roebuck & Co. by the legendary High Standard Manufacturing Company (under Sears code 583), this shotgun is mechanically identical to the revered High Standard Flite King. This specific shotgun has undergone a full in-house gunsmith restoration, including complete disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, professional internal component polishing, tuning, and precision lubrication. The result is an action that cycles with unmatched, buttery smoothness, outperforming almost any modern slide-action on the market today.
Specifications:
Brand: J.C. Higgins (Sears, Roebuck & Co.)
Manufacturer: High Standard Manufacturing Co. (Sears Code 583)
Model: Model 20 / 583.56
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Chamber: 2-3/4 inch shells
Action: Pump-Action / Slide-Action
Capacity: 5+1 Rounds (Standard tubular magazine)
Barrel Length: 28 inches, plain barrel configuration
Serial Number: N/A (Pre-1968 production, manufactured without serial numbers)
Features & Configuration:
All-Steel Construction: Machined entirely from solid steel forgings with zero modern metal stampings or plastic components in the internal receiver assembly.
Safety Toggle: Traditional cross-bolt safety button located at the forward position of the trigger guard.
Furniture: Premium solid American walnut stock and matching "corncob" ribbed presentation forend. Features the original factory J.C. Higgins branded hard rubber buttplate.
Condition Report:
Mechanical: Better-than-factory condition. The action bars and tilting-bolt lockup glide effortlessly on hand-tuned, polished receiver tracks. Lockup is perfectly tight and cycling is instantaneous.
Metal Finish: The original rich factory bluing remains highly intact across the receiver and full length of the barrel, showing only minimal edge wear consistent with light handling over its 70-year lifespan.
Wood Furniture: The walnut stock and corncob forend are in pristine condition. The finish is clean, consistent, and lacks the heavy field scratches or safe dings common to this platform.
Bore: Mirror-bright and clean throughout the entire length of the barrel.
Please review all high-resolution photographs to independently verify the exact condition, hardware configuration, and factory roll stamps prior to purchase.
Shepard Arms Listing Integrity Notice:
This firearm has been described accurately and in good faith based on our inspection and experience. Minor variations in terminology or interpretation may exist, particularly with vintage firearms.
We are happy to assist serious buyers; however, we do not engage in debates over minor terminology or subjective interpretations. Our listings are intended for informed buyers who value a straightforward, professional purchasing experience. Refer to all photos for additional context of firearm condition. We make a concerted effort to include as many angles as possible.
