JC Higgins model 51?

[Tracer]

Found a JC Higgins rifle at my local shop that I could pick up for <$300 and the finish is about 65-75% and the wood is decent.  The receiver is marked Husqvana and is in .243 with iron sights.  The action is solid and the rifling looks good.  From what I've read Sears was importing FN, Husqvana rifle receivers and had High Standard rebarrel them.  Does anyone have any comments on the price, quality, personal experience with these rifles?  Thanks in advance for any info.  T

[Rangr44]

I've owned a few Huskys, including the S&W-branded one(s), and they were all pretty decent improved Mausers.  It should take the same accessories (scope mount bases, adj. trigger, etc.) as any other M-98 Mauser, depending upon if it's a small-ring (lightweight Husky) or a large-ring Mauser.

The Sears branding will hold down any resale value, IMHO - should you decide to get it & put some coin in it for whatever.

I'm surprised you said it had decent wood - The Sears rebrands were notorious for having "blah" wood, since they were meant to be price leaders, even the "Ted Williams" line.

[jvs]

J.C. Higgins model rifles had different manufacturers for different Model Numbers.  The Model 50 was made by FN, the Model 51 was made by Husqvarna, and the Model 54 was made by Browning.

Some Higgins rifles had Chromed Bores.

There is nothing wrong with using a Higgins.  The fact that prices fall because of the name is in your favor.   $300 is high considering the finish is in poor shape.  I wouldn't pay $300 for any rifle with a finish of 65%.  In my opinion, his price is about $175 too high.

If you want a Higgins that bad, shop around.  There are still plenty of them out there at a smaller price and in good shape.

[Skeezix]

I picked up a .270 Win., Higgins model 50, with the FN receiver, a few years ago for $200 and it was probably some of the best money I've ever spent on a centerfire rifle.  It was a mess when I got it; covered with globs of varnish and camo tape.  I cleaned it up good, stripped and did a quick refinish on the stock with tung oil and gave it a glass bed job.  Now it will consistently shoot 1/2" to 3/4" groups with a number of different loads, and even better with a few more.  I also have a Savage 116 in .270 Win and the old Higgins will hang with it any day, any time, and anywhere.  And it's light and a joy to carry. 

My son has glommed onto it and I'm looking for another one.