QuestionI am trying to find information regarding J.C. Higgins shotguns in general and the model 60 .12 gauge shotgun in particular. Hopefully, you will either have the answers, or can direct me to websites that might.
It appears that this might be a brand name for shotguns sold by Sears. If so, is there any way of knowing what company manufactured the shotgun, and if so, where the manufacturing plant might be?
During what years were J.C. Higgins shotguns made?
During what years was the model 60 made?
Were these shotguns ever made without a serial number?
In what year did the government start requiring serial numbers on shotguns?
I am not a gun owner. I am a lawyer seeking to educate myself on issues likely to come up in a trial next week. I hope you can help me.
Jim Lawrence
[email protected]
AnswerYou are correct, the JC Higgins and Ted Williams shotguns were manufactured for Sears. I could not find any data on a "Model 60" in the "Gun Traders Guide." However, an internet search found references to a Model 60 12-gauge manufactured in the mid-1950's. These guns, while well made, are very inexpensive.
I asked around and anecdotal evidence says these guns were manufactured by High Standard under contract with Sears. I was unable to verify this. Sears is based in Chicago, IL. High Standard is based in East Hartford, Conneticut until it closed its doors in 1984.
No shotgun or other firearm has been legally manufactured in the US without a serial number since the passage of the Federal National Firearms Act of 1934. Since these guns were manufactured after 1934, they would have been required to have serial numbers.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can assist you further.
