JC Higgins/HS Model 31 .22LR

[Regal Beagal]

Well, I have been looking for a squirrel slayer in .22 LR and have been looking at used semi .22s for this purpose. I have run across a JC Higgins M31 at a local gun shop and it is in good condition. I comapred it to other .22s they had and the feel and fit on this one is great. I can't find any info, especially values, in the blue book about this model. I do realize that it is no longer made, built for Sears by High Standard in the 50's. I realize that in some folks eyes it is a collector so prices I have seen in doing my research are varied. This particular shop wants $244 for theirs. My ownly reservation about buying this one is parts availability. The one thing that I do like about it is that it has a screw on barrel like a bolt action rifle, so I am thinking that these babies are tack drivers as long as the barrel was properly taken care of. Does anyone here have any experience with these rifles and how accurate are they?

I am also looking at the Mossberg 351 and 380 semi- autos. They are a good bit chunkier but built like tanks. The shop I mentioned above also has a 351 that is in good condition. They're asking $169 for this one and from what I have seen they are a little high on the price. But, the prices for the Mossbergs are more in line with what I wan to spend. From what I have read these were also very accurate for semi-autos. Anyone have any experience or knowledge about these 2 models? Thanks! RB

[indy_Muaddib]

you found some very good guns.

that High Standard more so than the other two.

the quality slipped badly for the 300 series from mossberg but they are still relatively accurate guns.

between all 3 id go for the High Standard, price is slightly over value but they are very accurate guns and very well made.

as for parts plenty can be found.

http://www.e-gunparts.com/products.asp?chrMasterModel=0780z31&MC=

http://www.jackfirstgun.com/

[candr44]

Look at rimfirecentral.com and do a search for more information on the J.C. Higgins model 31. You will also find a link to a High Standard site with the old owners manuals for these rifles.

I just bought a model 30 but havn't had a chance to shoot it yet. It appears to be a well made rifle and gets favorable reports at rimfirecental.com. Numrich Gun Parts also has parts for these rifles.

[Regal Beagal]

Thanks folks for your replies... Well, believe or not the JC Higgins walked out the door yesterday and not mine.....As they say you snooze you loose. But, I am now leaning more towards the JC Higgins/ High Standard. I also found a JC Higgins 25 at a good price and was wondering how they are as far as accuracy and reliability? Of course, it is an older model than the 30-31 but this one seems to be in great shape. I guess I will continue my search:wink:

[Powderfinger]

My dad gave me a Model 30 he found under his house. There is cosmetic rust/pitting damage on the surface. The action was stuck, but several soaks with WD-40 got it freed up. I have yet to shoot it. It is a High Standard make.
I found the link below while searching for info on it. Some parts are available at Numrich Arms for many JC Higgins models.
http://www.histandard.info/manuals/sears/rfrifles/index.html

[Regal Beagal]

Powderfinger,
Thanks for the link.....much needed.... I have been lerking and I am coming up almost nill on anything pertaining to the JC Higgin's models 28-31....So, this is a big help considering I just bought a model 29. It is a beater and it currently won't extract and reload. I am hoping that with some judicial cleaning and oiling that will solve the problem. But, for $50.00 I decided to take a chance on it and fix her up. Most of the parts I need Numrich has in stock so if I have to start replacing some it shouldn't be an issue and I should be able to get her running for less than $20.00. Thanks Again!

[Regal Beagal]

Well my FFL received the JC Higgins 29 I bought and I am hoping to pick it up on Saturday. I will first try and get it cycling and then spend the time on restoring. I will do a before and after pic session for all those interested.....