16ga.com ~ View topic

Seems like it's been a while since we paid homage to the down and dirty pump shotgun, and in particular the JC Higgins model 20. This blue collar pump gun was sold by Sears from the mid 1940's to the early 1960's when it was replaced by the Ted Williams line. Made by Hi Standard, it was well built, robust and affordable. When looking at the action (carrier especially) you can see elements of the Remington 31 as well as the Mossberg 500 that would come along in the early 1960's. Many folks believe that the short stroke and super slick action make it one of the best pumps made, yet it has never received the acclaim of its big name Winchester or Remington rivals.
I grew up shooting one in 12 gauge that my dad had bought used for $25 in the mid 60's, and now own three myself, a 12G and two 16's. They are solid (and fairly heavy) guns that are all built on the same receiver, so if you are looking for a trim, svelte bird gun there are better options out there, but if you are looking for a vintage American made, blue and walnut workhorse of a shotgun you won't be disappointed. They can be had for $200-$300 even today. If there are other fans out there I'd love to hear your stories...

Joined: 09 Dec 2012 Posts: 909

The cross reference document that I have says the JC Higgins model 20 is actually a High Standard Model 200. Right or wrong, what I have read on the Net is that they are both a lesser version of the Flight King

Unfortunately I cannot link the cross-reference document to the antiquated, out of date software the forum is running on.

https://www.shotgunlife.com/briefs/the-forgotten-high-standard-flite-king-shotgun.html

There are a handful out on Gunbroker

https://www.gunbroker.com/guns-firearms/search?keywords=jc%20higgins%20model%2020

and GunsInternational

https://www.gunsinternational.com/search-results.cfm?qs_cat=&Quick_Search_Keyword=+JC+Higgins+model+20&start_row=1&the_order=6

High Standard

https://www.gunbroker.com/pump-action-shotguns/search?keywords=high%20standard%20model%20200&sort=13&pagesize=48

Joined: 09 Dec 2012 Posts: 909

Here is the original source of the cross-reference list that I have. You can save it (assuming you are on a computer and not your danged phone) by printing the web-page and saving it as a PDF. Windows 10 gives you this option (certain earlier versions also did)

https://www.leeroysramblings.com/Gun%20Articles/store_brandhouse_guns.html

Interesting resources for sure. It would take some doing to unravel the backstory, my own research points to a clear relationship between the HS Flite King and the Sears model 20, however the Flite King came along in the 60's. One prevailing theory is that the model 20 was jointly designed by HS and Sears and that once Sears switched over to the Ted Williams line in 1962-1963 HS introduced the Flite King under it's own name. For a time quality was strong but like many manufacturers in the 60's and 70's it suffered. My belief is that the earlier Sears guns are the best of the bunch.

Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 66 Location: N E OHIO

I have a couple....Great guns...

20ga. with a polychoke.

---Benjo