Anyone here remember these? Built for the likes of Montgomery Ward and a few other old time hardware stores.
I have a model 50 (30/06), never been fired, 72 years old. Built on a FN Mauser action and tough as nails. I've read that if you have one, that person better keep it. Today's dollar, it would cost over $1200- 1400 to build.
Thinking about making it my backup deer rifle or trade for a Rem 700 adl or bdl in .308.
Keep it or trade it?
Sarge

I haven't seen one in a while, but I remember them as quite well made with a slickly smooth action. I'd keep it and use it.

If I was closer Id haul some stuff your way and say trade!

Keep it, by all means. Not only are they accurate and tough, they have character that is hard to find in new guns. If you decide not to keep it, let me know, I'll buy you a new Remington of equal value, and pick up the Higgins on my next trip to the Lower 48!

Alaska always has room for another 30-06 Mauser action!

Had one. Mine said TED WILLIAMS on it. Was told they were made by. FN.value was not great but was a very good rifle. Lower value because of Sears. name and Ted Williams stamp.

High Standard...right in Connecticut made guns for JC Higgins and Sears

With Ted Williams too

That's not only a keeper but an outright user. Instead of your backup take that beautiful shooter out in the woods.

that is a gem in plain cloths

Yes, made by Fabrique Nationale on a M98 action and sold by Sears/J.C. Higgins with their names on the rifles.

Dad had a shotgun 12g don't know the model, but it had an external choke assembly. Let's just say, he eliminated that part of it. Was a quail shootin piece of machinery! Lol

Those FN actions would be used for the first Browning bolt guns as well as some of the early Weatherbys.

My dad had an Ithica M37 Featherlight with a Poly-Choke on it. I have it now, used to hunt with that gun quite a bit. I patterned it and the Poly-Choke works, never understood why they fell out of favor with hunters.

not sure either , I have one on an old m37 that also works quite well.

Because the poly-choke looks like a hose nozzle.

Not trying to steal this thread, but I will brag on the select-o-choke on my mossberg 500. I can dial a full choke for pass shooting and improved cylinder when the decoys are working ! I would second the quality of those Montgomery Ward rifles. My Dad used a J.C. Higgins pump shotgun to feed the family in the early 1960's. That was a slick handling game getter. Wish modern firearms were designed and built with the same craftsmanship.

I like poly chokes as well.

I have my dad's old J.C. Higgins Model 20 12 ga. pump which has the poly-choke on it also. Stamped Sears Roebuck & Co. Has always been a solid gun. Only reason I really stopped using it is I got into waterfowl hunting years ago and wanted something chambered in 3 in. as the J.C. Higgins is only chambered for 2 3/4". So I bought a Remington 870 at the time. I do still pull the Higgins out once in awhile for a pheasant or rabbit hunt. Good solid gun. Love the versatility of the poly-choke. Change the choke as needed while you're walking. Never looked into what the value would be.

Oh and to answer your question: I'd keep it just for nostalgia sake. My .02

In some situations the owners of some of those poly choke guns did not keep them clean and dry when store And that resulted in them not working m

That they are ugly is the most common reason folk don't use them that I hear.

I don't use the old Ithica with the Poly-Choke much anymore since I got my Remington O/U years back. I'm a better shot with the Remington. But I loved the ability to instantly change choke settings in the field without fooling with tubes and wrenches.