J.C. Higgins Model 21
High Standard Manufacturing · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1960
Also known as: Sears Model 21, J.C. Higgins 583.2079, High Standard Flite King 20 gauge
Overview
The J.C. Higgins Model 21 is a 20-gauge pump-action shotgun sold under Sears, Roebuck and Co.'s J.C. Higgins house brand from the early 1960s until around 1967. It was manufactured by High Standard as a rebranded version of their small-frame Flite King series, introduced when the line was expanded to 20 gauge. Unlike the larger 12-gauge Model 20, the Model 21 used a purpose-built smaller receiver and a center locking-pin bolt suited to the lighter cartridge, paired with a tubular magazine and good-quality American walnut furniture. It earned a reputation as a smooth-cycling, lightweight working shotgun for upland hunting and clay shooting.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2950 g (104.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1194 mm (47.01") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Pump Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 370 m/s (1214 fps) |
| Effective Range | 35 m (38 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 20 Gauge · primary — also known as 20 ga, 20 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Tubular Magazine, Adjustable Choke, Small Frame Receiver
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport and hunting market
Production
Production years: 1960-1967
Manufactured by High Standard for Sears under the J.C. Higgins brand; small-frame 20-gauge counterpart to the 12-gauge Model 20
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1967
Notes
Sold under Sears store code 583.xxxx; the underlying gun is the small-frame High Standard Flite King in 20 gauge. Chambered for 2-3/4 inch shells; barrel lengths and choke arrangements (fixed choke or adjustable Poly-Choke) varied by production batch. Specifications approximate for a typical 28-inch-barrel example.
Background
J.C. Higgins was a Sears house brand named after John Higgins, a longtime Sears accountant whose distinguished-sounding name was borrowed to lend prestige to the company's sporting goods line. The 20-gauge Model 21 arrived when High Standard reworked the Flite King into a dedicated small-frame action rather than simply scaling the 12-gauge gun.