J.C. Higgins Model 60
High Standard Manufacturing · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1953
Also known as: Sears Model 60, High Standard Supermatic (Sears-branded)
Overview
The J.C. Higgins Model 60 is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun manufactured by High Standard and sold through Sears, Roebuck and Company under the store's J.C. Higgins house brand. Introduced in 1953 and chambered for 12 gauge 2-3/4-inch shells, it was among the first commercially successful gas-operated autoloading shotguns available to American hunters, using an adjustable gas relief valve to soften recoil across a range of loads. It fed from a tubular magazine and was typically fitted with an adjustable choke. High Standard offered it in Field, Deluxe, and Presentation grades before it was superseded by the Model 66 around 1956.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3260 g (115.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1194 mm (47.01") |
| Barrel Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Crossbolt Safety
- Features: Gas Operated Action, Adjustable Choke, Tubular Magazine, Vent Rib Barrel, Gas Relief Valve
Service history
Operators
- Civilian
Production
Production years: 1953-1956
Offered in three grades: Field (583.62), Deluxe (583.63), and Presentation (583.64). Replaced by the J.C. Higgins Model 66.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1956
Notes
A rebranded, Sears-marketed version of the High Standard Supermatic shotgun family. Early Model 60 guns used a coiled recoil spring where later Model 66 and Supermatic guns used wavy washers, though the gas-operating principle was the same.
Background
J.C. Higgins was a house brand of Sears, Roebuck and Company named after a real Sears accountant, John Higgins. High Standard built the Model 60 exclusively for Sears, and its gas-operated design was widely regarded as one of the lightest-kicking autoloaders of its era.