JC Higgins Model 20

High Standard Manufacturing · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1948

Also known as: Sears Model 20, High Standard Flite King, High Standard Model 200

Overview

The JC Higgins Model 20 is a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun sold under Sears, Roebuck and Co.'s J.C. Higgins house brand from the late 1940s into the early 1960s. It was manufactured by High Standard as a rebranded version of their Flite King (Model 200) series. Built on a solid steel receiver with a tubular magazine and a walnut stock, it earned a reputation as an exceptionally smooth-cycling and durable working shotgun for hunting and clay shooting, frequently fitted with an adjustable choke.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	3450 g (121.7 oz)
Overall Length	1219 mm (47.99")
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	400 m/s (1312 fps)
Effective Range	40 m (44 yd)
Barrel Rifling	Smoothbore
Frame Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Stock Material	Walnut
Finish	Blued

Calibers

12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore

Features

Firing modes: Repeating
Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
Features: Tubular Magazine, Adjustable Choke, Pistol Grip Stock, Rubber Buttplate

Service history

Operators

Civilian sport and hunting market

Production

Production years: 1948-1962

Manufactured by High Standard for Sears under the J.C. Higgins brand

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Discontinued: 1962

Notes

Sold under store codes such as 583.xx; the underlying gun is the High Standard Flite King / Model 200. Chambered for 2-3/4 inch shells; barrel lengths and choke arrangements (fixed, Poly-Choke or POW'r-PAC) varied by production batch.

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.