The recall was baseless... sears was sued by an idiot that tried to use the model in question with a stripped and lose bolt stop screw. When he opened the bolt and pulled the bolt back, he pulled it so hard that bolt stop screw came out, the bolt came out and he hit himself in the eye . No, the gun did not blowup, it was not even a result of shooting it, it was the result of improper and carless use of firearms. Sears recalled them to protect them selves as the jc higgins model was exclusive sears product made for them by high standard manufacturing. Based on an H&R Riesing Patten which Sears bought and owned . The model in question is known as jc higgins model 10 it was manufactured from 1946 to 1956 I have owned several of them for many years one has been in family for many years it was bought new by my father in 1952 it and the other has fired thousands of rounds, they are totaly safe and one of the best bolt action shotguns ever made, period .These are the facts, so dont be afraid to shoot it or to buy one ,unless you are an idiot... aparently these guns can be hard on idiots
I have seen and read all kinds of stories about the bolts on these guns. Well I actully know what the problem is I am a real gun smith that worked on this issue, so here's the truth and I hope it puts an end to this silly mess. There is actually nothing wrong with these guns. The problem is Sears. The shotguns in question 583 12 to 583 22 are all gauges 20 16 12 all the guns were made by High standard between 1949 and 1954 Sears owned this perticular model and at that time a big piece of High standard as well. Sears had bought the rights to make these guns from H&R some time around 1948 all of the earlier versions of these guns 583 1 to 583 12 were made for high standard by H&R . Sears no longer sold guns did not have the ability to repair these guns so they decide on the recall. The problem has to do with with bolt stop screw has nothing to do whatsoever with the bolt lock up. These guns are completly safe to fire. However if the bolt stop screw is loose or not in the gun, there is nothing to stop the bolt when you cycle the bolt for next round, just make sure you have the bolt stop screw in place and its tight and you will be fine. With these old guns.. Note all guns 583 1 to 583 25 have the same problem as well as all H&R 120 &122 as well as 348/349 gamester and 351 huntsman bolt action shotgun all the guns are related .They are a very good gun, better than most of their compition. At that time but these guns are now well over 50 years old. So if you still want to ruin your old freind for 2 dollar screw, shame on you and by the way, 12 gauge has the lower chamber pressure than 20 and 16 20 has the highest .
