JC Higgins bolt action shot guns recall...

**chucksniper** · June 24th, 2009, 07:09 PM

Does anyone know where I can read up on legal documentation on the malfunction of the bolt.

**Xringshooter** · June 25th, 2009, 10:32 AM

Looking at the dates this is pretty old I believe.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/mi...TE=Mar+5,+1999

CONTACT:
Sears Public Relations And Communications
(847) 286-8371

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sears Issues Voluntary Recall on J.C. Higgins Shotgun

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Sears, Roebuck and Co.
(NYSE: S) today announced a voluntary recall of J.C. Higgins Bolt Action
12-Gauge shotguns, a product manufactured for and sold by the company during
the 1950s.
The shotguns are being voluntary recalled due to a potential problem with
the bolt latch assembly, which could cause the assembly to fail allowing it to
dislodge and strike the operator in the face. Sears is offering a $160
finders' fee for the return of the bolt, making the shotgun inoperable.
The shotguns were sold in Sears stores and through its catalog as the
"J.C. Higgins Bolt Action 12-Gauge Model 10 Shotgun" during the 1950s. It was
carried under a number of product numbers: 583.13, 583.14, 583.15, 583.16,
583.17, 583.18, 583.19, 583.20, 583.21 and 583.22. The product model number
is engraved on the barrel of the shotgun.
Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the shotgun. Call
800-817-9165 for identification verification and instructions on return
procedures.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. discontinued the sale of all firearms and
ammunition in the early 1980s. Through its network of more than 830 full-line
stores and 2,500 off-the-mall stores, Sears is a leading retailer of apparel,
home and automotive products and services, serving more than 50 million
households.

SOURCE Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Web site: http://www.sears.com

CONTACT: Peggy Palter of Sears, 847-286-8309

**chucksniper** · June 25th, 2009, 10:57 AM

The shotguns are being voluntary recalled due to a potential problem with
the......

bolt latch assembly,.....the screw that prevents the bolt from being removed from the reciever.?????

which could cause the assembly to fail..... when...???? during firing or cycling bolt by hand????

allowing it to
dislodge and strike the operator in the face.

**gf45acp** · June 25th, 2009, 10:59 AM

Wow, I think I turned in the bolt from my JC well over 10 years ago. Was a good deal, only paid about $65 for the shotty.

**armed_preacher** · August 24th, 2009, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by chucksniper

Does anyone know where I can read up on legal documentation on the malfunction of the bolt.

Yes, I'd like to know how you can find the actual problem report. I have one of these guns and I've researched this recall. By far, most gunsmiths say that the recall is "bogus" and Sears was just covering themselves.

Seems to be the result of some knucklehead working the bolt while sighting and dry firing. The bolt "fails" when pulled by hand for a relaod. The retaining screw that keeps the bolt from coming out breaks off. This screw has nothing to do with retainment when the gun is actually being fired.

Is there ANY way to find the TRUTH of the actual CAUSE of the recall.

My dad and I used it for hunting back in the late 50's and I'd surely like to keep shooting it as a tribute to him. But then, I don't want a bolt in my face either.

**ungawa** · August 24th, 2009, 10:25 PM

I could have told them there was a problem with the bolt during the 80s.

**armed_preacher** · August 25th, 2009, 12:15 PM

Please elaborate... do you have some info?

**John Stimson** · August 9th, 2011, 04:35 PM

The recall is because the receiver fails allowing the bolt to blow back and the hot gasses to escape.

http://www.histandard.info/SCRATCH6/...lure%20p1a.jpg

John Stimson
www.histandard.info

**Ecclectic Collector** · August 9th, 2011, 08:56 PM

The J C Higgins bolt action shotgun recall only affected certain models of the early production gun in 12 ga. Now I'm going from memory here, but as I recall it the models number up to 5817 were recalled because of that bolt problem. According to various forums I read the receiver was also prone to cracking at the bolt handle. (above pics show it graphically enough) Later model guns with a higher model number (higher than 5817) were not recalled, nor were the 20ga or 16ga guns. The later 12 ga guns have a modified design to make them stronger.

As pointed out by other posters, the recall information has been out there for a while. I googled the phrase "J C Higgins recall" and found several different discussions about the recall and technical aspects about the problem.

Hope this helps...