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6/2/2006 8:39:05 AM EDT
I recently inherited a JC Higgins / Sears & Roebuck shotgun that was one of my grandfather's old guns. Before I put it in my safe, I tried to find the serial number to document in my records just in case it ever gets stolen. There wasn't a serial number on the reciever, but I did find the following on the barrel:

JC Higgins / Sears & Roebuck
Model 20-12
5xx.59

I'm assuming this shotgun was made in 1959 and that the serial number was allowed to be placed only on the barrel. Is this true? Was this allowed since shotgun barrells weren't readily available or interchangable? Does anyone know the history (it appears there were a handful of manufactures - this one may be High Standard) of these guns? I'm interested due to the sentimental value and I know they are only worth roughly $100.

Thanks for the info.
6/2/2006 8:41:57 AM EDT
[#1]
IIRC, before the GCA of '68, serial numbers were not a legal requirement.

6/2/2006 8:47:29 AM EDT
[#2]
Then if this gun was manufactured in 1959, as I'm surmising, then a serial number wouldn't be required.  Thx
6/2/2006 10:55:30 AM EDT
[#3]

Quoted:
Then if this gun was manufactured in 1959, as I'm surmising, then a serial number wouldn't be required.  Thx



Correct.

I have a C&R FFL, and have ran into several firearms over the years that have had no serial number.
6/2/2006 5:54:16 PM EDT
[#4]
The 5xx.59 is not a serial number, it's a Sears model number.

Take a look at this cross reference on Gun Parts Corporation's web site.
This is a cross reference showing the trade name under which a gun was sold and who the actual manufacturer was.

Not all models are shown, but you might find the Sears number here.
www.e-gunparts.com/crossref.asp
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