J.C. Higgins Model 101.7 .410 Bore Side-by-Side Shotgun – Compact 18.25-Inch Barrels, Tenite Furniture, Fixed Cylinder Chokes
This Sears-branded J.C. Higgins Model 101.7 offers a rare blend of mid-century styling and compact dimensions. Built in the United States during the 1950s–1960s and produced for Sears by Stevens, it features Tenite synthetic furniture and 18.25-inch barrels that give it a handy coach-gun profile. Twin fixed cylinder chokes, dual triggers, and a color case-hardened receiver round out a package that appeals to shooters and collectors looking for an American-made .410 bore with distinctive period features.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – shows extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Specific Condition Notes: The gun displays minor to moderate scratching, scuffing, pitting, and blemishing on metal and furniture. A custom pistol grip has been installed, keeping overall length to approximately 26.5 inches.
What’s Included
- J.C. Higgins Model 101.7 .410 bore side-by-side shotgun
The Model 101.7 is a Sears-exclusive variant of the Stevens 311, yet it carries its own branding and lacks a serial number, confirming pre-1968 manufacture. This detail places the shotgun firmly in the era when department-store firearms represented solid American workmanship.
Its 18.25-inch carbon-steel barrels are topped with a solid rib and a brass front bead. Both tubes are bored Cylinder, making the gun well-suited for close-range pest control or informal clay work with 2¾- or 3-inch .410 shells.
The receiver retains a color case-hardened finish that contrasts nicely with the blued barrels. Internal hammers, dual triggers, and a tang-mounted sliding safety provide straightforward operation in the traditional double-gun style.
Tenite stock and beavertail forend give the shotgun an unmistakable mid-century look. The synthetic material is light, durable, and uncommon on modern doubles, adding collector interest. Molded checkering offers a secure grip, while the custom pistol grip shortens overall length without compromising control.
With its compact size, unique furniture, and classic side-by-side layout, this Model 101.7 stands out as a functional piece of American shotgun history.