J.C. Higgins Model 583.16 12 Gauge Bolt-Action Shotgun, 28" Barrel, Fixed Full Choke, Blued
This J.C. Higgins Model 583.16 is a U.S.-made, bolt-action 12-gauge from the late 1940s–1950s, manufactured by High Standard for Sears. Marked with Sears product code 583.16, it features a 28" barrel with a fixed Full choke, blued carbon-steel construction, and a wood stock. It uses an under-barrel tubular magazine and a top-loading/ejection port, with a capacity of 2+1 rounds and a 2 3/4" chamber.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal surfaces show noticeable finish wear consistent with age and use. The finish is visibly thinned with scattered handling marks. Light surface oxidation may be present in areas, but no major structural damage is observed. All markings remain legible. The stock displays moderate handling wear with dents, dings, and finish wear typical of a working field shotgun.
No major cracks are noted, though the wood reflects extended use.
What’s Included
- J.C. Higgins Model 583.16 12-gauge bolt-action shotgun
Manufactured by High Standard (Model 10 series) for Sears under the J.C. Higgins brand, this shotgun represents a distinctive bolt-action design from its era. It is identified by the Sears product code 583.16 and was produced in the United States.
The 28" carbon-steel barrel is blued and configured with a fixed Full choke and no rib. Sight picture is simple and practical, using a single brass-bead front sight with no rear sight.
Feeding is via an under-barrel tubular magazine with a 2+1 capacity, and the receiver uses a top-loading/ejection port. The action is operated by a round bolt knob.
The wood stock is uncheckered with an integral pistol grip and a 14.0" length of pull, and it wears a lace-on recoil pad. The receiver is blued carbon steel to match the barrel, and overall size is full-size. There is no visible serial number on the receiver or barrel. This model was included in Sears’ 1998 safety recall for J.C. Higgins Model 10 bolt-action shotguns (codes 583.13–583.22, including 583.16).